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 alternative - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By ssst - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Fast acceleration, great passing ability at mid to high speed, great handling (considering its size and weight), and great torque at low RPM. I feel that I am driving a compact car than a midsize sedan. As a running machine, Saab 9-5 Aero is an excellent one, a great alternative to BMW 5 series, Volvo S60. For 2002 Model year, Saab 9-5 is competitive feature wise. However, it is aging fast compare to others in 2003 or later model years.

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  Best Combination of Power-Practicability - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By geo_geo_geo - May 11 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Saab Wagon I have owned. The first was a 2000 9-5 SE that I leased and my main complaint about that one was its mushy handling. The Aero wagon corrects that problem admirably. It is very tight on the road and really hits its stride at 50 mph and above speeds. I had looked at the Volvo, BMW 5 series, and Audi 6 series wagons and eliminated the BMW for cost issues, the Audi for repair record and the Volvo for handling. This car is a joy to drive and not so flashy that I worry about parking on big city streets.

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  SOCAL Saab Experience - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By bagman8185 - May 6 - 10:00 am

  I also own a 1988 Saab 900S with 280,000 miles. I have to say the 2003 model is a big step forward. Great handling, plenty of power, once you get into second and third (this car needs the 5 speed manual) and great gas mileage. Just got back from Arizona and got 33 MPG at average 80+ MPH. Have turned 10,000 miles and have zero mechanical complaints. NONE. Has not been back to the dealer one time; no rattles, no issues. However, the base model I got has inadequate back speakers. I spent $100 and replaced them with an upgraded set and all is well. For this price range, I cant imagine beating this car for fun and economy.

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  Huge Disappointment! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By halloween - May 6 - 10:00 am

  LOVED my 2000 Saab 9-3. HATE my 2003 9-3. How anyone who claims to have driven a Mercedes Benz or BMW has the nerve to suggest that this car is a great alternative with a more attractive price tag. They either have to have their heads examined or they are liars and have never stepped foot into either of those car models before. This car is nothing more than a Grand Am with a Saab logo on it. Do yourself a favor and bite the bullet and buy the 3 Series BMW like I am instead of going through the agony of owning this car - it is the worst!!!

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  Great Car, Great Value - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By David - May 4 - 10:43 am

  I was just looking for an affordable car with good gas mileage. After two years, Ive been pleasantly surprised at the overall comfort and performance and havent tired a bit of the design.

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  Saab Linear - Nice for the price - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Mangosteen - May 4 - 10:00 am

  We got our 9-5 sedan and drove it to Canada for vacation. Nice and smooth ride. Very stable at high speeds (80+).

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  Luxury that Stands Alone - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Kristina - May 4 - 4:50 am

  I recently purchased a Saab Linear 9-3 and I cant say enough good things about it. I test drove and Audi A-4, a BMW 3-Series and was on my way to test drive a Lexus IS300 when I decided to stop and test drive a Saab. Needless to say, I didnt even bother going to the Lexus dealership, and bought the Saab the next day. Having just graduated college, I wanted a luxury car that was sporty and well-designed, but I didnt want to be looking at a mirror image every time I was stopped at a stop light. That is exactly what I got and I couldnt be more excited every time I get in the drivers seat.

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  GM influence shines through - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By bybyby - April 30 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 99 convertible (4 year lease turn in) and thought I was buying a cream puff. However, I had to replace part of the front axle as well as numerous other little things that shouldnt be happening on a car with only 40k miles. The car goes down the road great. But beware that late model Saabs are laced with GM DNA and it shows. The build quality and fit and finish is not there and is not like the Saabs of old. Although these cars are still built in Sweden; the Detroit influence (cheap and unreliable) comes through. Saab is forced to used some GM Euro parts and it shows in the car. Its a real shame what GM is doing to this once great brand of car

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  Saab 95 Aero review by HL - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By howard l - April 30 - 10:00 am

  Handles well with a very nice acceleration. Fit and finish could be a little more modern and tighter. The interior is sturdy and wears very well. The materials always look new. I had a 2000 model and it was the same. The interior room is adequate, yet the outside is not too big. Trunk space is great. The car could use a nicer stereo and the vanity mirrors have useless lights.

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  Noisy Car - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By eyeonizer - April 30 - 10:00 am

  This car has 16,000 miles and has been in the shop 7 times for clunks, rattles,brake and electronic problems. It is a "rattle-trap" for a car and the servicers can never figure out the problem.