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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  Saab 9.5 - best car Ive ever had (Im 66) - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By GeeBee - March 16 - 4:43 am

  My wife has driven about 30K miles/yr as a salesperson for 25 years, and NEEDS a comfortable, reliable, safe car. THIS IS IT! Super comfortable seats (sports pkg seats are even better than the std ones), and adjustable (in & out + up/dn) steering wheel fit her perfectly. And, at only 5-2" she can now reach the gas pedal & still be a safe distance from the steering wheels air bag. The car has LOTS of other features we didnt expect, like super fast turbo acceleration, the seat air blowers, a GREAT stereo, and rather low, easy access to load from the rear door. And, its almost as fun to drive as my Mini. Overall, its simply the best car weve ever had - and weve had a LOT.

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  Great car, great value - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By kevin - March 14 - 2:56 am

  Ive always had Volvo wagons but decided to try a Saab this time around. Went in to look at the 9-3 when I saw the new 9-5. I was sold from the test drive. Its impressively powerful, more so than my previous V70 T5. The seats are comfortable and there is a lot of space in the wagon area. The back seat is also roomy. But the best part is the price. I paid less than 40 grand for what cost about 45 grand on my Volvo and over 50 on any other luxury make. The 9-5 Sport Combi makes more sense than an SUV if you dont need the all-wheel drive and it is far more stylish.

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  Viggen with Vigor - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By Jas H - March 14 - 12:10 am

  This Saab Viggen is the best of their cars. She flies and handles like the jet shes named after. The car has been clocked at 152 with a bit more reserve and never felt strained or loose. On the highway (if I stay out of the boost range except for some spirited passing) I average 31.5 mpg. I can do the PA to FL run in 18 hours to Melbourne and be as fresh as when starting. Shes one silent strong sexy steed! With the hatchback I can carry a large load and yet retain the sleek looks or run light and nimble all day, either way a winner. The Viggen is a unique auto, the fun of a Porsche Cayman, the practicality of a wagon, the economy of a VW, a sweet ride!!!

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  No Saab story here........ - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By UMR Engineer - March 11 - 11:03 pm

  Wed give this, our second Saab an A. Very few criticisms (see below). Styling is great. Really fun to drive. Lots of room.

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  Its Criminal - Worst car decision - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By 21blackjacklarry - March 11 - 2:40 am

  Best car to drive I’ve had in my 45 years but notoriously unreliable. It’s too late for me. My only hope in posting is the satisfaction I get in saving another person the aggravation and expense of owning this beast. I was the sole owner, of a 2003 9-3 Linear. 50K after 5 years, and $2,475 in repairs since 9/07 including both front window regulators, O2 sensor, cabin temp. control malfunction, back door latch malfunction. Add these to the list of failures including radio volume control, sunroof malfunction, headlight assembly and 4 recalls, among others. This is more than a shame. This is downright criminal that an auto manufacturer of a $30K + vehicle

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  Best purchase ever - 1996 Saab 900
  By chuck g - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Saab 900SE used and have had an incredible experience with this vehicle. I These make great values on used cars - I bought a 1988 and drove it over 250,000 miles with normal maintainance. The 900SE is fun to drive has power when you need it, great in the inclement weather, great view from drivers position and great cargo room. I have never done anything but change the oil, and regular maintainance on tires breaks etc. I would definitely recomend this car to anyone who wants a great used value.

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  03 Saab AERO sedan - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Jon Messer - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Thers nothing quite like it - if you can afford an Aero. For long drives, my back and neck are indebted to Saab for the Aero. The "attitude" most luxury car dealers have is non- existant with Saab. I have the best: Dealer, sales mgr., service mgr and Master Tech in the entire USofA = Garden City Saab on Long Island. PLEASE keep it up !

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  Poor mans luxury sport - 2007 Saab 9-5
  By tbill2 - March 9 - 3:09 pm

  For some reason there are a glut of these 9-5s off-lease and available at reasonable prices. Im basically happy with mine, its been reliable, a good and economical performer although mine is plagued with the same as others gripe about; harsh ride at slower speeds and a persistent rattle. The turbo provides abundant acceleration (sport mode is a blast) and the car is a dream to drive in tight x-way traffic. It has the best brakes Ive ever experienced, very comfortable seats, excellent sound system, and it looks classy (IMO). My Saab dealer has also been responsive thus far. No real worries.

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  2004 Saab 9-3 Linear - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By BoB B - March 7 - 7:36 pm

  All in all not a bad car. It just started with the electrical gremlins @ 35K. Had the window regs. replaced many times. The rattles have started too.

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  Review of my 04 - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Bret B. - March 6 - 1:23 am

  I am very satisfied my Saab 9-3 Linear.It gets unbelievable gas milage, better than the 21/30 suggests.Ive actually been getting 33-36 on the road.The engine is very smooth and quiet.My wife has an 01" 9-5 and you can really feel the sporty nature of the 9-3 when comparing the two. Oh yeah, Very comfortable seats.