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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  Excellent small wagon - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By nigel - March 28 - 11:30 am

  Acquired a 9-2X Linear with cold weather package & moon roof for the same price as a Subaru Impresza OB SE (GM empoyee discount). Excellent handling, with a firm but not harsh ride; nice 2-tone interior and very supportive seats; lots of trunk room and great fuel economy (~29MPG)

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  What a Ride! - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Debbie Swanson - March 27 - 3:03 am

  Saab is one of the most comfortable, safe and fun to drive convertibles. There is none to compare to it! Born from jets is its mantra and its easy to see why - you take off and you feel like youre piloting a jet! Whats even better? Saab owners are a class all to themselves, and we belong to an elite club - were "different" and "unique!" Come drive a Saab and youll never go back to those spin off versions of convertibles. Saab is superior - by far.

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  NO REGRET - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By gthehun - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I can go on an on what made me buy a Saab, but I dont want to take all day...Bottom line: I LOVE THIS CAR !!! My previous cars were Acuras and Bimmers and I used to have a 900 turbo hatchback in my teenage years and that car was a blast so when I first saw the pictures and specs. of the new Saab 9-3 last summer in Europe I thought:"give it a chance"...and BINGO.

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  Great car at a great price! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By fych3173 - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Saab has really put together a wonderful car! All the gadgets in the car are so cool. Its very functional, fun to drive, beauty to look at, excellent cornering, quick acceleration, comfortable even for a 64" person.

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  I wrote off Saab until this I drove this - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Saabhappy - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I went to the dealer to turn in my 99 on lease and saw the new style. I thought I would just drive it for the heck of it and go off to the BMW and Mercedes dealer to pick up either a 3 series or C-class. I was impressed with the new 93 so much, that after driving the 3 series BMW and C-class Mercedes, I couldnt pass up the Saab. A heck of a lot of value for the money, the handling felt better, the ride more supple and the handling was on par with the others. I have been nothing but pleased with the dealer follow through and it seems as if Saab is finally ready to be a true contender/leader in the entry lux market.

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  2004 SAAB 9-3 ARC Convertible for the Masses - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By blacksaabeth2 - March 24 - 8:09 pm

  I truly believe that GM got it right when they retooled the 9-3 convertible for 2004. The older 9-3 convertibles had way too much flex in the chassis. Going over bumps made it feel like it was playing a game of Twister. 2004 convertible utilized GMs epsilon platform from Europe which firmed up the chassis 300%. Okay, maybe thats an exaggeration but it really is firm. Acceleration is more than adequate considering that the engine is a GM inspired 2-liter Ecotec engine with a turbo charger. Same basic engine as found in the old Chevy Cobalt

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  Saab Aero - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By mikem25693 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Evaluated the VW Passat W8 and BMW 325xi wagons extensively before finding the Saad 95 Aero Wagon. The Saab just blew the others away in terms of style, interior size, performance, expected reliability, and value. The Aero Academy performance driving school included with purchase is an incredible experience.

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  Excellent balance of family and sport - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By David - March 17 - 2:20 pm

  Since acquisition, the car has performed perfectly. Driving in city, on highway, and through mountains, and there is no appreciable difference in performance. Plenty of space for three kids in the back, and comfort over long distances for two kids in the front. Cockpit is extremely well balanced on driver side - everything is accessible (though the cruise control is more appropriate to an airliner than a car!). Dual temperature zones have driver and passenger happy. Auto/memory seating and mirror position saves time between driver changes. The car has more acceleration than it should as a wagon, and is an excellent balance between a family and sport vehicle. Its an outstanding value.

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  nigh on perfect - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By M Hesseling - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Lots of fun to drive: My 2.3 mile commute was fun in my previous car (2000 9-4 Convertible SE HOT), but this is even better. The occasional drive to Chicago is a thrill since there are lots of chances to surprise the odd sportscar driver. Thought Id use the sentronic paddle shifting more but the sport transmission probably does a better job at shifting than me (and this is my first automatic ever). Absolutely love this car.

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  sweet thing - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By toyboy12 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  This wagon is without a doubt, the best looking automobile on the road!!!!!!! It looks better than a M-Benz E-320 wagon or a BMW 540i wagon by a mile