Overview & Reviews

Originally known as Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (Svenska Aircraft Company), Saab is a Swedish company that began manufacturing automobiles in 1949. The company's early designs placed an emphasis on aerodynamics that is reflective of its history as an aircraft manufacturer.

The first production Saab, the 92, boasted a lower coefficient of drag than many modern cars. The 93, unveiled in 1955, was powered by a three-cylinder, 33-horsepower engine, and featured the distinctive fastback profile that made early Saabs among the most recognizable cars on the road. By the time the '50s drew to a close, Saab's lineup had grown to include the 95 wagon (capable of seating up to seven) and the 93 750 Gran Turismo, the automaker's first series-built sports car.

The marque started the '60s with the introduction of its successful Saab 96. With a production run of 20 years, this was the car that made Saab a recognized presence in the international market. The decade also saw the launch of the Saab Sport coupe. Scoring numerous wins on the rally circuit, the coupe marked Saab as a force to be reckoned with. The Sport's success on the track inspired a name change; it later came to be known as the Saab Monte Carlo 850. The Saab Sonett II sports car, with its body of fiberglass-reinforced plastic, also made its debut during the '60s, as did the Saab 99, which was the first Saab to feature the manufacturer's trademark wraparound windshield.

In 1973, Saab gave birth to the 99 Combi Coupe. The car came to define the Saab brand; with its hatchback and fold-down rear seat it offered remarkable utility. By the end of the decade, Saab had rolled out the 99 Turbo, which was a forerunner in harnessing turbo technology for use in production cars. The company also introduced the Saab 900, which held the distinction of being the first car to offer a cabin air filter.

During the 1980s, Saab cars (especially the Turbo models) gained American popularity as young urban professionals (yuppies) sought them out. The decade saw the launch of the 900 Turbo, the 900 Turbo Aero (the world's first car to offer a 16-valve turbo engine), the 900 convertible and the Saab 9000, a larger four-door car available in hatchback, and later on, sedan body styles.

In 1990, General Motors bought half of Saab's automotive division. The decade saw the launch of a revamped 900; the car offered a bevy of cutting-edge safety features, including three rear three-point seatbelts and rear side-impact protection. By the time the '90s drew to a close, Saab had also unveiled the 9-5, a larger, premium four-door sedan that essentially replaced the 9000. The 9-5 offered a host of new technologies such as ventilated seats. It was also the first to offer Saab's active head restraints, a system designed to prevent whiplash injuries.

By the 2000s, General Motors had bought the other half of Saab Automobile. Despite the brand's position on the leading edge of safety technology, Saab's popularity in the U.S. and around the world waned as its product portfolio grew increasingly stale and reliant on GM for parts, platforms and design. New models like the 9-2X and the 9-7X were based on platforms borrowed from other brands -- Subaru and Chevrolet, respectively. Meanwhile, the 9-5 soldiered on and the second-generation 9-3 ditched its quirky hatchback body style in favor of a mainstream sedan design. The hope was to make the 9-3 more appealing to American car buyers, but ultimately it only served to remove the car's unique personality.

In the midst of General Motors' financial difficulties and eventual bankruptcy, Saab was viewed as a disposable, troubled asset and essentially cast away. With the financial assistance of a European bank and the Swedish government, Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg intended to purchase Saab with the promise of restructuring the brand and keeping production within Sweden. That deal fell through when Koenigsegg changed its mind about becoming involved with such a troubled company. Another niche-market supercar company, Spyker Cars, pursued the purchase of Saab. But that venture eventually failed as well and ultimately, at the end of 2011, Saab went into "wind-down" mode, filing for bankruptcy. In other words, Saab's future is still very much in limbo.

User Reviews:

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  Had one in 73. - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Jon Walgren - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Drove one, rental vehicle in Sverige (Sweden) in 2000. Had a stick. Drove 2,000 US miles in Sweden. Loved the car. And this 2002 9-5 Aero is so much nicer. Buy/lease it. No, I dontt work for Saab/GM. Go for it. You get LOTS for LESS.

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  Hit or miss with Saabs - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Garry - May 15 - 12:33 am

  This is my second Saab and Im really enjoying it so far. I only spent $1000 on a used 1999 9-3 with 86.5K miles, so the money I invest wont be lost when I resell it. For the money and year Im happy. The engine and body are still in great condition, which may be more of a reflection of the previous owners. Unfortunately Im going to put about $1,500 into tires, struts, and brakes, but that is just maintenance. From what Ive read and researched, it honestly takes a certain person and their individual Saab to enjoy their ride. Either love em or hate em. My experience thus far is love em.

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  unreliable car in the world - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Worst car i ever had - May 12 - 12:10 pm

  I brought this stupid car and didnt even had it for 9 months, the car spent most of its time in the garage then in my parking lot. has a lot of electrical problems( doesnt start some times, the theft alarm goes off, doors and trunk lock and unlock themselves, the ac doesnt turn on some times, have to restart the car every time , to get this problem fixed). the interior surface peels off, very cheap looking interior and the materials used are so cheap. its nothing but a chevy malibu (with a Saab badge), better we can call it SAALIBU. pls dont get attracted to the looks, every thing else sucks.

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  Awesome little rocket - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By phillyexpat - May 12 - 3:00 am

  Wow... so I wanted the Aero, but only wanted to pay for the Linear. This car still is a rocket and such a blast to drive. While it may not be quite as solid as a BMW costing 20k more, it handles just as assuredly. I love this car so much.

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  Im a real wannabe Saab guy - 2007 Saab 9-5
  By donaldtrump - May 11 - 12:34 am

  I love my Saab. I dont care much about stuff, but my Saab has captured my heart and wont let go. Im writing this review today because I just crashed my Saab and its at the body shop being assessed. Its possible my Saab wont make it. Prayers accepted.

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  Good value for used luxury car - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By jethro64 - May 7 - 8:35 pm

  I bought my 02 Linear used, with low miles and it was pampered. An insane bargain! Really am enjoying the smooth and quiet ride, great turbo power from a 4 cylinder, and gets good gas mileage too...26-28 in mixed driving. If you own one of these, I highly suggest joining an online Saab forum to educate yourself even further....and to save $$. Like any European make, they can be a bit high maintenance. Thats why a lot of Saab owners are DIYers or have a well trusted mechanic programmed in their speed dial. It is mandatory to use synthetic oil in turbo models, and I wouldnt buy any used Saab without interrogating the previous owner about their maintenance schedule until they wept aloud.

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  Very happy with 9-5! - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By MJ1 - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Great car. One year old now and no service calls at all. Great pick-up from 0-60, even better from 40-60. I have never had a car with such passing power. Roomy & comfortable. Good in rain & snow. Heated seats work better than in other cars I have had. Has ventilated seats that cool you in the summer! This car does everything well. Anyone considering an Audi, BMW or Benz should look at this car 1st.

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  5 years and counting - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Egospoon - May 2 - 10:00 am

  80K miles and no substantial problems. The air venting directional thingy froze up and the info display isnt comprehensible any more, but really thats it. Love it.

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  dont ever buy one! - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By saabing - May 2 - 10:00 am

  i have had my 01 9-3 for 6 moth. it has now 97000 miles, I have replaced the air compressor, all belts and hoses, Transmission, muffler, and more. I have spent more than 5 thousand dollars on top of the purchase price of this lemmon. Dont be saabing like me and never buy one used. Oh and the locks and the seats dont work anymore, electrical problems

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  I love my Saab! - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Jvalerio - April 30 - 10:16 pm

  I have nothing but positive things to say about this car. It is reliable, and great fun to drive. For years, I drove nice GM cars, and although SAAB is a GM brand, it by far superior to any I have owned. I get great miliage, and these days that is quite important.