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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  Amazing Value - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By CARtx478 - June 15 - 11:50 am

  I bought my first Saab two weeks ago and couldnt be more impressed with a car in this price range. After a year-long search I found a low mileage black Aero model with a parchment interior. Its quick (especially at highway speeds) and has a firm, but comfortable ride quality. I absolutely love the 9-3s styling and relative anonymity on the road.

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  Better than a subaru? Time will tell. - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By jp-stl - June 11 - 7:10 am

  We purchased a 2008 93 for my wife two years ago so when it was time for my new vehicle I was comparing Legacy vs 93. The 93 was on a steep price cut due to GM selling Saab. Paid 22K. It has features which would have cost 7K on the Subaru. Now we have matching cars which should be good from a maint. standpoint since I will do it after the 3-yrs is up. My old Subaru was reliable. I hope this 93 will be, also.

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  Best car for the value - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Surprised Saab Owner - June 9 - 6:46 pm

  After looking at similar class cars nothing beat the value of the 93 Aero. Cheaper than the competition with little difference between featured and performance. Fun to drive. It is terrible in the snow, I was expecting better from a front wheel drive car.

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  2003 Saab Linear - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By oddeath - June 8 - 10:00 am

  175 HP turbo Saab Linear is a decently powered, excellent handling vehicle with a lot of room, even for a relatively big person (61" 205lbs). Good ergonomics and back seat room.

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  Think Twice - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By KC - June 6 - 4:40 am

  This is a nice car but I would think twice about buying one used. I have found myself back at the dealer getting minor repairs countless times. And the minor problems always seem to stop the car from running i.e., I need a tow. If youre looking for a reliable used luxury car, this probably isnt the one.

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  Topless Swede - 1996 Saab 900
  By zazen - June 4 - 10:00 am

  The car performed and handled well and was fun to drive up until we hit the 100,000 mile mark. Then everything started to die - brakes, AC, Heating, struts, you name it. So, I would say buy it, but dont hold on to it past the 80K mark. Ever since Ford? took over this company, the car is not as reliable as the Swedes manufacturing prowess.

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  Saabaru - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Bryan - June 3 - 6:36 pm

  My wife and I were shopping for a used Saab 9-5 wagon when we drove this at the dealer. The ride was amazing and my wife feel in love. With the employee pricing it was a huge steal. It isnt a true Saab, but it is one helluva Subaru.

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  Fun Fun fun - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By Legin - May 28 - 9:23 pm

  I have had nothing but good experiences with my Saab, sure, a few minor things have worn out, but you have to expect some maintenance. Its fantastically fun to drive and if you can stay off the turbo it is possible to get over 31 mpg on the highway.

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  Watch Out - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By vmn - May 27 - 5:43 pm

  The car is unbelievably fun to drive. Unfortunately it has been at the dealership numerous number of times in the first year. 10 times for at least 2 days at a time. Parking brake, infotainment, and 2 transmissions are only the begining. Transmission still not fixed. worse 6-speed i have ever driven. Grinds going into 2nd and 3rd gear. I cant keep taking the car to the dealer everytime i have a problem. Saab still working to fix my transmission problem. It start at 3000 miles. I wonder why the new 2005 saab 93 has a 5-speed in it?

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  Verdict Still Out - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By JOHN - May 26 - 6:56 am

  Bought certified used with 36,000 miles on it. Less than 5,000 miles later needed new oil pump, new water pump (covered by warranty) and replaced the brake light bulbs twice. Very comfortable car and relatively fun to drive. Does have slight but noticable turbo lag, but car is nimble. Gimmicky cupholder is useless. Very little storage space in cabin for things like coins, etc. I like the car but early indications of reliability give me pause.