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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  Swedish BMW - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Saab Fan - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Excellent effort; By far significant improvement over the old Saabs, with much refinement, especially in handling and fit/finish. The ride is more BMW than the old Saab, yet keeping the unique "Saab" styling and uniqueness. This Saab is so much fun to drive (especially in "Sport" mode),I have not driven my Porsche Boxter since I have purchased this vehicle!!!

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  Great entry-level luxury - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By DB - December 18 - 9:56 pm

  This car has great response and power for day to day driving. On the highway it goes all the way from 35 to 90 quickly, smoothly, and fairly quietly. On the street it handles great and the ESP and ABS keep it safe. Driving this car in Salt Lake City during the winter felt secure, even in a midnight blizzard. I would rather be in this than in a pickup or SUV that might roll over. Interior is bare bones but nails all the little details. Once you get used to the major differences in control location, everything feels exactly right. Lots of room and very comfortable. The Senstronic shifter is very useful when going down a mountain.

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  Fun and Safe - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By none - December 16 - 5:06 am

  I test drove this car and the Volvo S60 and the 9-3 won for overall driving experience. I have 88k miles on it and it has never let me down. I was hoping to drive this car for many many more miles but I was just in a major accident so it may be totalled. The good news is that I and my infant son were not harmed at all despite being hit at over 30mph.The frame took the impact as it should and in a lesser car we could have been seriously injured. I wont be looking at another Saab mainly because of design changes and different needs but I loved this car and am very thankful that we had it. The brakes are excellent and itis fun to drive in addition to being one of the safest cars on the road.

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  Solid car - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By JAM - December 13 - 7:46 pm

  Ive owned my 9-5 for 3.5 years. Bought from a local coming off lease. Ive put approximately 90k miles on and am amazed at the mileage I get (mostly highway driving) I average 32- 34 highway depending on A/C needs. This car is quiet, comfortable, and somewhat fun to drive. It handles well but isnt a sportscar. It accelerates well especially in sport mode, but wont slap you in you seat. I bought a Maxima and it sits in the garage while I half heartedly attempt to sell this car - that should tell you something. The total package is well done if not overly exciting in any one area.

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  Great Car, Great Price - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Tim - December 12 - 3:10 pm

  It was nice to see that I could get a high quality car for an affordable price. The seats are a little stiff at first but they loosen up a bit later. It would be nice to have a one touch moonroof but I think I can manage. If it seems I am being nit-picky, I have to be. I can find no major thing wrong with this car. The ride and power obviously are comparable to the Subaru WRX. The styling is Subaru with enough extras and finess to make it a Saab. This is definitely not your mothers Saab. I love it.

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  try it - youll LOVE it - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By pdmclu - December 9 - 2:00 am

  No longer will I be hung up on driving German cars. This car does it all without the "baggage" of owning a BMW or Mercedes. Build quality is superb and the Aero screams! Active ventilated seats are great if you live in Florida. Dealer was excellent.

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  First Time Saab Owner - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Joe - December 6 - 6:53 pm

  Ive owned many types of vehicles over time and the Saab 9-3 Aero is hands down, the most enjoyable to drive. As of this writing, Ive owned it for four months with not a single problem. Its nice to know theres a good warranty just in case. Its also nice to drive a car thats not as common as my wifes Altima. Sometimes, I will see as many as 5 or 6 of the Altimas in one parking lot! Unlike many of your basic cars, the Saab Aero has character. Highly recommend the Saab Aero.

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  Another Saab why ?? - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By ken wilson - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Outside of the turbo performance and the cargo area of the wagon this car is a joke. Cheap plastic interior, no place to put anything, rode noise, etc.Wish I had never sold 528i. I had a 91 9000 turbo and after ten years you think they could get it right.Not so. $40k this is what you get.

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  TIGHT - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By First foriegn car - December 4 - 10:00 am

  First sports car. Wanted a manual convertible just for fun. Checked everything from a VW to Jag and Lexus. For the $, this was definately it. Put 15 hours and 1,000 miles on it the first weekend and still could have driven more. But, got a BAD sunburn. Turbo kicked in on the highway when needed. Im 65" and ability to fit me confortably was a BIG plus. Plus have room in back for 2 adults. Very LARGE trunk for small car. 2 sets of golf clubs and luggage for a weekend. Why spend 2-3xs as much when you can get the fun with this?

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  Hopefully the SECRET will live on... - 2008 Saab 9-5
  By MD - December 3 - 9:20 pm

  I purchased my Saab after needing a sedan to mate with my Suburban that achieves a more corporate style, without going over the top. I have had my eye on the 9-5 for years. This is the best SECRET car buy out there. Like other reviewers, I was able to get mine at a great price and although it lacks some refinement, this is a great car. Highway driving I get 30mpg and in the curves it is a fun car to drive. My wife drives a Volvo XC70, which we love for its utility and space with two children and a dog, but the Saab has it beat! The Suburban is a living room on wheels with 4WD; great for trips and the outdoors. The Saab is just plain FUN and I get compliments all the time.