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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  What a shame - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By rb85 - April 2 - 11:48 am

  This car worked perfectly for me and I loved everything about it. It had good power, fuel economy, lots of cargo space, I like the way it looked and drove. I bought it used with about 57000 miles and in the four years I owned it I had to replace the turbo, throttle body, and timing chain to the tune of about $3k total. Then one month before I would have paid it off cylinder no.2 overheated, causing the piston rings to go. The engine was destroyed. The SAAB shop I was dealing with said a used motor installed would have cost almost $4k. I liked everything about the car except the reliability wasnt there and its very expensive to fix. SAABs were good in the early 90s, not anymore.

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  Update: 6 months of disappointment - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Ric in ATL - April 2 - 7:36 am

  This is a 6-month update. Check out my "First 90 days" review. My Aero has spent even more time in the shop since then. The stereo system is still a major issue, but now my problems have extended to the stability control system and general build quality. About to go through my 2nd set of floor mats. 1st service interval came at 6700. Ive spent more time in a loaner car than my own car in the last 2 months. Squeaks & rattles have multiplied. This 9-3 has been a terrible disappointment. For a $40k car, it is seriously outclassed by the competition. While I loved Saab, I feel totally let down by this car, and I dont plan to return when my lease is up.

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  I Love My Saab 900 SE Turbo Convertible - 1996 Saab 900
  By tanya68 - March 31 - 2:09 am

  This is my second Saab. I absolutely love my car. Its a 1996 and I have 92k miles on it. My top still works and the car is very dependable. Right now, however, I cant figure out why my dash lights have gone completely out (cant drive at night) and my horn honks non-stop; had to remove the fuse for now. Any great Saab mechanics out there? I also need a new hose for my turbo... Help!!

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  Terrible smell - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Jay Simon - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I leased my Saab new in Nov. 2000. Ever since I brought the car home it has emitted a sulfur smell from the catalytic converter. The Saab service department told me to change gas brand and octanes and that the problem would clear up after 6000 miles. Then they said 10,000. I did everything they suggested and nothing helps. I cant even open the windows. The smell of sulfur makes you sick. But, what makes it worse is Saabs refusal to fix the problem. I was told by the dealership mechanic that they wouldnt do anything for me.

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  Best car Ive owned - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By donkle - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Not only is this the best car Ive ever owned, SAABs warranty is AWESOME. Example: The decal peeled away from the front emblem... they replaced free, no questions asked. The dual zone climate control flaked out on me twice, but it righted itself within minutes... they replaced it even though the couldnt duplicate the problem. I drove this front-wheel drive beauty in a Noreaster in 2002 from NY, through the mountains of PA, to OH and it performed like a CHAMP. I want another.

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  Middle Age Fun - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By mike souris - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this car on impulse, and have not had any regrets. I look forward to my next one. It feels good, and is fun to drive.

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  Welcome to the State of Independence - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By bikeriderk - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Three letters sum up this car - FUN! A sports car feel in an everyday driver with lots of room. Viggen leather seats are about as comfy as it gets. The real beauty of this car is the engine. Just be ready the first time you put it to the floor, you WILL be surprised at the torque. This car is not for the timid as the torque-steer will keep you in check. As fast as anything you will run into from 30-80mph. Get one and enjoy!

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  Dont Listen To Professional Reviews!!! - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By sevo - March 18 - 9:46 am

  Remember what your professional reviewers do for a living...Listen to the people who own these cars...Just bought car...Only 200 miles so far...It is a Subaru underneath...So what!!! Who can go wrong with the AWD system from Subaru...Saab has made this car more comfortable and quiet as far as ride is concerned and you cant beat the 4yr/50000 mile standard warranty as well as 2yr/24000 included scheduled maintenance...and dont forget a free loaner car whenever you take your car in for service...This car is a blast to drive...Plenty of power, smooth, quiet and great handling...Compare with the Subaru and you decide...I did it and it was no contest...

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  Not Just Another Beemer - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By TopDownDriver - March 17 - 10:20 pm

  This is the one to have... the 2WD Aero Convertible. People often give this car a double take, but instead of looking at you like youre a snob, they smile. Saab makes one of the safest convertibles on the road. The Aero front seats are upgraded and really comfortable. The back seats are surprisingly deep, be sure to actually sit back there. I like the power the turbo Aero has available, but still get close to 30 mpg on the highway. If I keep my foot out of it. The car is a cross between cool and charming, and its different. Mines been reliable. Its a front- driver, so a Beemer will handle better on a racetrack, but I prefer front drive stability in the real worlds rain or snow.

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  Best Saab So Far - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By shelbysaab - March 17 - 2:23 pm

  Ive owned 4 Saabs, and this is the best one yet. Ive never had a car that offers so much performance and economy along with comfort and a reasonable price. Saab should do more to promote the 9-5, it really is alot of car for the money. Im sure it would be a best seller if it was available in All-Wheel-Drive