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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  good test drive but no cigar... - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By PLM - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Generally very nice. I just couldnt get weened off the BMW addiction...so I leased another BMW. Still too much torgue steer and I found the seats a little uncomfortable with no natural place to rest my arms while driving. But this car is greatly improved over the 2001 Aero.

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  A satisfied Saab Owner, so far! - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By 02SaabVA - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this Saab 4 days ago and already I am overflowing with praises. You will not find a better car at a better price. Believe me I looked! I bought this car at VOB Saab in Rockville, MD and they provided me with the poorest car buying experience Ive ever encountered. I do not have one good thing to say about this dealership and I suggest others to steer clear.

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  Nice Car with great Incentives! - 2010 Saab 9-3
  By jason60050 - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Coming from a Lexus GS350 this is quite a difference. I love the way it handles and the XWD with the 6 speed auto is wonderful. I could not pass up the deal on this vehicle. Almost $12k off sticker. Despite what they say as this being an outdated car with not a lot to offer compared to the 3 series, A4, etc could not beat the price with this one.

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  Never knew Saabs were this nice - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Jdac - September 18 - 4:23 am

  I had been driving a sensible car for 5 years: Toyota Corolla CE; manual everything. I finally decided it was time to upgrade and consider BMW, Inifiniti, Acura, etc. I didnt really consider a Saab until an Acura I wanted sold. I love my Saab 9-3! The 2008 model looks great from the outside; its a comfortable and is a considerable power upgrade for me. The features are great and the value was unbeatable. I highly recommend that you consider driving one if youre looking at an entry-level luxury sedan.

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  Awesome car - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Mestup247 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is so fun to drive, manual or automatic. Its so fast...and sporty but great for anything. This car has been compared to BMW (and trust me I love BMWs) but really I think they run better if not the same.

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  saab 9-3 cabrio - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By billy1926 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  this is a beautiful car which follows the successfull steps of its ancestors in every way.It has the looks,the power,and the heritage of saab building cabrios.This car in my opinion,withstands among the rest of the competition.

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  Never Again - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By malco - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Having decided to move to an entry level luxury vehicle, I was looking forward to years of trouble free driving. Was I wrong! Although the car looks great and is well finished, numerous mechanical problems have diminished my enjoyment of this vehicle. With only 5000 miles on it. the car has been in the shop almost weeklywith problems such as an undiagnosed clunk/ rattle from the front and rear suspensions in cold weather,squealing front brake pads , locked hand brake lever . Other problems include strong sulpher dioxide smell when the car idles and buzzing front door panels .

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  Strong Car built to last - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By kemosaabe - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Very reliable, good dealership support, nothing has failed in 80,000 miles (usual wear items excepted). Very strong engine and excellent acceleration. Good winter car

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  Solid 9-3 - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By vacUUm - September 11 - 8:16 pm

  Ive been extremly please with my 9-3 Arc. It has been everything that I expected and more with one exception. Good value vs. competitor "add on everythings". Turbo lag is a problem. If you switch to manual shift on your auto, the drivetrain repsponses change and the lag is not noticible. Good to know if you need crisp acceleration in traffic. Especially bad lag from a dead stop.

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  2006 93 Aero Review - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By cervids - September 9 - 7:36 am

  Former BMW and Audi driver. The 93 Aero is powerful; 250bhp/258lb-ft available for real life driving conditions through most of the power band not just near the redline. 90% percent of maximum torque is achieved at 1,500 rpm! Not enough power, buy a simple plug–in engine control PPC upgrade ($850) which enables 285bhp/358lb-ft. The rock solid suspension and superb road manners allow you apply that awesome power as if gliding rails in addition to the legendary Saab safety, utility, spaciousness, and functionality. The interior is abundantly quite, however, the car is tuned to provide the enthusiast with an addictive amount of engine and turbo sound.