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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  I love my HO Saab!!! - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Ana - November 28 - 7:10 am

  I come from a family that have owned Saabs before I was born. This is my first Saab. I have had it over a year in Chicago and love it. It performs excellent in the snow. People can actually sit in the back seat. I was planning to keep it for just the summer, but now I cant get rid of it. The only problems have been a headlight and my A/C fan. At my last tune up they said everything looked great. I highly recommend the HO 9-3.

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  the 9-2X is great - 2006 Saab 9-2X
  By MAF-CPD - November 27 - 11:16 pm

  Dollar for dollar, the best car I have owned. In addition, low production numbers (10,000 approx) should aid in holding its resale.

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  1st Saab, not the last - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By New Saab Fan - November 27 - 10:00 am

  For anyone considering a Nissan V6 Altima/Maxima, even a V6 Accord or Camry; this car is definately worth a test drive. Saab always offers factory incentives that effectively reduce the MSRP LOWER than these LESSER cars. The 9-3 with 5-speed is selling around $24- 25K USD. The price of a fairly loaded V6 Altima is $28K and your stuck with an Altima. The Saab 9-5, contrary to what most believe, start around $28-29K with the incentives. Both are worth the time of a quick test drive.

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  Great Value - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By jsh1120 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Looking for a non-SUV, sporty, hauler there were three finalists: Saab 9-5, Volvo V70, and 2005 Subaru Legacy. Saab won out on price/value. Close to the Subaru in performance, better mileage than others, classy and comfortable interior. $8500 off msrp sealed the deal. Build quality and fit/finish are excellent. Kick to drive. Enormous cargo capacity, largest of the three. Great drivers car. Excellent passenger accommodations front and rear. All in all, an exellent value that remains distinctive in a world of look- alike SUVs. In-dash cupholder is a joke, and not a good one. Additional cupholder in center console is even worse.

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  Gas Mileage - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Thayer - November 17 - 11:56 pm

  This car has the feel and handling of a car that costs 10K more. I read much about the sound system being sub- par and went in with the plan of replacing it with a top notch system... truth is it is fine just get the primium sound package. The turbo makes the steep passes here in Colorado seem like hills and the increased elevations have zero effect on its power (again the turbo). The car does not burn off the line but at about 40-50 hold on. Handling superior to the Volvo 60, roomier than the Audi 4 and options dont kill your pocket book like the Mercedes C class.

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  Hidden Secret - 2008 Saab 9-5
  By john - November 14 - 1:36 am

  This is a great car that no one knows about. Ive owned BMW, Audi and VW, and the Saab, for the money, beats them all! GM should leverage this company for more of its designs in this fuel conscious age. After incentives, etc., this car is nearly $17,000 less than a BMW or Audi! Plus it has a GREAT warranty and nice options. If you want a nameplate, look elsewhere, but anyone that wants a solid and practical car should look at SAAB. I just wish GM would market them better!!

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  Exellent Value - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Markart - November 13 - 2:10 pm

  If you like the proven reliability of a Subaru and Saab styling this Saabaru is a great buy.

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  So far, so good. - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By JK - November 13 - 11:13 am

  Picked up a 9-3 from the factory in Sweden. Highly recommended for the experience and the savings. I compared the 9-3 to the Audi A4 and BMW 3 series. Ultimately chose the Saab because I knew friends who loved their Saabs and my previous car was an entry level model that got me in to a nicer car, but lacked most of the features which makes driving nice cars worthwhile. With all the options I wanted the other cars were close to 40K, e.g. real leather is an pricey extra on 3 series. The 9-3 Arc with nearly all the options came in just above 30K. So far I love it, the only thing that worries me is finding a good mechanic in a couple of years when things inevitably break.

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  One great Saab! - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Guy - November 11 - 6:26 pm

  As a repeat Saab owner, the logical choice was to see what the new line-up had. Coming from a 9-5 I felt the 9-3 was an equal in quality and had a fresher look to the dated 9-5. The SportCombi 9-3 was a winner. The car is a hoot to drive and I know that Saab has built a very reliable car here thats stylish. Good going GM and Saab.

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  Aero is the best - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By NCAlan - November 10 - 7:16 am

  Got my Aero used from the official dealership here in Canada and so far quite satisfied. Had some initial electric problems like broken CDchanger but its being fixed by the dealership. Otherwise this is the best car I ever owned. Drove it already for around 8,000km during last 2 months, mostly highway driving, and Aero performs extremely well on the high- speed. Overtaking is a blast, and acceleration, even with the automatic transmission, puts that nice smile on your face. Sport mode is must on the freeway. Aero drives and handles like a small sports car providing comfort of the luxury sedan. In my opinion exterior styling of the Aero model is a work of art that stands out of the crowd.