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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  Poor Poor Quality, Do not recommend!!! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By kelley5 - January 19 - 2:26 am

  Have had it at the saab service center for several electrical issues, windows, radio controls on steering wheels. Brakes and Rotors service. Coolant Reservoir has had to be replaced 3 times in 1 year! Now the suspension or something is wrong with front end contributing to wear on both front tires. Im back to the Saab Service center!

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  Best car I have owned - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By Darkcloud - January 17 - 8:36 pm

  I have 96K miles on my 9-3 and have not had any problems. The car has been completely trouble free. The engine has plenty of power along with excellent gas mileage. A shame Saab did away with the hatchback. The newer models look more like every other cookie cutter car. Love this car so much we sold our Volvo and purchased another 2001 9-3

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  sierra alpha alpha bravo (SAAB) - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Jon Cox - January 16 - 8:56 am

  Great handling - powerful when turbo kicks in and luxurious but practical. No gimmicks, just functional, solid and safe! 2005 is deeper and longer, so at 65" I was very pleased to find a convertible that provided me with plenty of head room and leg room, as well as a couple of rear seats so the kids can come along on the ride. A great family convertible!

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  Liked it enough to get another 4 wife - 2007 Saab 9-7X
  By SS - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Many have already said that the 9-7x is a great value. I agree, an undervalued SUV that delivers a great driving experience. And for you who think it is just a re-badged Trailblazer, you have to drive one to experience the difference. Tighter suspension, smoother ride, much quieter. Yes, I bought a 2008 a year after getting mine.

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  Disappointed in the Saab - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By cruzr412 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Saab 9-5 based on its exterior looks. I should have done more research. The best thing I did was purchase the extended warranty. It has been in the shop for 2 major repairs in the past 12 months. Minor problems also have plaqued the car. (Winshield wiper motars, brake lights, daytime running lights, etc). I expected more from a name like Saab.

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  I bought mine new - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By TD02131 - January 10 - 2:46 pm

  I am not one to keep a car, I usually trade before the warranty runs out. This is the first car Ive kept beyond the warranty. I traded a new Toyota Highlander in on it, the Highlander was just boring to drive. The Saab has never disappointed. I have been considering trading it, but I cant find anything better for the money. I may run this one for 300,000 miles. Theyre right about the tires - go with the michelins. Cup holders are not my priority when deciding on a vehicle. In fact, I hate all the cars with open cup holders that get gunk in them. Its roomy, safe, reliable and fun to drive.

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  Saab 9-5 Aero - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By akl - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Im trying to get out of my lease to buy another. Some quirkyness about it, but after you get past it - it is fun to drive and still fits 5 comfortably!

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  A very honest car. - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By RED - January 10 - 8:06 am

  In three years, this car has been 99% trouble-free. The only problem has been with the electronic displays, which apparently was a common problem with the 1999. These have since been made more reliable, and the dealer has immediately replaced the ones that have caused trouble. The gas mileage with the manual 5-speed and turbo 4 cyl. has amazed me. On trips from Ohio to Colorado and New Mexico, including city and mountain driving, Ive gotten 31-32 mpg.

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  It does all you need a car to do - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By lt - January 10 - 6:20 am

  The 9-2x does everything you want a car to do; it hauls stuff, transports people comfortably and is fun to drive!

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  2nd Saab Convertible - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By geek - January 9 - 10:43 pm

  Own 1 bought this for my daughter. Comfortable, safe, style and expect the same high reliability I have experienced in the 5 years I have owned mine. Disregard the comments about GM build quality, all built in the same factory forever. Not a Sedan so dont expect the same trunk space or the feel. Understand a convertible before you buy one and if you buy a used car understand that repairs will be necessary. I really like the car which is clear since I now own 2. BTW my other car is a new MB, so my standards are high.