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:

• 

  From dream to nightmare - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Gullable - February 13 - 6:40 pm

  This was my dream car until I bought one (used). Its fun to drive, but not at all the luxury car I expected it to be. Over $1500 spent in repairs in 1 year on a 6 year old car with under 60K miles: alternator, exhaust pipe, headliner clips, headlights (always dim, have to replace every 3 months), digital display fading, dash cracked, cupholder broke off, irritating squealing noise from AC fan, humming sound from glove box, roof channels rainwater into my lap, emblems are faded. Payments are too high to be this disappointed. An extended warranty is a must with this car.

• 

  Love it!!! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By FRG - February 13 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car for 3 months now and still love it. Over the last 4 decades I have owned dozens upon dozens of cars and motorcycles and, so far, this is my favorite car. I believe it will remain my favorite as long as it is as reliable/trouble-free as it is "fun to drive."

• 

  Value - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By HKC_93 - February 13 - 2:00 am

  This car fun and jazzy. Its distinctiveness is one of the main draw for me, of course, value counts too, it has all the luxry you want plus more... Get one with sports package, you wont be out of style for a long time.

• 

  Saab on the Plains - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Flatlander - February 13 - 2:00 am

  Have owned my 9-3 Linear for 1 month and LOVE IT!!! The interior is roomy, and elegantly designed...the ride quality is great. Also tested a BMW 3-series and an A4, but for the price, quality and options the 9-3 was easily the best deal! Was initially concerned with GM influence, but rest assured this is a Saab! designed and built in Sweden!

• 

  Love this car - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By ChrisN - February 12 - 4:13 am

  The sport tires do transmit the feel of the road more than some other near luxury cars, but its nothing I could complain about. The seats are extremely comfortable. The interior and exterior are very well assembled. Huge trunk can hold just about anything. Great stereo! Press the "S" button on the gear selector and watch this car fly!

• 

  Great value - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By bruce elliott - February 9 - 8:50 pm

  I have had the Ann. edition with auto for about 3 weeks. I really like this car and continue to be impressed by new discoveries. This car represents excellent value in the wagon category. Surprising lack of torque steer for a front driver. This is my first Saab and first FWD car. I always liked AWD and RWD better for driving but Saab has done a great job. Its quiet and comfortable and has effortless speed. If it proves reliable it will be fabulous.

• 

  2004 Saab 9-3 Linear - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By sk1395 - February 8 - 4:43 pm

  All in all i think this is a good car. The interior is a little cheap with the finish flaking off. Also ive had to have the speakers in the front replaced twice now. My lock system failed during one very cold Wisconsin winter. All I can say is buy the Saab extended warranty! I didnt have to pay for anything to get fixed!

• 

  They got it right - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By UPSTATE-SC - February 5 - 7:13 am

  Great driving vehicle, very attractive, with much better fuel mileage than stated by EPA. Going the speed limit on the freeways, I get 38 mpg on regular gas. The 6 speed manual is so smooth.

• 

  Unique, Handsome...but competitive? - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By damonTodd - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Came from a 1991 Saab 900 that I loved. 9-3 hatch is no where as versatile compared to classic 900 or other hatchbacks in market. There is a large ridge that creates a bottleneck in the loading area. I cannot fit half of the things in my 9-3 I fit in my 900. Mid range power is amazing. Great highway car -- mediocre city/town car. Turbo lag is ridiculous. Im experienced with manual trannies and I still have trouble getting quick launches. Throw the car into a curve and it feels overpowered for the suspension. If you dont pay dealer prices it can be a good,quirky buy. But give saab and others a good test drive.

• 

  just average - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By TONTO - February 2 - 10:00 am

  the 9-3 is OK but I expected better handling and more responsive pickup. i just hope it doesnt wind up in the shop too many times.