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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  Maybe a little too much GM influenece - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By sprint - November 18 - 4:33 am

  Having owned a number of Saabs, you appreciate the quality that goes into the design characteristics of their autos. Overall the 9-7 a nice SUV, but having driven the vehicle for a few weeks, you notice the subtle GM influences through out both the interior & exterior. Kind of cheapens the SAAB name in my opinion. Many components have GM written all over it, but SAAB was able to enhance the vehicle just enough to make it enjoyable to drive.

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  TIRES AND RIMS BAD NEWS- GREAT ENGINE - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By TOM BRADY - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Im about to turn in my 2000 9-3 convertible after a 3 year lease. Over the course of 32,000 miles, I have been through 7 tires and two rims. Im driving on a rim now that appears to be bent as I have a slow leak in the tire, but at this point, screw up, its to the gas station every saturday for air until I turn it in. Blow outs at the slightest pot hole. I hate to say it but, its the Saab of old. I wont be getting another despite the BEST turbo engine Ive ever driven. Its a shame, if it wasnt for the friggin wheels and tires ( $250 per tire to replace), they would have a repeat customer

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  Interesting little things - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By JEH - November 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is full of useful (and interesting) little features that make for a more enjoyable ride. Little things like the blacked-out area just above the rearview mirror that prevents the sun from peeking through between the visors, the cooled (and very large) glovebox, rubber-bottom compartments all around the very comfortable drivers seat, an engine tuned for ample torque and fuel economy as opposed to more marketable horsepower and acceleration numbers and a display set far back on the dash where the drivers eye need not refocus as much when glancing away from the road are among many dozens of useful little things that do not appear in my Audi.

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  Built to Last - Designed to Protect - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By saabzerphun - November 8 - 8:33 pm

  I love this car. It is my 4th Saab; I have enjoyed it the most. Accelerating is a lot of fun; the manual tranny is my favorite part. Inside, the seats are perfect for long trips. Both front and back are heated. In the snow, you are the big dog on the road with a set of Gislaved Nord Frost 3 winter tires. I have had no reliability issues in almost 39,000 miles. At around 60,000 miles I fell asleep and left the road at 60 mph; flew about 35 and came to rest in the ditch. I needed a tow out of the ditch but drove it home and the small dealer I bought it from fixed it up fine. Im still driving it and, except for the drivers side front floor mat, the car looks and drives as new. Great car.

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  Solid Design, Excellent Value - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By TheProfessor - November 8 - 4:36 am

  This is one great car! I like the engineering, the ride, the sound system, and the overall look of the car. The vehicle comes with a great set of standard safety and security features. The car is truly fun to drive. The car has been truly reliable.

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  Gotta get a Saab - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By seal8485 - November 4 - 12:06 pm

  Overall, I have been very impressed with this car. The start off the line is a little slow, but once that turbo gets going you really feel the punch. It handles like its on rails (name the movie). For the semi-compact size of this vehicle it is still really roomy on the inside. I used to drive an SUV and the gas was just killing me so I decided to get this instead.

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  You just cant beat for the $. Excellent - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Jolie - November 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Saab after upgrading form an 9-3. There is absolutely no comparison. I am leasing this vehicle for the price that someone would pay for a loaded Accord or a Camry. The car is extremely confortable to drive. Saab offers free maintenance for up to 30,000 miles, and the luxury level is second to none. The car has plenty of pep, especially if driven in sports mode I might buy it after my lease is over. I really doubt that I will be able to find a better buy in another two years.

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  Saab 9-5 Aero sedan - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By DavidH - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car Ive ever owned. My last car was a BMW 740. Its comfortable and a blast to drive. It has been extremely reliable to date. The only complaint I have is that road noise is a litte loud for a car in this class. This supposedly can be improved by different tires. Ill have to wait until the current ones wear out to find out.

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  Watch out for the police - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By khodam - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Saab Viggen rquires a lot more agressive driving than BMS 3 series (use to own a couple). The car performance and handling substantially inproves at higher speeds and RPM. The ride feels not as comfortable at "Lexus" type driving. Dont waste your money on this car if you are a timid driver. Otherwise welcome aboard the SAAB VIGGEN.

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  Not impressed - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Kris - November 3 - 10:53 pm

  Bought our 9-5 off a lease with typical lease mileage. The first thing that went was the SID (Saab Info. Display) which was costly and frustrating. Next, the turbo kept needing adjustment. The vehicle would stall for no reason. Costly and frustrating. It seems to constantly have a light out somewhere and it is absolutely terrible on gas.