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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  Too many repairs! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By BigHead - April 29 - 11:30 am

  The first year of my cars life was normal. No major repairs. The last two have been horrible. The engine constantly leaks oil despite three repairs to various seals. The electronics are plagued with various bugs in the software and the OnStar module has been replaced twice. Ive had issues with the headlight wiring burning away the insulation on the wires and various other troubles with the computer when either cold or hot (< -15C or >+30C (which in Toronto, Ontario is quite often)). Not too happy overall. However the handling and brakes are fantastic.

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  Why do I still Like this car? - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Ted - April 27 - 10:20 pm

  Bought the Linear model new but at a deep discount ($30k). Have had the typical failures -- fuel pump, heater valve, ignition cartridge, sunroof, and most recently the brake booster. Repairs are crazy expensive, and Ive spent way too much on them. But then I get behind the wheel and realize I really like the driving experience. Fuel economy is great, and the turbo is there when you need some punch. Its a great travel car, and the trunk is spacious. One of my criteria was "4 men and 4 sets of golf clubs". It works.

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  Bland GM product - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Zeke - April 27 - 2:00 am

  This is an example of how GM can engulf and ruin a smaller company. This car is bland, uninteresting, and full of cheap touches from GM. I have owned Saabs for years, and loved their quirky personality, uniqueness, and practical hatchback design. No more. This car is built on the same platform as a Pontiac Grand Am. Why waste your money on a cheap GM product with a Saab label on it.

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  Great Car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By patrick008 - April 27 - 2:00 am

  Just picked the car up a few weeks ago. Great vehicle. Looks like its Bye Bye BMW

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  Much improved 2006 - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Frank - April 24 - 7:00 pm

  We had a 2003 9-3 sedan. This 2006 model feels more rigid and the steering feels tighter, which makes it more fun to drive. Suspension is a bit smoother but still is firm. Overall a lot better car than our 2003. If you want a good looking and fun car to drive, the Saab Sportcombi may be what youre looking for!

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  Expensive to keep - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By Disa - April 24 - 2:20 am

  Saw the price list for Service at the Dealership. Will sell this car after the free service. Charging close to $1000.00 for a major service. And charges of $480 for minor service. That is pretty steep to change oil and fuilds on minor service and that does not include pads on brakes or belts and timing chains. You will pay for all the free service before. Not worth the car.

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  Dont think the dealer should know my name - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By Frank - April 18 - 6:13 pm

  This car is a nice cheap option used and comes with a nice warranty. Once the warranty expires GET RID OF THE CAR! Car currently needs $5000 worth of repairs (head gasket, rear main seal and abs module). What a hunk of garbage! DO NOT BUY A SAAB, spend the extra few grand and get a Honda, Toyota or Nissan. The dealer knows, my name, my wifes name and my kids names. Unfortunately I also have a Saab 95 wagon. Cant wait to get rid of that either. GARBAGE CAR!!!! If they are born from Jets, then I am done flying!

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  MINE BLEW UP!!! - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By alber1 - April 17 - 10:00 am

  This car has been fun to drive and performs well, but I will never do business with Saab again. I live at high altitude, and my cars engine seized under normal use to what Saab said was "bad gas". They refused to honor the warranty and wanted $8000 to replace the engine in a car I am leasing. Eventually, they fixed it for $1200 but it should have been covered. My case was not an isolated one and the company knew this. Very sickening experience. Buy a car that isnt a GM product.

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  More of the same - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Bueller - April 17 - 5:26 am

  Similar to other reviews, Ive had numerous electrical and mechanical issues since purchasing the car 4 years ago. The HVAC blower has been looked at and fixed 5 times now. Window motor replaced. Fading door handles replaced. Interior finishes now chipping off. Hood Saab emblem is cracked and deteriorating. Excess brake dust.

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  Just love it! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Ozzysmom - April 16 - 3:23 pm

  Ive owned my Saab for almost three weeks and man do I love this car. Its gorgeous. I got the steel grey metallic. Love the two tail pipes. Its smooth, very easy to drive, very fast. You will feel the bumps, but its a sportscar afterall. Love the rear parking assist. I like the dash, but feel like they could have offered the chrome detail on the dash. Love the steering wheel design. Hate the passenger side view mirror. Its hard to see out of it. The front-end is VERY low. I have already knocked the front fender out, but because its a Saab, its incredibly durable and the dealer was able to pop it back in like 30 seconds. Overall, its stylish, fun to drive, and reliable.