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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  Beautiful balance in the Arc sedan - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Lon Sherer - February 22 - 10:30 pm

  Performance is extraordinarily balanced in this car. Handling, accelleration, and highway cruising are simply excellent. The icing on the cake--and never seems to be mentioned in professional reviews--is its mileage! Over 30 mpg 70+ I dont know of a viable competitor with that combination of virtues.

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  Fun and Fast - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Seanc - February 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Saab purchased in one year. Although the design is older (8 years), this car still has soul and class. Very fast, sure handling and practical for a convertible (trunk is a good size, 4 usable seats, 30 mpg). I leased the car, but if all goes well, this is a keeper for many years.

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  Its a Love - Hate Relationship - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By CommuterMobile - February 18 - 10:00 am

  Love this SAAB. The wife convinced me to buy it. After putting 200K on my 1992 900, I thought it was time to upgrade. I forgot how much the dealership charges for small repairs - and Maintenance. Thats where the hate comes in. They are really nice, and smile when they hand you the bill. Overall very satisfying experience - but the advertised loaner is never available.. for $37,000 your car should come with a trunk mounted scooter. The engine runs on air, everything from acceleration to braking is superb. Love the Stereo and climate controls. The Ride is awesome too. Hint - get winter wheels and tires - all seasons wont cut it.

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  So far, so great - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By mechanical engineer4 - February 17 - 2:13 pm

  55,000 miles and I love it. Great fuel mileage (around 40). I drive the speed limit and my trip computer shows well over 40 mpg at 55 mph.

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  i LOVE THIS CAR - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By TOYOTAMAN28 - February 17 - 2:00 am

  BUY ONE, YOU WONT REGRET IT!

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  great wagon - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By crbonfiber - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Great wagon. Not the same as all the toher cars on the road

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  My fabulous 2nd Saab - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By tprettejohn - February 17 - 2:00 am

  The salesman told me once I bought one Saab I would go back. Same as my 2001 that I sold to my father-in-law except for the manual transmission. Great car no issues so far.

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  Best Saab Yet! - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By My 3rd Saab - February 16 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Saab, and the best by far. Build quality is superb. Not a single defect. And the body is stiffer and tracks better than my old 900 or my old 9-3. Plenty of power in the base model and it handles beautifully. The only thing I dont like is the dealer where I purchased. But then again, have you ever met a car salesman that you liked? I bought from 128 Saab for the price, I go to Charles River Saab for the service.

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  Best Car Ever Driven! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Panther1 - February 14 - 9:56 pm

  This will be my second car I have had. It is a blast to drive and has every luxury aspect that a BMW or Jaguar would without the ridiculous price tag. Sometimes! The turbo blows you away when you take off. I used to drive a Toyota Solara and it doesnt even compare at all to this Swedish luxury car! It has every bell and whistle a person needs in a car. Gas mileage is awesome but could sometimes need a little more leg room for the back seaters and would like a bigger trunk. It is hard to fit my golf clubs in the trunk and when you drive a luxury car you expect it to fit golf clubs with ease

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  beware - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By meleele - February 11 - 10:00 am

  Saab has become very hostile to its customers on warranty issues. The rudeness extends to corporate level. My longtime Saab loyalty is OVER!