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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  Second Time Around - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Pete - July 29 - 2:16 am

  Although Ive only put about 500 miles on this car (has cold weather & premium packages) I must say there is an enormous difference between it and the car it replaces, my 2003 Saab SE convertible. The handling, style, fit and finish are all superior. The added weight combined with improved responsiveness to driver inputs give this vehicle a much more "european" feel. Simply put, this car is fun to drive.

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  Drive one...youll buy one - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By cookees - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Looked at just about every concievable car: Accord, Acura, Avalon, Infinity, Lexus, LeSabre, and narrowed it down to the Volvo S-80. Was all set to buy the Volvo when we test-drove the Saab on a whim. The deciding factor was the "drive" and the final pricing. The S-80 is a very nice car and you will like the ride quality. However the Saab lets you feel like you are piloting the car instead of merely going along for the ride. Add to that the comfortable,almost chiropractic seats, coupled with phenomenal gas mileage on regular gas, and the choice is easy.

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  I never thought Id like a Saab - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By Comet335 - July 25 - 9:43 am

  I purchased a pre-owned Saab 9-3 5 door automatic with 79,000 miles on it as a second car. I LOVE IT! I would rather drive this car than my new Lincoln. Great engine, sporty, nice looks. I have only had to replace a sensor ($300) in the engine. Great car for the money.

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  New to a Convertible - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By saabconvert - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a convertible that was fun to drive, while at the same time practical for a family. Based upon extensive review, I settled for a 2004 Saab Aero Convertible. I am 62" and need a interior space. The Saab delivered. The 13 speaker stereo was awesome. The car handles great and has a back seat that can fit two teenage children.

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  The best all-around convertible. - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By spaced - July 21 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased my Certified Pre- Owned Saab convertible after much research into pre-owned luxury convertible options. The Saab 9-3 S has the right mix of performance, safety, style, fun factor, and value. Body rattles over rough pavement are minimized, especially considering this car is a convertible. Seats 4 adults very comfortably. Even I (63") can fit in the back seat! Midnight blue is --beautiful--!!!

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  Excellent car - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By oxford - July 21 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased a 2002 Saab 9-5 Aero. This is the most amazing car I have driven. At speeds approaching 90MPH it is as smooth as lower speeds (and Im sure it could do more). The car handles extremely well and offers a smooth ride. The interior is uncluttered but has all of the features you could want, and a few more you didnt know you needed! This car looks and feels like a true luxury car.

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  Fun, Fast & Comfortable Swedish Style! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By jimb - July 20 - 8:03 am

  My 2003 Saab 9-3 Convertible is a very reliable, comfortable, well-built automobile. Power from the turbo-charged 2.0 liter 4 is outstanding, as is the gas mileage - 20 mpg city, 28 highway. The seats are superb - Ive driven 10 hours non-stop in complete comfort. The 9-3 handles well and provides a smooth, quiet ride. The power top operates without a hitch, and driving with the top down is a great experience. I love the styling of the Saab inside & out, and the trunk is quite large for a convertible. The rear seat is most suitable for 2 children or smaller adults, as the convertible top does take up some space. Overall I rate the Saab a 9+ out of 10.

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  I sold my 3 series... - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By bloody - July 17 - 10:00 am

  and bought the 9-3 Aero. I am pleased with my purchase and the Saab dealership. Looked at another 3 and a Benz C320 before the Saab. Listen folks, if I acted anything like the people selling the beemers or benz when I was a beemer owner, Im sorry. The Saab is in the same class without all the hooplah.

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  Flat out outstanding vehicle - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By NeilN - July 17 - 10:00 am

  Not one complaint about this car. It has exceeded my expectations in every way, and my expectations were high.

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  Love It ! - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By JasonK - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Prior to buying, I had researched the "sport-luxury" class thoroughly. What won me over was Saabs personality and the test drive. The car is very responsive, handles extremely well; the turbo lag can be mitigated by proper modulation of gas and clutch. The torque steer isnt that bad, but this is a car that requires driver attention. The workmanship is great, and the control surfaces are well designed and placed - a few inches away from the shifter or steering wheel. Seats are comfortable and supportive. Drove the car to Colorado this summer. The car was incredibly agile and fast on the winding, steep mountain roads, and well mannered on the interstates.