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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  A car for snow - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By Ken Jensen - March 5 - 10:00 am

  Winter in our part of Canada lasts from November to March. The road handling of the front wheel drive Saab is wonderful. Year round, this Saab spends half its life on secondary highways and gravel. At 30 months it has gone 75,000 km (47,000 miles). It has performed flawlessly. The only servicing has been oil changes.

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  Shake, Rattle, & Knocks - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By rsherman - March 5 - 10:00 am

  While I thoroughly enjoy the ride and performance, I am sorely disappointed in the interior fit and finish. From delivery, we have had seriously annoying interior clunks, rattles and the like. This car has made more noise than a 10 year old Rambler American I owned in the early 70s. Not what I expected when I paid $27k for a supposed quality vehicle.

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  I love my SAAB - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Thorsteinn7 - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I love my SAAB. This is my 5th SAAB in 20 years. It is fun to drive, in snow and summer. Steady on the road. Reliable. In the evenings I sometimes just stand by the window watching my SAAB.

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  Linear is a good bang for the buck - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By tci - March 1 - 10:00 am

  Very nice everyday driver. With a $ 4000.00 GM rebate + dealer dicount my $ 28,500.00 Linear came to under $ 23,000.00 which is an outstanding value. The Aero is nice, but at $30K+, theres better choices.

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  New to Saab - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By GeeWhiz - February 28 - 10:10 pm

  I first drove a Saab 9-3 Aero , but it was sold, so I drove this 9-5 Arc. The 9-5 Arc is more of a touring car and is larger and less sporty than the 9-3 Aero. The ride is much smoother than the 9-3 Aero and the Interior is better designed. I love this car - power on demand with the 2.3 L turbo and great gas mileage as long as you get out of city driving conditions. Only owned a short time, but all the research seems to suggest that routine maintenance is key and Synthetic Oil changes every 4-5K miles is a must.

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  Love the Arc - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By DoctorV3774 - February 27 - 11:53 pm

  Just picked up my Arc on June 16. It is fantastic. Ride is terrific, great sound system and lots of features standard. With the GM Employee Discount it is a steal!!!!

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  Great Car for the money - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Mike M - February 25 - 8:23 am

  I love this car. I drove a 325, a Passat and an A4 and came home with the Saab. Its not quite a 3 series BMW, but for 10K less, comparably equipped, I am very impressed. I love the seats and the Saab center starter. Gets great mileage and has incredible pick-up off the line.

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  I enjoy my driving - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By r34 - February 24 - 10:00 am

  My 01 9-3 was hit by a big truck on a highway. My wife was driving it and walked out ok. We decided to trade a little bit of reliability (not buying a Japanese car) with driving pleasure (buying an European car). We decided to get a certified Saab (you need it). The dealer didnt do the certification very well and we had to get them fix certain minor things. Overall the car is more responsive than my 9-3 and the interior is much better. It is more like a luxury sedan than the 9-3. We want to be there all the time, even sitting in the car doing nothing Now we cannot "escape" from Saab.

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  Follow up from my last review... - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By COGuy2 - February 24 - 10:00 am

  OK... about a month after my last review (which noted only small problems), its in for service where they found coolant in one of the cylinders. Long story short, two weeks later theyre completely replacing the engine (which has 2500 miles on it). Brand new car, and on 3 occasions already Ive had to drive a loaner (which right now is a Subaru... SaabUSA was giving the dealership grief about giving me a Saab loaner? Huh???!). Luckily (?) Im approaching the criteria to invoke the Lemon Law in Colorado, which is the vehicle being out of service for 30 days in the first year... pretty sad.

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  Little problems - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Loren - February 24 - 2:43 am

  Sun roof stopped working.$2,500 to repair. A/C blower motor went out. Center caps of rims fill with brake dust and cant be cleaned. Rear logo came off from being washed. Passenger seat plastic trim has fallen off because of broken attachments-twice. Interior isnt at all durable. Buy a Toyota