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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  Wonderful Car - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By Ted - January 7 - 8:16 pm

  When I went to the dealership, I had no intention of buying a convertible, but the salesman pointed out that I could have one for about the same price, and I ended up buying one. Apparently I have good luck, because I bought the car with 103,500 miles and have had no problems at all. The car is an automatic (I would have preferred a manual), but it is still quite peppy. I install a Saab cat-back exhaust and an open air intake -- this combo has made for an AWESOME turbo sound, as well as increased response. I have been surprised by the countless convenience features of this car - all little things, but proof in the well thought out Swedish design.

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  I love it - but be gentle... - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By Antoine - January 6 - 11:10 am

  We looked for this car for over 6 mos., and were excited when we got it! Wow - what great looks! Rides firm (but not harsh), responsive steering and brakes, and acceleration is phenomenal. With the Viggens torque and horses, you WILL leave cars behind rather easily. However, the car IS rather temperamental and requires TLC. If you drive on other than the SMOOTHEST of roads, youll probably bend the rims, requiring immediate attention so as not to ruin your alignment. Additionally, we just passed 100k, and our water pump, brakes and a/c compressor all went out within 2k miles of each other, amounting to almost $3k in repairs. Be aware - but you can definitely enjoy yourself!

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  New and Improved - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By bradleydallas - January 5 - 9:16 pm

  I traded my 03 9-3 in for an 07 a couple of months ago and find the new car to be greatly refined over the 03. While the 03 was fun to drive, it was lacking in build quality and refinement compared to its competition. Not so with the 07. Saab has really done its job to make this a fine car. Everything about the car has a quality feel. I bought the 60th anniversary pkg; what a great deal.

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  Fun to drive - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Bob - January 4 - 11:00 am

  I LOVE my Saab. Perfect gas mileage, good acceleration (stick shift), great looks. It was everything I wanted in a car.

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  3rd 9-5 - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By spotbearsd - January 1 - 6:50 pm

  Had an 01 and 02 9-5 Aero. This is my third Saab. Was a little nervous about stepping down in power and style, but found this car to be better balanced than the Aero. The lighter pressure turbo is smoother and the handling is much more predictable (the Aero model needs bigger sway bars and is skittish at edge of adhesion). This car is much more comfortable but still has me grinning when I want to drive at a good clip! I have not had ANY problems with ANY of my Saabs.

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  Good for the discount price - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Anand - December 29 - 3:40 am

  For the $20k or so that an Aero is going for now with the discounts, you wont find a more capable car. It is not the prettiest car, inside or out, but everything is well laid out and functional.

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  So disappointed - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By raedej - December 27 - 7:43 pm

  I love the comfort, styling and drive in the Saab 9-5. But the quality and therefore reliability of this car is terrible. Yes, its the electrical system - head/tail lights burn out too quickly, the entire key/ignition system had to be replaced (by me, after the warranty expired), the climate control periodically goes on the fritz; even the digital display loses pixels on a regular basis. A real disappointment on my first and last Saab.

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  Good value - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By kwitzi - December 25 - 10:00 am

  A cute crossover- part SUV, part sport, part wagon- good on gas, unique, not a million on the road, feels super safe and stable. A quality car. Very happy. Easy to drive. I got the automatic transmission, cloth seats.

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  Thank God for Cruise Control - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By bouchgf - December 25 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is a speeding ticket waiting to happen! The car just wants to go fast. I find that I am cruising along at 85 mph before I know it. The cruise control is the only way to keep the car (and me) from getting carried away. Acceleration and braking are flawless. Steering is precise and the SID is truly a gem. I was spoiled by it after only a week. When driving my BMW I find myself missing the convenience of the "heads-up" SID.

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  Understated and underappreciated fun car - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By SH - December 23 - 8:30 am

  We started with every foreign-built sedan under $30K and test-drove nearly all 13 on our short-list. Wanted something more unique than what we see all over the roads. My wife and I left the 9-3 test drive with the first smiles on our faces. A refined ride as the TSX with added turbo boost and comfortable seats. Just had my first service - at 10,000 miles - and love everything about the car.