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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  A huge disappointment - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By OliverR - February 24 - 9:00 am

  Just a terrible experience. The car has been into the shop more times than I can remember. A cylinder failed within 6 months, and it was in the shop for 3 days. Then months later it went in for an electrical problem that was burning the headlights out. The cup holder broke, the seat height adjuster broke, the center armrest broke, and it goes on. Just mediocre build quality. We cant wait to get rid of it, which is a great shame. It also doesnt drive very well with excessive body roll, and screechy tires. Its not a drivers car.

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  From dream to nightmare - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Gullable - February 13 - 6:40 pm

  This was my dream car until I bought one (used). Its fun to drive, but not at all the luxury car I expected it to be. Over $1500 spent in repairs in 1 year on a 6 year old car with under 60K miles: alternator, exhaust pipe, headliner clips, headlights (always dim, have to replace every 3 months), digital display fading, dash cracked, cupholder broke off, irritating squealing noise from AC fan, humming sound from glove box, roof channels rainwater into my lap, emblems are faded. Payments are too high to be this disappointed. An extended warranty is a must with this car.

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  just average - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By TONTO - February 2 - 10:00 am

  the 9-3 is OK but I expected better handling and more responsive pickup. i just hope it doesnt wind up in the shop too many times.

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  I am not a Saab car salesman! - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Albator - January 7 - 4:56 am

  Bought the 2007 Saab 93 2 weeks ago. I had the following issues with the car: Spoiler had too much paint. They ordered a new spoiler and they dropped off a Saab 95 at home and picked up my car to replace the spoiler. The program in the radio seems to have a glitch. One of the buttons was not working properly. They resolved thes problem. The engine makes a funny noise between 2500 and 3000 RPM, some light buzzing noise (sounds pretty cheap). They could not reproduce the problem (hard to believe). Will meet the mechanic to discuss this. Fuel: 14.8 L/100km

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  Very High Maintenance - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By stoker999 - December 31 - 3:06 am

  Replaced the following items: 47K miles--serpentine belt broke, timing chain replaced. 56K miles--turbo replaced 57K miles--DI electronics replaced 58K miles--balance chain, water pump and head gasket changed With the 60,000 suggested maintenance, the repair costs exceed $6,000. Saab corporate thought this was acceptable.

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  Awful build - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By pkelly944 - December 28 - 11:10 pm

  The car has its upsides: good performance out at the 2.3 w/ the turbo. Brakes well. On the downside: With 80,500 miles, head gasket, oil change never missed. Always has blown blue smoke occasionally, interior electronics fail, headlights burn out monthly. Horrible wiring system. All small things break. Air bag light on for no reason. Has had two tune up under warranty with no resolve for the smoke. Power steering lines replaced. Never would recommend.

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  Car needs improvement - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By saabisbad13 - December 25 - 4:26 pm

  Electronics are not well integrated. Cannot open truck without using remote or by opening car from inside trunk release. Many rattles and other minor issues still exist after more then two years trying to find/fix them. Engine burns oil, Saab unwilling to fix problem. Two oil consumption tests indicated car burned 2 qts in 4000 miles, and 3/4 of a qt in first 1250 miles of next test and then additional 1/8 qt in next 1900 miles). Saab says it is normal to burn 1 qt per 2000 miles, this is outrageous. This is a GM company wide statement to boot. There are better cars for the same money. This is how GM proves why they are going out of business.

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  Disappointed First Time Saab Owner - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By maddux111 - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive and looks good. Poor product quality. Turbo had to be replaced and the car repainted due to peeling paint. Car had less than 1500 miles on it when both occured. Customer Service Center very poor. Poor radio sound and cup holders have a tendency to spill cups. Service at the Dealership great. This car has not represented the quality that Saab markets itself as having. Great Dealership, poor product quality and poor customer service. Not worth the money. Buy a BMW!

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  sad but true - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By sadbuttrue - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I am so unbelievably disappointed in my new 93. I have always loved the look of Saabs and knew I would own one one day. To my surprise, I have had nothing but headaches from this car. I have had it in service approx 6 times now for various problems & its still not resolved. Never again.

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  The last time Ill ever buy a Saab - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Tom - November 1 - 4:30 am

  The car spends more time in the dealership than in the driveway. Had the CD changer replaced 3 or 4 times (I actually lost count), "Infotainment" center works only half the time, multiple sensors replaced on car, major stereo and electronic issues (too much to go into here), and other problems that are escaping me at this time. The car squeaks and rattles like a 10 year old economy car. You would think for $30k it would have been built better. Good MPG? I wish I knew the secret of these other people, I am averaging 21-24 mpg with my daily commute and having to put premium gas in, thats not good. My biggest regret is that I purchased this car. Very big MISTAKE!