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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  Even better than my first 9-5 Sport Wagon - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By Dave - January 28 - 10:33 pm

  Traded my 2003 9-5 Aero agon on a 2006 SportCombi. This car is more refined and handles more smoothly than my last one. I like the redesigned interior and exterior, and it has increased horsepower. Fun to drive. Comare with any other Euro Wagon. More car, less money.

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  2003 93 - Linear, Auto, Launch, Sunroof - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By aardvarq - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Reviews vary on turbo lag. Expect 1/4 second delay when you punch the gas. Remember that this car has 195 ft/lbs of torque, putting it up with some V6s. It seems to run about 32 MPG HWY. Combination driving is about 25 MPG. Last week I drove the twisties... all I can say is wow, what a confidence inspiring car. When pushed hard, the ReAXS system [??] moves the car as if I were trail braking... an odd sensation at first. The "Sentronic" tranny is very nice coming down the hills. I love my new Saab. If you want good performance, MPG, $, and looks, test drive one.

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  Sweet Motor Car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By SIMONSEZ - January 21 - 10:00 am

  This car rocks! The ARC or Vector 6 spd manual with the high pressure turbo motor is the one to get. Great acceleration from good HP and massive amounts of torque that starts low down and just keeps going! No torque steer to speak of which is simply amazing considering this car accelerates like a scud missile. Safety is second to none and the classy new body style will not date for a long time to come. Interior is sumptious and the seats are extremely supportive and comfortable. The British "CAR" Magazine gave this vehicle 4.5 out of 5 stars, and they are right to do so. With the current rebates available, this car is a steal!

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  Saab 9-3 Convertible - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By tsomers1 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven this vehicle for 25 months, just under 18,000 miles. The fit and finish were flawless; I have not had any non-routine maintenance performed. This car handles very well in turns, has a solid "quality" feel, carries lots of people and gear while retaining a small sportscar look. Great sound system, comfortable seats, excellent top.

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  Confident driving. - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By garyw - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is a joy to drive. The handling, the turbo, and seat support all add up to a great experience. An extra treat are the ventilated seats-- perfect for summer in Texas. Its got the room of a BMW 5 but the price of a BMW 3.

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  Owned Better - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Owned Better - January 10 - 11:30 pm

  The build quality is quite poor. Rattles and noises first in the doors, then the B pillar, and now the dash. They keep accumulating and the dealer just cant get them fixed. Mechanically, the brakes are noisy and the engine has required tweaking to prevent stalling. The center dash mounted computer also has its own agenda. It doesnt keep time or settings correctly.

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  Dont Let Saab Brand Die! - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Bob A - January 4 - 2:26 pm

  Going on nearly 3 years with this car. Totally sweet experience. Comfortable yet sporty ride, nice performance, beautiful inside and out.

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  great fun in a functional package - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By turrrbo - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought used at 78,000 miles. No major problems though small things tend to go wrong sometimes - nothing serious though. Still, definitely excellent value because of depreciation. Smooth ride, some body roll but handling is excellent and steering well-weighted. Turbo is awesome on the highway! Huge trunk. Heated seats wonderful in winter. Love the steering wheel audio controls. Four speed auto shifts smoothly, includes sport and winter modes. Nifty details like cornering lights illuminate turns with blinkers engaged. Overall great car: nimble, powerful, and upscale.

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  Blown away - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Michael Leyden - January 4 - 2:00 am

  This car is just like they say in the commercial. If you drive it, youll want to buy it. I wasnt even looking at cars, let alone Saabs! I wanted to get another truck. But I saw the price that they start at and their look is impeccable and nobody has them. So I test drove it, and I was sold. It drives like a dream, handling every nook of the road with ease. The turbo gives it the performance anyone needs. And since not that many people have them, Im looked at like Im driving a ferrari.

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  Last Saab Owner - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Scott - January 3 - 3:26 am

  Great car to drive but when it runs. Without a doubt the least dependable car Ive ever owned (including a Chevette in college). 52,000 miles and Ive replaced the turbo twice, two oil leaks, digital dash display and the front left wheel bearing. Now, it wont start-jury still out as to why. I bought this car $12k under MSRP new and 3 years into a 5 year note Im still $3k upside down. It seems many people know not to buy this car reflected by its resale, or lack there of. Maybe its the 6-cyl as Saab quite making it. My Saab experience has been unbelievably poor to say the least. RUN!