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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  Nice ride - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By Ron L - April 3 - 4:00 pm

  Nice ride, fine fuel economy for a car with this power and room inside. Great car for a sales person who is in the car all day. I am loving this car! I live in Canada and run with 4 snows in winter and the car is safe and sound in ice and snow. ABS, ESP make for a nice combo on the ice covered roads.

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  Awesome car after depreciation - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By rb676 - April 3 - 5:00 am

  I bought one two years ago with 91k miles. I have put on a little over 30k. I paid $7k and had to spend about $900 after the first month (all new belts). Its been great ever since. The headlamps burn out a little too frequently and my Theft Alarm has an annoying error. But thats fine, the harmon-kardon stereo is fantastic, the seats are as comfortable as can be, and the car just feels very smart and Scandanavian. I have one of the last Saab-Scanias. Hey... dont buy new! What can I say?

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  2007 Saab 95 Wagon - 2007 Saab 9-5
  By chgoguy11 - April 3 - 1:53 am

  Love the 2.3 turbo engine, very brisk especially in Sport mode, but very economical too. Smooth ride, very comfortable seats, could drive this all day long. I had a 2001 95 wagon up to 112,000 miles and was still going strong. Saab made many improvements over the years, while keeping things that work well. Gone are the wanky Info panel and Climate panel with the disappearing numbers. They kept the stalwart 2.3 turbo and updated the styling just enough to make it modern but still look like a Saab. I will keep buying Saabs!

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  Wasnt impressed at all - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Steve - April 2 - 8:00 am

  I have been back to the dealership 8 times in the last 3 months. Here is a list of problems: 1. security lock system failure 2. electronic stability control failure 3. turbo failed at 37k miles 4. outside temperature sensor broke 5. Needed to add oil in between oil change 6. loud clicking sound when making sharp turns.

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  Easy on the Plastic - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By disappointed - April 2 - 7:03 am

  Overall, this car is a fantastic value - great styling, fun to drive, very safe, nice handling, surprising power. I get compliments constantly about how great the car looks. However, I am very disappointed with the interior build quality. Can a car have any more plastic than this one? The arm rest on the door, the steering wheel, underneath the steering column, the gear shift, you name it. Because of all the plastic, there is a lot of rattling noise.

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  Saab 9-2x Aero - 2006 Saab 9-2X
  By Teresa - March 31 - 10:03 am

  I enjoy my Saab. It is a roomy car for my active life style. I can easily fit my bike in the back or on top with the racks. It is very reliable and a fun to drive car.

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  A GREAT underappreciated Convertible - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Taylor - March 30 - 6:10 pm

  A fun, unusual car that stands out from the crowd! Ultracomfortable car looks superb in White with beige leather trim, reliable with good gas mileage, this is an under appreciated car that actually has a usable back seat compared to any others in its class, dealerships are few and far between, they have a good track record for looks, reliability and insurance, I am a very particular owner, have had many cars but this one is way and above the best in all areas, many safety features, security is good for a rag top, would trust it to take me anywhere, more importantly I trust the car with precious cargo, my wife, she gets a kick from driving it and has never failed us. Advice, buy a used one as you save money!

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  Great deal, great ride - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By lmp - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Just bought a 2000 off-lease and really like it. My wife did not care what sort of car I got (not a car person) and took it out the day after I brought it home. She called me from the car to say "hey, this is pretty nice." A comfortable fun car to drive - and safest car on the road.

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  2002 SAAB 9-5 Aero - Sneaky Good - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By mmabuc85 - March 30 - 10:00 am

  After test driving many competitors (G35, CTS, 330i) I was blowen away by how complete the 9-5 was. The stiffer aluminium suspension makes a big difference in the handling yet the ride is smooth on the road. The HOT I-4 loves to be revved off the line but it really shines on the highway passing, it gets from 60-80 faster then any car I have driven. Also, the 5 speed automatic is better matched to this engine then the stick. When I compared the safety fetures and reputation of SAAB, their willingness to deal on the car and the full option list, it was a winning deal. Fully loaded I got this car for less then a stripped 330i.

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  DREAM COME TRUE - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By TEACH - March 30 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE JUST UNDER A THOUSAND MILES ON MY AERO. BUT HAVE OWNED IT FOR JUST 10 DAYS I HAVE TO SAY THAT THIS CAR IS TRULY AWESOME. I HAVE HAD A BMW 740IL (94), MERCEDES 190&300 BUT THE SPEED, HANDLING, AND COMFORT OF THIS CAR IS REMARKABLE. I HAVE NEVER DRIVEN A CAR SO FAST. IN SPORTS MODE THE AERO IS A FOUR DOOR PORSCHE. THE CAR FLYS, QUIETLY AND EFFORTLY.