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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  210,000 MILES AND STILL GOING!! - 1996 Saab 900
  By KayCee - April 6 - 1:20 am

  My Saab is really the energizer bunny. I bought this car used at an auction for $1,000. It had 170K miles then. I now have over 210K miles and this car still runs strong. The only thing I have had to do is change the original clutch at 200k miles. I truly love this car and I have owned plenty of cars. I also have a 2000 BMW 3 series which is fun but my SAAB is my baby. It is my daily driver at about 35 miles to work each day. If you are concerned about a high mileage saab, dont be. Just make sure it wasnt dogged (carfax) and you will be fine. My car will go for another 100K miles easily. If you see a green saab on I95 doing 90mph in northern Virginia, just smile and envy me in it.

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  Looks are not everything - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Hobbs - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Saab 2 years ago becuase it had good reviews but ever since it hit 50K miles everything and anything has started to go wrong with it. Performance wise the car is great but as far as interior creature comforts there really are none. Major complaint is with the engine components mainly ignition, Ive had to replace the chip that controls the ignition twice in 2 years and Saab wont do anything about it. In fanla car looks great but its cheap under the hood and inside.

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  A great car - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Jgeno - April 5 - 10:00 am

  A great car for the price. Fun to drive. Very smooth ride all speeds. I was at 110 and it felt like I was going 60 mph! Great acceleration on the Linear. You must get the upgrade wheels. (16" Pirellis with the 10 spoke rims) They make a huge difference.

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  Aero XWD: deffinately born from jets - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Aero XWD - April 5 - 2:00 am

  I had been waiting for so long for Saab to produce an all-wheel drive sedan. Here was my opportunity. I had a 2007 2.0t 60th anniversary, but I was rear-ended at high speed by a Toyota Highlander. My 9-3 was totaled. (100 % not my fault). I went to the dealer expecting to buy another normal 2.0, then I saw the new Aero XWD. It was the first one the dealer had received and it was the color I loved so much on my old 9-3 (Titan Gray). I drove it. And picked it up the following day. The 285 horsepower / 295 lb/ft of torque with the six speed manual is a terrific combo. No turbo lag and its fast as hell. Handles seamlessly thanks to the haldex xwd. I average 25 mpg city/highway. I love it!

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  Give me back my 9-3 - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Jim - April 4 - 8:23 am

  In the last 18 months this car has been in the shop 45 days. Transmission hesitates and dogs out, sunroof fixed four times, engine light continues to come on, climate control blows cold air in the front seat and hot air in the back seat, drivers door handle fell off, two climate vents fell apart, air conditioning cant stand up to a California summer. Saab wont stand behind their product and were stuck with an unreliable car. In six months have gone from BEING Saabs #1 fan to vowing to never buy another. Just crossed the 9-7x off my list.

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  Great first car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By dipper94 - April 1 - 5:43 am

  Its a blast to drive. I highly recommend it, however a few words of caution. Youre going to have some problems with the electric lock system, but other than that it will perform really well. Its incredibly safe and incredibly reliable. Before you get behind the wheel of this car though, make sure you understand how a turbocharger works and how to mantain one. More importantly know how to drive a car equipped with one, they drive differently than naturally aspirated cars (Cars without turbochargers or superchargers). Its a great first car for your teen. Its my first car, go it used for 5.5 grand with 50k miles on it. Its driven me reliably for the past year. It also looks great.

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  Another Saab Story - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By MissMyAcura - March 31 - 1:10 pm

  I have had my Vector for 3 weeks and the dealer has had it for almost 2 of the 3 weeks. It leaks oil and radiator fluid. The power locks broke, sunroof wouldnt close. It has been back to the dealer 3 times to fix the leak and still they cant fix it. Also the loaner 2005 9-5 with 5k miles, leaked oil also all over my driveway! Now my wife is upset and the stains all over our driveway. I tell neighbors its my Saab story! They way I see it, if you want problems buy a Saab, if you want a car that will not give you any problems, this is the wrong car for you. It is just that simple!

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  Awesome - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By JB - March 28 - 2:00 am

  This car is more enjoyable than bmws 3s series of audis A4

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  Excellent - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By PJH - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Have owned 2 other Saabs and this is the best one yet

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  Aero Convert - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By neal747 - March 24 - 8:00 am

  I bought this car used a year ago and it has been great fun. Sporty and luxurious with lots of convenience features. A solid performer the v6 turbo packs a nice punch and the 6 speed automatic shifts better and quicker than I could, so I never feel required to use the paddle shifters. The variable valve timing really opens up the motor under full throttle as it lets out a ferocious scream. Yet quiet and extremely smooth in typical driving. And Saab stands behind the product, they did a free major repair for me even though the car was 5,000 miles past the warranty period! Massey Saab of Orlando is the best.