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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  Never Again - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Steve - September 9 - 6:13 am

  Bought this car brand new in 03. Decided on this instead of the BMW 330 Convertible because of price and the BMWs are everywhere. What a mistake! While fun to drive, it has been a maintenance nightmare compared to any other car Ive ever driven. Fuel pump failure (huh?) at 56K, CLUTCH at 70K, A/C compressor at 48K, wheel bearing at 80K, Ignitor Coil at 80K. Compare to my 86 325: original clutch at 150K; my 83 Tercel: original clutch at 150K. I work with a guy that has an 02 9-5 - same problems. No wonder the resale value of Saabs stinks. Stay away from Saab!

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  Great car, great price - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Michelle - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Saab 9-5 Aero is a great car with style and performance. It produces 250 hp and holds the road like it is on the rails (ESP) is highly recomended. Whe it comes to performance it really kills BMW 530(225 hp), Audi(A6 3.) and MB C320 or even E320. It it more fun to drive then all the cars mentioned above. Interior is not the best when it compared to the rest in the same catagory. Audi A6 is a clear leader but then Audi lacks the sporty stylying of 9-5. My wife drives BMW 530 and I just traded in my A6(2.7T) with Aero and loving it more then the A6. Aero is young and gives a sporty feel. I hope you give a chance to Saab Aero and go for it.

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  awesome car - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By kelb - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car new and loved it from day one. Very smooth and quick - especially highway driving. Great handling and low noise at 100 MPH (so I hear). Roomy interior easily matches more expensive cars such as BMW 5 series. Masquerades as a stylish family sedan, but absolute road rocket at heart.

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  Love em or Hate em - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By BDCT97 - August 17 - 11:50 pm

  We bought our Certified Used 2000 9-3 in 2004. Phenomenal dealer service but, constantly in for repair. As most Saab owners its the car you love and hate. Few cars have the sport, luxury and utility, (hatchback) of the car and 30mpg is easy on the highway. We have logged 99k and are thinking of trading. I drove a 05 9-3 Arc and its seats arent as nice and although it has 210 hp, somehow my 2000 with 185 hp seems just as fast. I still havent made up my mind to keep it but Ive been given an offer on an 05 Volvo S60 AWD and hands down a nicer car than the 05 9-3. Ill miss the Saab service, but as often as they see me, they didnt offer a great deal on the 05 9-3, Volvo did :)

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  2006 Saab Aero - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By neuchy - August 16 - 6:49 pm

  The car drives beautifully. The ride is firm, sporty firm that is. Some may find it uncomfortable on the cracked roads of Michigan. Performance wise, the car will provide more power than youll ever need. Dont be surprised if you find yourself driving at 110mph the first week or two you get it. The ride is so smooth you dont even realize youre driving at high speed. The acceleration is simply astonishing. Whether youre already driving at 70 or 30mph youll feel the same phenomenal pull! I have been able to drive the car on all surfaces and I must say it handles horribly on the snow. I ended up facing the wrong direction when I took a Michigan left (at only 5mph!!!)

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  A real gem... - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By Great car! - August 13 - 5:40 am

  This has been a great car, although once it hit 150,000 miles I sunk $4500 into repairs. Long trips go very fast - very comfortable. I loved the car so much I purchased another 9-5 (Aero).

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  Fun to Drive - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Julian93 - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Best handling car Ive ever driven. Beats its German competitors hands down,

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  Great car! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By formeraudiguy - August 9 - 7:56 am

  I bought this Saab-Certified car about four months ago and am very happy so far. The fuel economy is great, 33 mpg hwy and runs on regular fuel. There is a little more road noise than I care for and the stereo could be better, but these are minor issues. Not quite a 3-series or A4, but priced thousands $ less. Overall, this is a fun to drive car and is very economical. I would buy another one.

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  Second-hand Saab - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By famvanman - August 2 - 11:20 pm

  Recently bought this car with 56,000 miles. Although it is the Linear base model, it is a very nice machine overall; 4 cylinder economy with the turbo to add power when needed. Very solid feel on the road and good handling without harsh feedback from the pavement. Generous interior space and full size trunk. Many nice features, very good stereo and overall a unique feel to the car.

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  Took a long time to buy one - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By arline grady - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I am in the market to buy another Saab probably will look at the BMW, Mercedes and a Jag but I know in my heart it will be a another Saab I change every two or 3 years. This will be my 4th. Have had all the others above, but the ride, comfort and dependability in a Saab is the best. I now have a 2001