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:

• 

  A Lear Jet without the wings. - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By MarkPopkie - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased this vehicle used with 75k miles. Previous owner had been meticulous with service records so I feel confident that this baby was pampered. I have barely added 100 miles to the odometer but I am already impressed. Having driven or owned nearly every kind of car in this category, the Saab stands out as the most fun to drive. Fantastic handling, the turbo responds to my every whim, and the air handling system is straight out of a Boeing 747. I have never driven a 4 cylinder that handles A/C quite like this. Despite having a 13 speaker sound system, I was underwhelmed by the stereo - I may have already blown a driver. I do,however, love the timeless quality of the exterior design.

• 

  Reason to smile! - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By steve - December 21 - 3:10 am

  This is the fifth Saab Ive either owned or leased, and its without a doubt the most enjoyable. My only complaint is its relatively pokey acceleration. Otherwise, its great fun, with a nice, controlled ride, strong brakes and all the creature comforts one would expect from a $43000 car. I considered a BMW 330iC as well, but found the local Saab dealership much more agreeable to work with.

• 

  fun fun fun - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By gekisai - December 16 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for a ragtop that is affordable, good looking, can accomodate 4 passengers and luggage,and is a heck of a lot of fun to drive (comes real close the bmw 325 and beats the pants off the volvo in the fun& performance category0 this is for you. Great value also!

• 

  My First Saab - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By wl clough - December 10 - 9:13 am

  So far this has been an excellent buy. The only problem has been with the door locking system. The passenger rear door lock malfunctioned which took three trips to the dealership to correct. They replaced the physical lock assembly and reloaded to door lock program to the computer. the trunk pressure sensitive release latch hasnt worked correctly since new. Mileage in town is great about 23mpg. On the highway it is about 32-33 if you can keep it at 74mph. I think the styling is best in its class. Saab charges extra for the metallic paints, but I dont see the value or quality for the premium.

• 

  Awesome Car - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Dave - December 7 - 9:10 am

  I have owned a few BMWs and always thought they are the best cars on the road. This Saab compares - it rides just as well and is just as fast with much better gas mileage.

• 

  Dependable and fun - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By tstenger - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I have been very happy with my 9-3, especially for mountain driving in Colorado. The turbo provides plenty of power on steep hills and the acceleration is very smooth. The suspension is good, but could be a bit stiffer for my tastes. The car is fantastic in the snow (especially with snow tires on it). The interior has held up well and is showing negligable wear.

• 

  Saab Hits Home Run with Aero Conv! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By HappySaab - December 6 - 10:00 am

  Great convertible! Shopped BMW 330 & Merc CLK. Saab had more value for the money, plus you dont see it everywhere like the BMW. Great engine and pickup with auto trans and paddle shifters. Most comfortable seats, except for Volvo C70. Car handles like a dream, takes hard turns with ease, handles rough roads well, 100 times better than the old model. No turbo lag, and really quick take-off when using the manual shift mode. Everything in this car has been well thought out. Thanks to Saab for a great alternative to the aging 330ci and over-priced CLK.

• 

  Saab 9-3 Se Convertible- Fun & Reliable - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By pmb - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Have had absolutely no problems with this car. Best car I have owned.

• 

  Contrarian choice that works - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By pablo_lie - December 4 - 10:00 am

  This car works very well in real world terms. Mixes quirkiness with practicality for a very unique formula. Nice real world performance, very good economy, hugely comfortable seats, and space for 4 adults are big plusses.

• 

  Heavy! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By magicman - December 4 - 10:00 am

  This car has some good features, ease of driving is not one of them. It handles like a tank, the front wheel drive makes driving this car an athletic event. It has a tendency on uneven surfaces to throw itself and you in random directions. I do like the power of the turbo but its not enough to overshadow the work, this car is not fun to drive. Random plastic things keep falling of the dash board and if you hit a pebble with the 17inch wheels, the rims dent.