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 92 [WR]x - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By abam - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Anybody out there get the feeling that this is a WRX in other clothing? Have a look at the Subaru Imprezza Wagon. Coincidence that Saab releases a 2.0L, awd *boxer* engine turbocharged wagon made in Japan? The WRX is great, but how is this a SAAB?

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  Fun lively ride - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Speedy - July 6 - 9:36 pm

  I have no complaints about car, turbo acceleration is flawless, overtaking is amazing and I have only 2.0t!!! Just overall sexy!! My only problem is airbag light, but I will get that fixed.

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  Im totally a snaab now. - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Sean - July 6 - 12:06 am

  I bought this car used with 43,000 miles on it. I did a lot of research into Saabs, Volvos, and VWs before I decided to purchase this car, and believe I made a very good decision. I have had absolutely no problems with the car other than normal wear and tear issues (new front brakes/pads, new tires) and it has totally exceeded my expectations. It handles great in all types of weather and has only gotten stuck in the snow once. I have never felt safer in a car, and even though its kind of a little guy, I feel like I have a substantial car around me when I drive. I would recommend Saab to anyone as long as you get a good dealership to take it to for service.

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  Like the car very much but... - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By kb - July 2 - 5:06 am

  Second SAAB purchased. First a 1995 900s. I like it so much I thought I will buy another. The 1999 95 is a sweet machine!!! Fast, comfortable, safe, quiet with a lot of storage and it looks good sitting in the garage which is usually where it is cause it hardly ever runs. Before 100,000 miles 2 turbos, water pump, alternator, crank sensor, battery, engine temp sensor, transmission safety switch. Check engine goes on and off so does transmission light. Nobody knows why. I researched web taken to repair centers. I am a certified mechanic. It is stuck out front of the house useless as usual. Spent over $3000 in last 20,000mi and still broke again.

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  Fly Saab Air! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Kevin - June 28 - 10:20 pm

  A hidden gem discovered at an auto show while looking at competing convertibles! Fun to drive with top up or down, as car handles very well, slicing from lane to lane, and the 2.0T Turbo seems to have more than the 210 hp as hp and torgue is right where you need it, especially 50-70 MPH when passing. Great styling especially with top down which quickly shows its design as a convertible, not a coupe with roof cut off. And excellent value too, with options and features, out the door price makes this a better value than a BMW or Audi. If you are considering these convertibles, do yourself a favor and at least drive the Saab too!

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  Fun to drive - more power than expected - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By sonicsunspot - June 20 - 10:00 am

  I was not looking for a Saab when I fell in love with this car. I was looking to get into a Mercedes C240 or a BMW 325, but the salesman mentioned the Saab was worth a test drive. I said "what the hell" and the next thing I know I was putting money down on the Saab to hold it. This car is really a joy to drive and I was really surprised with the power from a 4 cylinder. Plus I saved $10K. Saab is a very under-rated car.

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  2009 9-3 - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By Bill Adams - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Bought my Saab in Dec. 09 and got a steal of a deal. Took it on its first long trip last month 1,800 miles. Fuel economy was excellent (31.8-32.4) on regular gas with cruise at 80 mph. This car drives like a dream however the front seats really need work, our 2010 Jetta has superior seat comfort. This is well made car with a great engine and handling. Although this is my first Saab it may not be the last.

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  2000 Saab 9-3 - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By Zach - May 27 - 2:56 am

  I bought my 9-3 SE with 56k, and a year and a half later I have 85k. It turns out that the Cat. converter was mounted too close to the oil pan, thus overheating it, boiling the oil, and causing the infamous sludge problem! Ive had my car in the shop 3 times to have it brought back to life after losing oil pressure while driving - not good. The oil screen clogs with sludge and is expensive to remove and clean. This makes the engine work harder and I had to have the timing chain replaced - it was too slack. My last saab 9000 is now 15 years old and still going, I thought another would be a good buy, but I was VERY wrong. Stay away form the 00 and 01 9-3se

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  Super Car - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By George Swatman - May 9 - 10:00 am

  There has not been one repair,even a small one, required on this car. The manual transmission is extremely smooth. Plenty of power is always there at any speed. This is lots of space in the interior, much more than in competition, eg BMW 500 or Audi A6. The large Saab has been probably the safest real world car over the years.

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  Never Again - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Sucker1978 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  HUGE MISTAKE! Infotainment system has malfunctioned every three to four weeks requiring another visit to the dealership and a vacation day from work since they arent open evenings or weekends. The parking break release broke, leaving my car stuck and needing a tow. The multifunction computer (distance to empty feature) seldom works. Horn stopped working just 6 months after purchase. I traded in a Passat GLX for this car...I can only plead insanity? Dealership has repaired all malfunctions free of charge and provided me with a loaner (in which I noticed the same problem for which my car was being serviced).