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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  Sleeper car - 2007 Saab 9-5
  By saab driver - June 9 - 8:26 pm

  This car is a Q ship. It has more power than a lot of other cars in the same price range, handles like a dream, and is very reliable. Who cares if it hasnt had a major restyling in nine years? They got it right then. Very solid, quiet, great stereo, and pretty good on gas too, not to mention crashworthier than a lot of coveted Japanese cars.

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  No justice for one of the finests cars.. - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By fedomg - June 8 - 10:00 am

  When the test drive of the Aero here in Mexico no vendor was at the time and one of the mechanics came with me. We both were atonished. Acceleration is incredible, handling in curves is equal to none and the ride quality, even with the tunned suspension, is absolut comfort. Also tested the 330iA. Just said, "..thanks, but I will have the Saab". Not many 9-5 (neither 9-3s) can be seen in Mexico, so this is realy a head turner. BMWs are now in every corner. What most impreses me is that Saab was not even in my third choice (also considered the A4 and Volvo S60) and almost got unnoticed, if not given the advise to test drive it by a friend.

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  Go manual tranny.... - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By wingnuttzz - June 6 - 10:10 am

  With the employee discount and dealer incentives, I paid 18.5k for a 25.5k car. I went to Subaru dealer, moonroof and heated seats only avail on sedan version of WRX, not on standard impreza or even the WRX wagon. This car drives like it is on rails. I test frove the auto linear and it was underpowered, (165hp) for a AWD car. 5 speed is fun and optimizes performance. Seats I scotch guarded, only complaint i have is that it came with the crappiest floor mats I ever saw. I am gonna buy the Saab mats, $110 if they dont give them to me. Stereo also lacks punch, but its my wifes car primarily and she doesnt play it loud anyway.

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  2002 Saab 9-5 Aero review - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By nate - June 5 - 6:23 am

  I have owned Saabs my entire life, this being the first "GM" saab. I am pleasantly surprised with the ride/seat comfort on long trips. The handling on the Aero is much better than that of a standard 9-5 turbo that I have driven. And the sound system is amazing. Only thing I do not like is the small amount of storage space. Overall, I am very happy with the car.

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  It may be slow of the line, but... - 2007 Saab 9-5
  By ultimate95aero - June 4 - 2:38 pm

  The pull between 50-120, scary. I had to pass a guy yesterday going around 55mph and had a small time period to do it in. Shifted my automatic into Manual Mode (complete with steering wheel shifters) and put it in "M3" (3rd Gear). I passed him with ease and came up on the car in front of him in no time. Looked down at the speedometer, and I was at 95mph in what seemed like 4 seconds. Once you get the turbo spinning at 100,000 RPM (yes, thats the correct number), the car acceleration is, Ive said it before, scary. I have had only 2 problems, compared to my problem-some Buick, the ignition coils (DIY $179) are very sensitive, and the gas cap ($14.99) needs to be replaced every 50,000 miles.

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  Quick Review - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Mavv23 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Simply put--this is by far the best GM sedan on the market. Moreover, when I matched it against the stiff entry- level luxury class, it was by far the best value for the luxury offered. But,I did have the GM discount--a whopping 3400.

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  Saab- 2002 -9-5 review - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Scott Gault - May 27 - 2:00 am

  The Saab 9-5 combines great performance with safety and comfort. This car is better on ice and snow than my 4-WD truck. The traction control is awesome. Great Mileage and stop in your tracks good looks.

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  Overwhelming experience!! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By LUV4SAAB - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought my new 9-3 Sport Sedan about a month ago, and let me tell you, I wish this car were out 3 years ago!! The styling of this new Saab is outstanding. This is the first Saab Ive owned, and heads are turning as I drive. The power in the Linear model is great. I love the ability to switch from auto to manual for a little more excitement in driving. The sales staff I worked with was phenomenal as well. Ive never had such a positive and honest car buying experience.

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  little car with a lot of heart - 1996 Saab 900
  By Chelie - May 19 - 12:43 pm

  This car is by far one of the safest cars to have out on the road. I was hit on the highway by an 18-wheeler three times, and I walked away from the accident with minor cuts from broken glass. This saab saved my life. Other than small problems (due to lack of maintenance on my end), no major problems at all. I owned it for 6 years, bought it with 101k mikes, and it will now RIP with 168k miles.

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  saab - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By brinckerhoff - May 17 - 10:00 am

  wne to buy an Audi or BMW but drove the Saab once and bought it instead.