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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  Who needs an SUV? - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Indiana driver - February 16 - 2:00 am

  As a three time SUV owner, I never expected to own a wagon, much less to actually like driving one. This car is actually fun to drive! I love the smooth delivery of turbo power, and the solid, stable ride. On snow covered roads, this car is outstanding. This is the best car I have ever owned. I would highly recommend it to anyone who needs a vehicle with good hauling capacity, with an eye for style and comfort.

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  turbos rule - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By red65olds - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought this certified used Saab from local dealer, who replaced turbo at 42K under warranty. Since then the car has driven like a dream. Drive around town in the "sport" mode for great launches and the feel of a much more powerful car--and dont pay for it at the gas pump. I test drove a used Acura TL a while back, just out of curiosity, and it felt a bit numb. Got back into the Saab and it was like driving a Euro hotrod. I feel involved when I drive this car. I might have qualms about some of the interior fittings, and the suspension is sometimes creaky in the cold, but when this car is right, it is very right.

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  Pure Excitement - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By SaabU - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I recently went out on a limb by buying the new Saab 9-3 Linear without having ever owned a Saab before. All I can say is that I feel there is no better choice that I could have made! The interior is original and the "Nightpanel" feature is awesome for touring in the Smoky Mtn. National Park at night... Through my job, I drive over 50 different makes and models of 03,04, and now 05 model cars and I have found none that match the quality and performance of my new Saab. Buy one, youll be glad you did.

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  Regrets, my last Saab - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By Egmontgirl - February 6 - 5:40 pm

  This is my second Saab and regretfully my last. The first (1995 conv) had massive battery/electrical/conv. problems and this one needed a new engine. This model has a newly found defect that Saab calls "engine sludge." They are covering this problem under the warranty but beware it decreases performance until you take it in or until it strands you on the highway. I have finally decided that it doesnt make sense for me to pay the upgrade for a performance vehicle when the performance deteriorates. Alas, it is all under warranty but the fact that it needed a new engine is going to really hurt my resale value. Ive loved these cars eventhough they proved to not be worth the luxury pricetag.

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  Do Not BUY A SAAB!!! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Saab Consumer - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I was thrilled when I bought my new Saab 9-3. Less than a month into this car, all hell broke loose! So much for a reliable car, in less than 10 months my car has been in the shop 23 times. Saab Corporate has refused to buy the car back stating that is has to break at least once more to qualify under the Lemon Law. Go to BMW, Audi...anywhere, but to a Saab, trust me, I widh I had!

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  SAAB owner once more... - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Jason 9-5 Aero - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I previously drove a 1988 SAAB 9000T, and Im delighted that this new SAAB lives up to the SAAB standards for safety, performance, efficiency, and comfort. The Aero variant is perhaps the best- kept secret in the automotive universe; its 0-60 time of 6.5 sec and top speed of 155 mph outperforms most rivals, and its extremely comfortable, as well. The 5-speed manual is superb; clutch effort is light, and the gearshift just falls into place during double-clutch downshifts... bravo! Torque steer is simply not an issue; theres none whatsoever. The car just pulls and pulls, even in the rain! Fantastic OEM Michelin Pilot Primacy tires.

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  Germany take notice! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By wubba - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I wish the last guy/gal who rated it a 1.0 (and drove down the overall ratings) would admit they are working for BMW. Ill wave bye-bye as I pass youre ass on the autobahn. ...Test-drove the 3, IS300, A4 and C class, if you like DRIVING a car visit you local SAAB dealer.

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  Saabalicious - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Vincent - February 1 - 9:03 pm

  What can I say. I have been after this car for a while, but being educated, I waited a bit to make sure it is at its peak for the particular model. Best car I have ever owned, even over its German counterparts. Will continue to own Saabs as long as I am alive.

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  Love my - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By bunkyP - January 30 - 10:00 am

  By far the funnest car Ive driven. I have not had any problems with rattles as previous posters have mentioned. I have experienced the "clunk" noise backing out of my driveway, but am 99% certain that it is just the hangers for the exhaust system moving. Its really no big deal. Dealership experience was excellent - they take care of you (free car wash coupons around town, discounted service coupons, accessories, etc.). Only 8K miles so far, but if overall reliability is good, the next car I buy will buy a 9-5!

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  Lindys Review - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Lindy 9-3 - January 30 - 10:00 am

  Beautiful car. Very speedy. Does hitch a bit a lower speeds. Interior comforts abound. Dials/switches could be clearer.