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:
Showing 2231 through 2240 of 2,450.00-
The best car ever - 2005 Saab 9-3
By vreilly - November 30 - 10:00 amjust got my new 9-3 aero and I love it!
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BLAST TO DRIVE FOR MUCH LESS THAN BMW - 2004 Saab 9-3
By O.C. California - November 30 - 10:00 amI have had this car for three weeks now and the smile has not left my face everytime I get behind the wheel. The performance is terrific in both the acceleration and handling. The styling both inside and out are understated and sophisticated.
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My 2nd Saab this year! - 2001 Saab 9-5
By Jay - November 29 - 9:46 pmI just moved up from a 9-3 SE to a 9-5 Aero. These are the first two Saabs Ive ever owned. The 9-3 met an untimely end but it wasnt the cars fault. So we looked around for a couple of weeks and found this gem. The ride is great, it is a little punchier than the 9-3, and these cars are actually roomy for a 66" guy to drive. Previous owner kept it flawless. Its eight years old with 53K on it.
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keeps on ticking - 1996 Saab 900
By Jungle - November 28 - 8:06 amAfter 135,000 miles Im still on my original shocks & struts, brake discs, drivetrain and engine. The only complaints Ive had from a repair stand point has been weird electrical problems and constant oil leaks.
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Dont Do It - 2001 Saab 9-5
By A Navarrete - November 28 - 6:00 amGreat features for the money. They look great, are fun to drive and get good gas mileage but Ive chewed gum that was more dependable. Two Saabs and over $4,000 in repairs not including the warranty recalls. I thought maybe my first one was a lemon so I got another. I was wrong. They are all lemons.
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Still Love it After All These Years.... - 2004 Saab 9-3
By Still Love It - November 28 - 5:43 amVersatile, luxurious, and quick. I drive this car for business--bringing clients along, making long trips, etc. and its a comfortable and faithful performer. Given the choice between a 1 hour flight and a four hour drive, I drive. Great on the highway, quiet, powerful and safe. Oddly, I also use it to haul things. The roof rack goes on and off in minutes and can hold 220 pounds: thats a few sheets of plywood, or enough 2x4s to stud a new playroom for my kids. I also installed the towing hitch (myself) and occasionally hook up a trailer to gather/move antiques and such. And theres room for actual adults in the back seat for trips up to an hour. What more could I ask for?
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Saab 9-3 SE convertible - 2002 Saab 9-3
By Patrick Lo - November 27 - 2:00 amGreat styling in the Saab tradition, way better than the Merc / BMW convertibles that are out there. More exclusive with better SNOB appeal. Turbo engine is fast & smooth, the Auto S function is a blast to use. Interior & exterior fit & finish are among the best in the industry. This is the last year for the current body, the new 9-3 doesnt have the traditional SAAB appeal, better get one before its over.
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Sometimes I dont get Edmunds - 2007 Saab 9-3
By racebannon1 - November 26 - 11:37 pmListed con in Edmunds review: Suspension should be stiffer on Aero models, ride can be choppy over bumps... So you want a stiffer suspension so that you can complain about the ride being choppy over bumps? Okay, got it. My review: Ive owned this car for a few years & feel if ever there was a time to write a review its now. If I have but one complaint it is that the interior, while is nice overall, has components of it that just feel cheap. Acceleration, gas mileage & the quality of this vehicle make it a steal as a used car. Cargo room is awesome and the ease to fold down the rear seats is super handy.
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Great GM Car So Far - 2006 Saab 9-3
By lance20 - November 26 - 4:56 pmIm just about to turn 3,000 miles in my 06 Aero and so far, so good. I come from a GM family and have previously owned two Chevy S-10 Blazers. So, the switch to a Saab has been pretty radical. I first noticed the car on the road and thought it was beautiful before finding out it was a GM product. The 06 model is still very Saab oriented whereas the 07 model is adopting more of the GM DNA on the interior. Overall I have been very happy with the looks, performance and value of this vehicle. I very rarely see any other Aero models on the road... mostly 2.0s. If you are lookng for an affordable entry-level luxury sports sedan, the 9-3 is tough to beat.
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new transmission after 45000 miles - 2004 Saab 9-3
By sad tranny - November 25 - 12:03 amMy 2004 is my second Saab 9-3. I had a 2003 that needed a new transmission at 45000 miles. To my dismay I just put a new transmission in my 2004 at 45000 miles. Love the car but am very disappointed with the transmission incidents. Get with it GM.
