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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  Bought it new - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Doc W - April 22 - 8:23 am

  Had this car for 9 years and it has been great. Ive owned many European cars and the trick is to follow maintenance strictly. Maintenance is expensive, but cheaper than a car payment, and it looks as classy as 9 years ago.

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  Love my Saab - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By ChuckInReno - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven 120 miles to test drive this car 3 times now, and each time has been a blast. So much so, that Ive ordered one for European delivery to coincide with my summer vacation. If you want a BMW, then buy it. BUT - I test drove the 325 several times, and, maybe its me, but I prefer the distinctive styling of the 9-3. It doesnt look like every any other car, the back seat can fit humans, and it drives great. Im no race-car driver, but the performance of the 9-3 impressed the heck out of me. This is a great all-around sports sedan.

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  Saab Aero is fun - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By RaviSingh - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I have driven a number of European vehicles over the years. The 2000 Saab Aero has definitely been the most fun to drive. After leasing it on a 42 month lease, I have decided to buy out the car. It is ergonomically built for the drivers comfort. Things which others find Quirky such as the ignition in the middle is actually much safer as the key and lock mechanism is known to cause knee injuries. This car has a 230hp engine and goes 0- 60 in around 6 seconds. Excellent safety record, great preformance and outstanding handling.

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  Saab 9-3 SE 4 dr Auto - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By pmcag - April 2 - 4:20 pm

  Bought a 9-3 with 65,000 mi and have been pretty happy. Dont like the auto climate system - defaults to air cond. in summer. Good fuel mileage. Much more power than my accord ex V-Tech. Oil changes are easy. Keeping my fingers crossed that nothing major happens like an engine seizure due to oil pickup getting blocked.

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  I dont get it. - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By magikarp5 - March 30 - 3:14 am

  Just purchased a used 9-3 2004 arc automatic. It has a 100000 miles on it. This is by far the nicest car I have ever driven. I dont understand why the reviews are so mixed on this car. Now you can get a $40000 vehicle for under $10000. All I hear is people complaining about little things on this car. Performance, ride, and looks, three great reasons to buy it. I test drove others in this price range of $8000, nothing came close!

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  i want a brand new 2001 saab wagon - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By m white - March 27 - 10:00 am

  After 138,000 miles with nothing but routine maintenance the turbo just blew. we replaced it and suddenly we have gone from great mileage (41 mpg on the highway) to 45.5 mpg! i love driving this car, i love the manual transmission, the way it handles in snow and wet and the comfy seats. i love the cargo space and the split seats and the heated seats. we drive pets and us to Maine and back every summer and need not to get stuck on the road.- i am thinking we need a new car but dont want to turn this sweet thing in.

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  More Than Satisfied - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By John L. Bell - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I have no reason to tout this vehicle other than to give credit to Saab for building one of the best vehicles I have ever bought. It is a remarkable car in every respect and on a recent trip to MN from my home in FL my computer reflected 33.1 mpg at 2000 rpm. I am totally pleased with this vehicle. It is built like a tank and drives like a Porch, and a fun vehicle to drive, with, or without the top down There is but one item that I just cant like, and that is the standard equipment Radio/AM;FM;CD & Sat. to which I do NOT subscribe. This vehicle was purchased used in AL and was an excellent buy and an outstanding value.Fit and Finish are perfection at its finest. I am a very happy owner.

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  The Best Sedan - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By ss5jeter - March 23 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has great performance, acceloration, handling, and comfort. The rear heated seats and the ventilated seats are great too. It is also very fast when you need to go. This is the best SAAB I ever bought.

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  happy SAAB owner - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By dnf - March 21 - 10:00 am

  You cant beat this cars overall performance and features for the cost (low 30s new). The beauty of the cars styling is in the eye of the beholder ... so, if you like the cars looks, I would highly recommend the 9- 5. I like the fact that not everyone drives a SAAB.

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  Saab Dad - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By jadam2122 - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Super safe, much fun to drive. Makes it cool to be a dad. Little different than everyone elses car. great mix of large doses of drivability and high-end features with moderate cost especially for lease deals.