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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  Its pretty, its fun, its unreliable - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Broke in RI - November 14 - 5:36 pm

  I bought my Saab wagon used in 2005. I drive less than 12,000 miles a year, and it has spent way more time in the shop than I care to tally. Oil leak, timing belt pulley, water pump, gas line recall, turbo, wouldnt start when the seasons changed, hatchback handle, drivers side window, passenger window, broken shift cover, seriously too many to list. And the cost to fix is way more than anything Ive ever owned! It was love at first drive, but I cross my fingers every time I go to start it, and every time I hear a rattle. Im far too friendly with my local mechanic. He knows my voice when I call on the telephone before I even identify myself. Do not be lured in by the fun ride!

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  Very Expensive after Warranty - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Robert - November 13 - 12:00 am

  The car has been a great driving machine. Thats the good. The bad... right off the start, the car was in the shop numerous times for electrical issues. The sunroof would not close properly, the windows would not go up, and other misc. electrical issues. At least they were covered by warranty. Now, out of warranty, I have the car in the shop at this very moment for the belt and tensioner to be replaced, the solenoid, the filter, and to check the coolent system. $1200. Now they just called me and said that the radiator needs replacement at a cost of $1100. The car has been disappointing in the repairs area. I have also had to have the brakes and rotors replaced at 40,000 miles.

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  My 2nd one in 4 years - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By danncas - November 11 - 6:56 am

  This is my 2nd Saab 9-3 in the past four years. I really love the new combi with the V6 turbo. Both of my Saabs are loaded Aeros. This is one fun car to drive and very comfortable. I find that the rear set is roomier then Volvo S60, BMW 3, and Audi A4. The Saab has more features that are not even offered in the others.

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  Hot Hatchback - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Aaron Moore - November 10 - 6:01 pm

  I have the 4 door standard transmission version. It is a very powerful car for the price I paid and climate control works great. There are a few interior problems though. The pixels on the head unit have virtually faded away so you cant make out the time and radio stations. Not a big deal though. One other problem is that the driver side door lock made a terrible noise when it locks and sometimes wont even lock when it is cold out. The alarm system works great after learning first hand. Overall no major engine or other mechanical problems.

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  A Good Safe Used Car Value - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By saabsrok - November 6 - 6:10 pm

  5 Sp Aero; My 4th Saab, 3rd Aero. Bought used on ebay w/43K miles and saved big. Now at 110K, even came with a 3 yr warranty. Car has been trouble free for the most part, stranded me once when gas line broke which was later part of a recall. I cant suggest buying new as Saabs depreciate like a rock. Easily get +31 MPG & +500 per tank during mostly highway miles. In the winter these cars really rock especially with 16" Toyo winters. This is one of the best FWD Sport Utility Vehicles out there!

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  So much potential but alas !! - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Dave - October 15 - 8:10 pm

  2002 9-3 SE auto hatch with 125K. Loads of power in a practical package - especially in Sport mode. Best drivers seat ever! Would be a keeper but for constant repairs (antenna mast; squeaky brakes; center exhaust pipe; shocks; CPS; alternator; etc etc) and premium gas! Thank goodness the new engine cassette was a recall! Too bad, I guess they were right when they said SAAB stands for Swedish Auto Always Broken. 2009 Mazda 6 or Accord will take the 9-3s place in the garage. Sushi for herring I guess.

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  06 SportsCombi - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Matt Severson - October 12 - 3:06 pm

  What a fun car to drive. Expecting our first baby and wanted safety first and foremost in a wagon. Tired of SUV. Considered the Volvo V70 and XC70 but didnt have the same "fun" quotient. We had a Saab 9-3 convertible before and had always been impressed by its torque at low RPMs. The 9-3 Sports Combi did not disappoint. We were hooked after the first drive. The redesign suspension makes handling superb. I love that it has full complement of airbags including curtain airbags. Gets good gas mileage, is fun and unique to drive. Would like to have gotten the 9-5 but its in desperate need of a redesign.

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  Gas milage much better than advertised - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By keith - October 10 - 10:56 am

  I have owned my Saab for over 3 years. Bought it used with 16k and have added another 30k. Have spent zero on maint. Except oil changes. Gas mileage is rated 17 city and 26 highway but I get 33 highway and 28 in mixed driving, not sure how to measure city. No complaints so far. Love the rear parking sensors. Have an aero with spoiler so still looks good although over 5 years old. Sport seats are comfortable. You feel the road which I like but my wife hates. Also rides low (same like/hate). Harman Kardan sound is good but not amazing. Trunk roomy. Cant complain. I know resale is low, but will prob. Give to my son at some point and I only paid $22k used so not too worried

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  Minor issues but love it! - 2007 Saab 9-7X
  By Carl Sanders - October 6 - 9:06 am

  When I first bought the truck I had to replace all of the brakes and rotors as they had rusted out from being driven in the north with all of the salt they put out for the snow. I also had to replace the factory tires at 30,000 miles but other than those minor maintenance issues it has been a great vehicle. People are always impressed by the way it looks and say they never knew Saab made an SUV. I like that it is a unique model and I never see anyone else driving my truck. I would probably not recommend it to anyone though because of the horrible gas mileage as they can probably find something that looks just as good but with better gas mileage.

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  Fabulous Car! Terrible cup holders! - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By Mike Hoggan - October 4 - 4:33 pm

  Love exterior design of our 95. Not a lot of them on the road, so its unique and gets a lot of attention. The 2.3 L turbo is thrilling powerhouse with excellent excelleration, especially in Sport mode. Handling terrific, color, quality & design of interior materials great. But some wind noise and annoying rattle that has developed in moon roof that dealership service now tells us is common problem with 95 but very annoying in car this price - we are determined this will be fixed.