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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  Fun Driving Experience - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Scott - March 19 - 6:00 am

  I purchased my Saab used about 6 months ago. Style is to each his own, but I love the appearance and the feel of owning this car. It has way too many safety and other features to list, but most are very useful. The real winner for me is the joy I get when I drive. The car makes me feel very stable and comfortable. I feel in control. It has what I like to call smooth power. It handles well, and it is just a pleasure to drive. The six speed manual is way fun as well. I had one problem with the drivers window, fixed under waranty. I also have an oil leak which will be looked at tomorrow.

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  Just a Nice Car - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Bob - February 26 - 3:23 pm

  My 9-3 has been very reliable with the only problem a couple of burned out headlight bulbs. The car is quick, quiet, comfortable, safe, nioe looking and extremely fuel efficient. My complaint is the handling. This is NOT the sport sedan Saab makes it out to be. The steering is too light, the suspension is too soft, the car leans excessively in turns and loses traction over any road irregularities. There is plenty of torque steer as well. "Born from Jets", I dont think so.

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  Why is my wife hogging my car? - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By JWF - February 20 - 9:33 am

  Guess mainly because of the inherent reliability. No way is this car gonna leave her stranded. In more than 3 months of owing the Saabie I have not had to open the hood once! And when the time comes for the 1st maintenance service, its gonna be free! Yaayyy! Off course, the GM discount did not hurt either!

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  Sven the Incredible - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By wspcarguy - February 14 - 6:16 am

  I bought my 1999 Saab 9-3 in Sept 99 and have never regretted it. Sven the Saab has never left me high and dry (unless the fuel pump or battery died). Super comfy for all riders and far better MPG than listed on the sticker. Easily averaged over 30 mpg on the hwy.

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  Its a blast to drive - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Rob - February 10 - 6:23 am

  This Aero really MOVES! I cant seem to keep it under 100 mph. Its fun to drive. I looked at the Audi A6 and the Volvo S60R, test drove them all extensively, but the fun factor and interior room in the 9-5 sold me. I wanted a winter worthy car and front wheel drive is, for most practical highway purposes, as useful as AWD. Great gas mileage on the 9-5 to boot. Just watch out for tickets!

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  I see another one about once a month... - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By 3saabmike - February 7 - 4:00 pm

  I love this SUV. I needed an SUV for work as I demonstrate medical equipment and have to carry around equipment that weighs 300 pounds and is about the size of a small dresser, so I looked at the SAAB and was impressed. I had driven a Trailblazer for 100k miles before this and there is no comparison. I like the sophisticated looks and the fact that when it breaks I can take advantage of lower priced GM parts bin stuff. This is the main reason I didnt buy the Cayenne. I am at 40,000 miles right now and nothing has gone wrong. The only thing that wore prematurely were the brake rotors at 22,000 miles, which wasnt bad as it only cost a few hundred bucks to fix.

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  Everything but a cupholder - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By strech - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Really a fun car to drive and own. Have found the engine and ride to be exactly what I was looking for. Capacity is un-matched - holds lots of stuff with the rear seats down = 4 kegs for a family reunion. Wish it had better and more drink holders though.

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  Great Deals on SAAB right now - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By Jean - January 25 - 2:53 am

  I purchased a SAAB yesterday - first time buyer. I am extremely happy with the sales price. The cash rebates are amazing. Coming from a Mini Cooper S, the fun factor is not there since the Mini is so much fun. But the 4 doors and huge space in the trunk and backseat are nice to have again. I feel very safe in the car and it has some get up and go! But the best part is still the price!!

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  2.0T is the way to go - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Daddydriver - January 6 - 12:46 pm

  I have had this car for almost two years so I have good perspective on this car and have had no issues. The turbo charged 4 cylinder offers plenty of power, especially at higher RPMs. Even enthusiasts will enjoy the base 2.0T engine. For max performance and control, I suggest using the manual shift feature with the automatic transmission. I have really pushed this motor to the max and it is equal to the task. The handling is decent for a front driver. The suspension is a little on the soft side during hard maneuvering but is stable. The Saab is a great commuting car, but the backseat is small, especially with an infant car seat.

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  Solid Car - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By MAGICO - January 1 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive, its safe and has respecable performace from a 4 cylinder.