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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  BEST BUY - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By CHLLR - February 8 - 10:30 pm

  Excellent combination of Saab inspired good looks, quiet cabin and Subaru practicality, sporty performance, race proven chassis design and reliability. Umpteen suppliers from aftermarket for Impreza WRX souped-up parts.

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  Well constructed - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By jop - February 7 - 10:00 am

  The construction is great... realibility great..fun to drive..great power..I am surprised not to see more 9- 5s on the road. I guess people are scared because it does not say BMW. You get real leather and not plastic. The 9-5 is a great car in the winter especially Canadian winters..

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  Happy camper - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By JB - February 5 - 5:13 am

  I traded a 3 year old Eclipse Spyder convertible for an executive used (3400 miles) 2008 9-3 2.0T - bright yellow convertible ! My Eclipse was my second and a great car - but the Saab (my first) surprises me every day. Automatic windshield washing - and running lights - (the lights turn into a right or left turn) - the seats are form fitting and very comfortable - the car holds corners at full acceleration like a dream. Im getting about 25% better mileage than my Eclipse - 26 - 27 mpg in all kinds of driving. And its Superbowl winning - Pittsburgh Steelers colors - whats not to like ! This is a great car, and the way I bought it - its a great price (almost 60% of retail!)

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  beat the crowd - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Bonday - February 3 - 2:56 am

  My wife and i have driven the car for the past 3 months and put 5k on the car. Having driven Volvos for the past 16 years, I found the Saab extremely satisfying with its no nonsense interior design, power and functionality. Having driven Maximas in past, this car is by far the most favarite so far. We hope that it lasts as long as. Prior to purchase, we also test drove extensively Volvo S80 and V70 turbo. Deciding on this Saab was a no brainer

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  Could Have Been Better - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Westportviggen - February 3 - 2:00 am

  I have a grey 2001 5-door Viggen . I am generally happy with the car. The car is a great start to a true performance car. It has very nice power and handling atributes. It rips out of those second gears turns with incredible power. I havent driven any other front wheel drive car that can spin tired out of a turn at 50+ mph. BUT IT COULD BE BETTER!!!!

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  Best Value Out There - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By MTG - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car for the money. Test drove BMW 5 series, Volvo S60 and Audi A-6. Much more refined and a better drive than the Volvo; considerably less money than the Beemer and the Audi (almost 11K less than BMW with similar features - after negotiating price with Saab dealership). Performance is amazing, plenty of horsepower, very good breaking and lighting.

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  Saab 2006 2.0T - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By allyson - February 1 - 1:13 pm

  I love the car. It is nice and quiet when the windows are closed. Compact but not too compact. I also like the huge amount of trunk space. I like how the car responds and it is so easy to drive.

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  Excellent Car for a 6 + Footer - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By RF - February 1 - 6:56 am

  Whilst I researched the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Lexus IS 250/IS 350 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, if you are over 6 and have a semi-athletic build, you just will not fit in those cars. While the previously mentioned are fine cars, and the Saab has its weaknesses, at least I can fit in it. I dont care how well it hugs a curve, or how pretty it looks inside when my shoulders are smashed up against the door. The car is fun to drive, period.

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  1st Time Owner - Not the Last... - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By victor824 - January 31 - 11:13 pm

  Nice car! I was very impressed with the performance and handling. The interior worked well for me and the power delivered by the 250 hp engine was exhilarating! The windshield washer reservoir had to be replaced twice - then they came out with the recall. The back brakes created a tremendous amount of dust compared to the front. ???? Finally replaced the pads with EBC reds - problem solved. The Saab emblems peeled off after just three years but the dealer replaced them free. The turbo blew a gasket at 75000 miles and the dealer originally quoted it at $3700 but when I declined they talked to Saab and could get it done for $900. ????

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  Dont buy one - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By globaby - January 30 - 7:40 am

  Had numerous problems. New heater core, rattling in dash and severe wind noise they cant/wont fix. People keep telling me it looks like a trailblazer. I wont be buying another GM product.