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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  New Saab... Same ol Story - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Mike Ruby - November 3 - 7:56 pm

  I leased my Saab 9-2X in October 2004. Besides the acceleration being a little weak... this is a fun ride weaving in and out of traffic or going out on the highway. Unfortunately my fun came to an abrupt end when I was in an accident, and had to start dealing with "Saab the Manufacturer". My Saab has been stuck in the body shop since November 1st... today is December 10th; thats 40 DAYS! From trying to acquire a parts/pricing list, to ordering the parts, there have been nothing but delays. Did I forget to mention my airbag DID NOT DEPLOY? I have yet to hear a response from Saab with my concerns regarding the airbag. The 40 day wait, that will end up at 50; Saab contends this is normal.

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  Sweet... maybe too sweet - 1996 Saab 900
  By Redoubt - November 3 - 2:30 pm

  Our 1996 900 SE Turbo is the kind of car you’d want for your daughter if she was about to move away to college. It’s a completely stable drive in both city traffic and on the interstate and has a respectable safety rating. Very typically European, you and the machine are a single entity. It’s not about comfort or quiet… you won’t be napping in the driver’s seat. You have to actually drive this car but once you do, you’ll never feel the same about a Ford or Chevy. The 4-cylinder engine is topped with a turbo… and probably requires this as a means to produce the power that is definitely available. But the downside is that it is also very thirsty… expect to get a Thank You note from OPEC.

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  Amazing car! - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By SAABLOVER456 - October 29 - 12:46 pm

  I bought this car to replace a Pontiac Sunfire, needless to say it blew my mind away! The car had so much get up and go I couldnt believe it! My cousin and I took it through a canyon and we got the speed up to 115 miles per hour. Not very smart, but I couldnt believe how it handled the turns it was absolutely amazing. Now the bad part the electrical is terrible in this car, I always had a problem with it. I couldnt get it fixed the mechanic couldnt find out why my emergency lights wouldnt stop flashing so I sold the car. Even though I had trouble with the car, I am wishing I never had gotten rid of it. The car was a blast to drive.

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  Fun. Period. - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By LBH - October 27 - 11:16 pm

  This car is just plain European fun. It is not a BMW, it is not an Audi, it is not a Volvo - it is a Saab. Through good and bad, it is a Saab. The turbo is a trip - wait till the turbo spools - up to about 40 mph and then the car will simply take off and suddenly you will be doing 80 without even a blink. I LOVE the interior, very minimalist, very Swedish. The 9-3 is not for everyone. It does not drive as well as a 3-series. The interior is great, but most will like the A4 better. The woodgrain is not as nice as a Jaguar. But I still love my Saab. The rakish front end, the smooth lines, the cockpit interior. Take it for a drive, you will either love it - or youll buy a Beemer.

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  Not for everyone. But for me heck yeah! - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By fl81turbozx - October 27 - 6:06 pm

  1st, let me say, I’m a car guy tried and true. My first love is a z, but this Saab is a blast! I bought the car as a commuter, good gas mileage, convertible, had no idea I was getting a well refined sports machine. I see mixed reviews, and I think saabs get a bad rap from people who dont understand what they are buying. If you don’t know how to take care of a turbo car, don’t buy one. If you want to compromise on maintenance (or if the previous owner did), dont buy one. If you are not enthusiastic about cars in general, buy something else. This car is an enthusiasts car. Its a blast to drive, good gas mileage is a bonus. Im am pleasantly surprised by the 28+mpg.

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  Rockin Pocket Rocket - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Aaron Clow - October 27 - 6:53 am

  As soon as I found out Subaru was making a Saab, I had to have one. Subaru reliability + saab styling/tuning have lived up to promise. Zero issues in 15000 miles so far. I always felt safe, even going out in the heavy snows last winter here in NY. Love the sound of the flat-4 with the windows down.

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  A Sweet Auto - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By rnz - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This is a car for people who want some individuality rather than being just another BMW/Audi/Acura driver.

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  Amazed I Bought it - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By drives2fast - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Spent months researching my next purchase in the sport sedan market. I had pretty much decided to buy the BMW 330I with all the usual packages. Then I started test driving all the different makes: A4, Acura tl-s, Bmw, G- 35, Mazda RX-8, Lexus, and as a lark the new Saab 9-3. Funny thing happened, I couldnt stop going back and driving the Saab Vector. It was just the best combination of Fun to drive, safety, and Utility. After 1500 miles I dont regret the decision at all. This car rocks, just plain fun, I have yet to find anything I dislike about it. If you test drive this car you will probably buy it.

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  Couldnt be happier! - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Patty - October 24 - 7:56 am

  We purchased this car for our 16 year old son. He always wanted the SAAB convertible. Driving it is an amazing experience. You hate to reach your destination. Heads turn the entire time its on the road. We feel good about its high safety standards. We test drove ALL convertibles - this one is the best the others cannot compare.

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  2005 Saab 9-2x - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Sarah MacKinnon - October 24 - 1:06 am

  My husband and I love this car; the seats adjust well and vision is good for both of us as drivers (he is 62" and Im 52"). For the basic car, this is well equipped with front and rear air bags, ABS and moonroof. The car is fun to drive, handles extremely well and is superb in winter driving (which we get in Nova Scotia).