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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  My Experience with a 99 SAAB - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By relady - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I had never owned a SAAB before but will continue to buy them based on my first experience. I am in my car continually and always find it a pleasure to drive. I love the way it handles. Its sporty, yet very reliable and functional. I have had extremely good luck with mechanics even though I put a lot of mileage on it in my line of business (I sell real estate). The only draw back is the price of repairs, Ive overcome that somewhat by finding a great non-Dealer mechanic who knows SAABs and is not out to make beaucoup bucks!

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  SAAB Story - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By Kevin - October 26 - 7:46 pm

  This car when running is great. But it breaks at the drop of a hat and it is a thousand here and a thousand there. Luckily I can wrench on it myself and save some money. Expect to replace and engine and expect GM to flip you off unless you live in Europe. They honor the warranty there.

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  Loved my 99 Saab - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Marie - October 25 - 7:26 pm

  I bought my 99 Saab with 30,000 miles on it, had it for almost 8 years and brought it to the junkyard with 160,000 miles. It was in need of a few mechanical repairs which, although expensive I would have gladly made since I am sure the car had much life left. Unfortunately, the frame had rot on it. I learned a valuable lesson to wash salt off my car in the winter. The car was fun to drive and I will miss it. The repairs are expensive-I almost died when I paid for my first break job. However, the expensive maintenance is balanced by not having to make major repairs. At 150,000 miles I made my first repair-a fuel pump, that cost $900. I always had it maintained by a Saab specialist.

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  SAAB story - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By ed - October 25 - 5:26 pm

  I use the car in my business, and it is mostly highway. This car does nothing bad, and has been very reliable. The biggest problem with any SAAB is repair costs. Since I do most of my own, I can save on those. The previous poster who said the timing belt on his 9/5 was a problem should go get his money back. The 2.3t engine uses a chain, not a belt. They last nearly forever.

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  A fun car to drive - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By kram - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This car has lived up to everything I wanted it to. The car is great and the dealership is great. You wont go wrong with this car.

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  Never been more disappointed - 2007 Saab 9-5
  By Mourer - October 23 - 3:56 pm

  Its my 39th new car. Ive owned most all types. This car is my biggest disappointment since purchasing GMs & Fords in the 80s. Owned 2 days and the side "memory seat" lower seat wrap around and buttons have broken off the drivers seat and just hanging, parts on order. Low gas mileage for such a tiny tiny engine...if 2.3L were in a Honda it would get 45 MPG, not 18. So with whats happened in day 2 of owning it, I look forward each morning to what will break next. Other cars offer greater value, quality, at lower costs. Dont buy a SAAB!!! Big mistake.

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  Saab convertable, 2006 - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Peter - October 23 - 3:40 pm

  Great car. Not one problem to report. Car is quick, agile, comfortable, great features. Ive added Sirius radio and GPS. Also, snow tires. I looked at a lot of cars, many convertibles. It came down to the Saab and Mazda6 (not a convertible). Both great cars, but Im very glad I went with Saab.

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  So fun. Exclusive. - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By icecold328 - October 21 - 9:50 am

  I went through MANY cars, over 15. This is the most fun car I had. It handles beautifully and the turbo is just something else on it. Its really fun to drive. Quality is one of the best in my eyes. As long as u take care of it, it will last. Its very well built in my opinion. However, dont take it to Saab dealers when it needs a repair or maintenance, they really charge a lot. B/c they expect u to be rich to own a Saab. Rather, find a private mechanic that is good with Saabs. By the way I get at least 36mpg on the highway, and 25 in the city when I drive fast and 28 when I drive economically. Just dont cut corners with its maintenance, give the car what it requires and it will last.

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  The Most Fun to Drive - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Saab RC - October 19 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I road tested various models of BMW, Audi, Infiniti, Acura, Lexus before deciding on the Saab 9-5 Aero. Only competitor for sheer fun to drive was the BMW 3 series, but that car was much smaller with poor rear seat and trunk space. After 28,000 miles, the 9-5 has been reliable, still feels rock solid, safe and roomy enough for kids, handles beautifully and oh, that turbo kick that presses you back into your seat! Nits: 1. the bumpers are poorly designed--if you get a few scratches on the black ribbon in the middle, you have to replace the whole thing. 2. Road noise is greater than it should be for a car in this range, especially on concrete highways

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  Doenst get any better - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By corbin - October 18 - 10:40 pm

  I love this car so much. It handles like it is on rails and feels as solid as a bank vault. The 210 horsepower inline-4 is more than enough power. This car is wonderful at about 85-90mph (quiet and is only reving about 2200 rpm)