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 Certified Value - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Albany Speeder - October 4 - 9:33 am

  Just had the car a few days - and look forward to driving it everytime I have the chance. The interior is wonderfully done - comfortable, but sporty. When the car is in "Sport" mode - it can run with any car on the highay - bar none. In normal mode - its almost too tame, but I guess thats how you get 30 mpg and 250 hp in the same package. The car is certainly a beautiful car to behold - great shape and wonderfully engineered styling. When coupled with the interior - its a great all around package. The best part is probably the fact you can get a certified luxury car, (to 100K), for under $20K. A great buy.

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  Saab - Bad Decision - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By jj - October 3 - 5:26 am

  With less than 2600 miles, this car broke down four times. The fifth time I refused to drive it anymore. I had it towed to the dealer and told them to keep it. During one of the episodes the car just stopped while I was driving, luckily I was in a parking lot and only doing about 15 to 20 mph. Saab tried to compete with some of the quality manufacturers and put in too many gadgets. It was tinny and confusing to run. I knew from the get-go that I had made a mistake but was willing to ride it out. Unfortunately this cars time ran out in less than six months. I took a $15,000 hit when I traded this junk in. Live and learn. I no longer drive a Saab and NEVER will again.

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  Smoking Aero 9-3 - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By James Kanter - October 2 - 5:33 am

  I got this car because my wife picked it out for me. She loved the car and felt it was a great value. I wanted a convertible and hadnt thought of a Saab. I wanted a BMW, but it was too expensive. I started falling in love with this car when we saw it parked at the dealer. This car has done nothing but exceed my expectations in every way. It drives great. It has excellent stability, wonderful seats. The top comes down real fast. It look slick. I absolutely love the sound of the exhaust. Now I want another Saab! Im into Saabs.

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  SAAB 9-3 - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Burt - September 29 - 2:36 pm

  This car gets great gas milage on both in town and on the highway. I get an average of 27.5 miles per gallon in 40/60 highway driving. For a 2.0 Turbo it out performs the Toyota Camary, Honda Accord for both performance and acceleration. This is a very fun car to own. I have not regreted purchasing this car at all.

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  Fun in 2nd gear - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By twowhiteshoes - September 28 - 10:00 am

  ok, this is a family station wagon, not a sports car. But when the turbo kicks in starting around 2500 rpm, usually in 2nd gear, you can have a lot of fun. Also, for all you SUV drivers out there. This has the storage you need but it gets 40 mpg on the highway.

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  GREAT SportCombi - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Philip Reid - September 27 - 5:46 pm

  Saab is getting closer and closer to hitting it on the nose with style, performance and comfort. This SportCombi is nothing short of fantastic - driving and comfort. They still need to work out the cheap plastic dash interior but I hear they made huge strides in the 2007 model. If you are in the market for a nice European car with lots of cargo space, dont skip looking at the Saabs - youll not regret it.

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  Great Car! - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Saab BT - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car in pristine condition from a dealership specializing in pre owned saabs and volvos. The car was a steal at the price I paid. Smooth turbo, comfortable seats, great on the highway. Right off the bat I needed some minor work done, but luckily I found a mechanic that works on..you guessed it, saabs and volvos! I feel more secure having found him. The only issue so far is a whining noise at low speed; we (the mechanic and I) think its an issue with the brakes where something is rubbing or perhaps the turbo is making the noise at low speed. Other than that, the car (knock on wood) has been terrific so far.

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  An awesome car for the money - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Saabdude - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I liked the 9-5 Aero when I first drove it, but was going to go with something a bit more "mainstream" like a G35 or 04 Acura TL. But I have to say that after one month I am loving my Aero. The car handles well, accelerates great, and is very comfortable. I like the styling, both interior and exterior. You really feel like youre in a luxury car, whereas others in this price range feel more like pricier versions of regular sedans. Do yourself a favor and test drive this car before you buy something in this price range - realizing that if you do your homework and wait for the right incentives, this car can be purchased for $7K or more below MSRP.

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  My first Saab - 1996 Saab 900
  By Claude - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I wanted only a Saab. Nothing else. I finally found a 900SE, 1996, 2 doors coupé, red, 5 speeds full, full equiped. No option missing. My dream! In Québec province, our french automobile buyers guide does not encourage peoples to buy Saab. They prefer BMW. They say that this car is dangerous because it is a performance car with front wheel drive. They say that it has to be rear wheel drive. I agree a little bit but with the winters we have in Québec I prefer a front wheel drive on snow and ice.

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  2001 Saab turbo - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By sloughheed - September 20 - 2:00 am

  In the past I have owned an Audi, Volkswagon, and BMW but this car has truely been the best in terms of performace and quality. The fuel economy is also quite amazing, I average about 7 litres per 100 kilometers and about 13 in the city.