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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  I miss my Swede Racer =*( - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By aeropower - March 4 - 2:20 pm

  sold my 06 9-3 Aero Aug 2013 & replaced it w/a 2009 2.0T for fuel efficiency & I regret it every day. The 2.0T is plagued w/sensor probs that throw the car into limp home mode. Bought my 2.0T in Nov w/69k miles & its been in the shop 2X & will be going again next week. Ive only put 2500 mi on it. But I digress, this review is for the 06 Aero. The car was perfect for me. Sold it with 116k mi & it was still running beautifully. Needed a new radiator & some minor suspension repairs but the car still moved like it did when i bought it w/31k mi in 2008. Selling the 2.0T to look for another 06 Aero with the button dash. Feel like I gave up a child in August. haha

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  My fabulous Saab - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By lislewis - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Its so much fun to drive. The turbo gives me a six cylinder boost without having to pay the extra gas that a six cylinder would cost. It handles wonderfully in all weather (Ive never driven it in snow). Its solid and luxurious and sporty all at once. Ill probably get another Saab when my lease is up.

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  Fun drive no goofy styling - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By jon - March 2 - 12:03 pm

  The 9-2x is a Subaru Impreza we all know that. However, it shares components from the WRX a cult followed vehicle for its fun drive and good performance. The Saab offers the same features as the best WRX on all models of the 9-2x. The syling is much improved over the Subaru especial the 2.5 sport model of the the outback or whatever. With discounts from dealers it is not to much more then the subaru but is much better in fit and finish in small details. A better performer then the Impreza. Equal to the WRX if you opt for the turbo and a nice in between if you get the linear.

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  Best car ive owned - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By hanley - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Overall, this car is a great driving experience. It offers the speed of a high performance car, and the safety associated with Swedish designed cars. Truly love driving this car !

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  So far so good - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By FitnessCC - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Six weeks into owning the Arc, and I enjoy driving it more and more....The ride and handling are exceptional. Performance is very good, but definite turbo lag takes some getting used to. Had early problem with a couple of stalls in stop and go situations, but either break-in or dealer "reprogramming" seems to have corrected the problem. I think the car looks (and works) as good as the BMW 3-series, for thousands less. Interior is very comfortable for a car this size.

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  Pretty good - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Ac Cars - February 27 - 8:30 pm

  Wow. Thats all I can say. Wow. I mean its a pretty good car. Actually its great, its turbocharger, its performance...

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  Was thrilled at first. - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By John - February 24 - 7:50 pm

  I bought this car 10/04 with 39,000 miles on it. I got if for a good price and was thrilled. In five months of ownership, Ive spent $3,500 in repairs. BEWARE, all Saabs esp. for models years 99-01 have an inherent problem with their electronic distributors. They fail regularly and cost $450+ per distributor to replace (theres 2 on the V6). Its a great car and fun to drive, but OOH THE COST TO FIX! You shouldnt have to carry a spare distributor in the trunk as many Saab owners have taken to doing.

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  Disappointed and waiting... - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Dissappointed ,,, - February 22 - 5:10 pm

  First off a very nice car to drive top up or down. However I have had a recurring air bag malfunction error message displayed on the info center. I have taken to dealership on five different occassions. Dealership directed me to contact Saab and has recommended that vehicle be return to manufacturer however I am still waiting. Car purchased in August 05 and as of today it has been in dealership for repair for over 50 days. Saab has agreed exchange vehicle for 2006 which has a lower price and they dont feel that I need to be compensated for the difference or aggravation. No policy to satisfy the customer. Great ride when I have it...

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  Very satisfying car - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By MJ - February 21 - 3:56 am

  This is a really nice car to drive. Its responsive, controlled and quick. From a dead stop the acceleration is normal but it has great passing power - which is really what you need. It accelerates from 40 to 65 (or more, if you dare) in a heartbeat! The ride is stiff (Aero) but very tight. Its very comfortable (Aero seats) and the power convertible top works great. No noticeable decrease in headroom. Still has trunk room with the top down. Stereo is good - sound is very true to actual.

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  A Unique, soulful car - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By beau - February 19 - 3:46 am

  The last of the current Saab models thatactually has that Saab look. A unique car that you dont see dozens of while driving. Sturdy build, fun to drive,with lots o space.