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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  Great quality from a GM vehicle - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By RH - November 24 - 7:50 pm

  A very nifty ride for the price. I was very happy to support an American company and get a vehicle that looks unique, has very fun driving characteristics and good comfort features without attracting the stereotypes associated with Merc and BMW drivers. (not that i wouldnt love a nice Merc). Acceleration from 50-70 is quick, turbo boost is very fun although low end torque is lacking, this isnt a drag racer by any means. While the sport mode is fun and the triptronic transmission is ok, I wished I could have gotten an manual. Guess they were quickly picked up nationwide.

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  My 1st Saab, my 1st convertible! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Rise - November 24 - 6:36 am

  I got the convertible "bug",and happened to find the Saab accidently on Autotrader. It looked nice in pictures, so I set out to find a "real one" to test drive. I was sick of driving a gas guzzling SUV! I couldnt afford anything new, but that didnt stop me from looking for one I COULD afford. What luck! I found a 2003 about 75 miles from my home, and the rest is history. It is a decent size, responsive, gorgeous vehicle. Im getting 25 mpg versus about 17 with my old SUV. Its a slick ride to say the least. I just wish Id bought one sooner. I feel 20 years younger!! The best thing is that its unique. Not many of these on the road, so youll get noticed.The 4 cylinder turbo is unreal.

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  Love it when its working - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Kim - November 22 - 9:00 pm

  It is a beautiful car that is fun to drive...when everything is working which is seldom. The sunroof works when it feels like it as does the radio and CD player. Have replaced the master cylinder twice in a year and a half. The stability control went out to the tune of $700. The locks constantly malfunction. The brakes are always spongy. Have replaced a wheel bearing also. This is all in less than two years of owning it. I am considering trading it even though I owe money on it. I would never buy another Saab. I walk up to it and love it then get in and something isnt working again and I get angry. SAAB - Somethings Almost Always Broken.

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  Comments on car - 2006 Saab 9-2X
  By nave - November 21 - 11:23 pm

  The car is very reliable and the awd makes it fun to drive.

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  2003 Saab 9-5 ARC 3.0 Turbo Review - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By tommie mac - November 21 - 11:03 pm

  Purchased this "demo" from dealer with about 8k on it. Car performs very well, handles very nicely. Powerful. Full of creature comforts such as heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats. Seats are supportive yet comfortable. Air and heat are powerful and quick to get the cabin cool or warm. Brakes are awesome! Use only premium, get around 18 mpg mostly around town. Dont know why they stopped making this engine, its superb! Still look forward to driving it after owning it for 3+ years.

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  Saab Story - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By tidegolf - November 16 - 10:00 am

  My Saab has had nothing but problems from day 2. The car runs rough and had engine and brake issues within the first 6 months. Continual trips to the service department are getting so routine that the personnel know my voice when I call. I am sure all Saabs are not like mine......or at least one would hope they arent

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  A perfect, tasteful, delightful car. - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By deathshot - November 11 - 8:20 am

  I honestly have no complaints about this car. It is powerful, fuel efficient, stylish, tasteful, sporty, and elegant. When you have a car as well-rounded as this, people often dig around for any little excuse to put her down. For instance, I see people bashing the interior or claiming that the handling isnt good enough. Thats a load. This cars interior is fantastic. It is practical, minimal, and elegant in true Swedish style. Saab was an uncompromising company with high standards and a progressive attitude. They simply didnt fit the mold of consumer sameness and that may have been their downfall. They made safe, fast cars with idiosyncratic personalities. They will be missed.

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  Solid car - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By kpdgo - November 10 - 3:33 pm

  Excellent car. I dont drive everyday, but when I do drive, I often take trips from 100-200 miles in a day. The car is very comfortable, even after a couple of hours. The mileage is very good on the highway (30+mpg); decent on country roads (22-26mpg); not as good on short trips (20-21mpg). The sound system is good, but not great by any means. The radio reception is very good, especially by SAAB standards.

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  The Best of Exotic Cars - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By Misha_from_Mpls - November 10 - 12:36 pm

  Having a degree in automotive engineering, I do respect innovation and technology. I looked at cars across several classes. Then I discovered the 9-5. The best look of this side of most exotic Italian cars. Best balance of ride and comfort. Super smart engineering. 9-5 is smarter than you - make sure you read the manual and break in carefully. Only MB & Saab made through 1 mln mile mark. Quality piece of machinery. Every unique feature has a purpose.

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  100 mile commute seems a lot shorter! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Luba - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Just bought my 2003 9-3 ARC last week w/auto and sport wheels. GM employee discounts for the 2003 model made it tough to pass on. Already put 800 miles on the Saab. Replaced a 1995 Volvo 850 turbo. No comparison, the Volvo was quick, but did not handle the turns, the Saab takes the turns like it is on rails,a lot of fun. I would recommend this car to anyone that is considering a euro sport sedan. I also drove the Infinity G35 sedan, which was quicker, but felt like a very heavy car, not as nimble. So far I love the car, and Ill keep you posted on our progress.