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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  The King of Saabs - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By Barry Abella - March 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th saab (2 spgs, 1 9000 aero, and my viggen). I get more people looking at my car then other cars around. In one day I may see 5 BMW M3s but never a viggen. The speed is awsome. Since they stopped making viggens and have no plans to make an Aero soon, the viggen will reign as the king of the saabs in my opinion.

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  Revenge of the Nerd - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By JD94 - February 21 - 8:30 pm

  Remember freshman year of high school, when the nerdiest, scrawniest kid from junior high walked into homeroom, huge with a mustache? Thats what this car reminds me of. At first glance, it looks like a harmless suby impreza wagon, look again, its a wrx, one more peak, is that a saab? The 92x is a great car. It is fun to drive, handles well in all climates, it can get decent gas mileage, and if pushed, can accelerate like a fighter jet. I was trying to explain what it looked like to a coworker, and the first thing that came to my mind was, my car is Mini Me on steroids. But in reality, it is built like a pug and runs like a greyhound.

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  Sporty SUV - 2007 Saab 9-7X
  By berne1 - February 21 - 5:00 am

  Got the 9-7X 5.3i this past June for my wife. We really like the styling, the front end is clean and the lowered suspension gives a sporty look. Definitely a better look than the other platform-mates. Get a lot of compliments as well.

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  The SAAB - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By oscsret - February 17 - 3:06 am

  This is really a great car. The turbo charged 2 liter engine moves it down the freeway with no strain. SAAB incorporates many safety features, some of which would cost you extra on other cars.There is an active head restraint system built into the front seat headrests that I dont think any other car maker includes at all. I am a car nut and I was very impressed when I drove The SAAB for the first time.

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  Value sport - 2007 Saab 9-5
  By Denver Aero - February 15 - 7:50 am

  Great highway cruiser and the new suspension is very adept in corners. Compares in price to the 300 bmw series, but is larger. Ive enjoyed the sport-tuned suspension. Saab owners are used to the higher power band, so no biggie that first gear isnt much. Its a thriller to drive and own. Ive enjoyed it and its surprisingly practical. I have lots of warranty protection, but this build quality is much better than my 96 900SE. No hint of any probs yet. Realistically to get a car 4 people could fit in would cost me $45,000- 50,000 after options.

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  Superb - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Tyler - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Cross shopped with the A4 and 3 Series. Its a real head turner with performance to match. Very tight build quality and mileage is great. As good as a compact executive vehicle can be.

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  Worth considering strongly - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By divyesh - February 9 - 2:30 am

  I purchased this car last year. I have been searching for a small sporty sedan for a while. This has been as close to perfect a choice for me as I have found to date. I traded in a VW Passat for this and dont regret it yet. This car is worth a serious look. There have been no major problems so far at 15,000 miles. Minor problems include: a 6 disc cd changer that jammed and had to be replaced, many of the parchment interior body panels were slightly discolored on delivery, and there are a few rattles predominantly in the door panels (a bit disappointing for a $30,000 car).

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  Great Built Cars - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Purduegemini - February 6 - 4:03 pm

  This is the best car that I have ever owned. I had a problem with some of the pixels going out of my display. I took it to the dealership and they fixed that plus replaced my door handles, seat belts, lug nuts, full maintance, and the list goes on all for free!! Great built cars.

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  PERFECT - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Anne - February 6 - 10:00 am

  I use it for light trips and use the OnStar, its great- travel info, where is ther nearest hotel with an indoor pool? , Onstar in the SAAb can tell you- Have a flat, SAAB roadside assistance or Onstar roadside can help. Car handels great!!! awesome in dry and wet. fun to drive witht he turbo, and its so reliable, # 1 in JD Power and Assc. in Initial quality. Safest car in the world- 9-5 no lie.

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  One heck of a car - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By everynewday17 - February 4 - 1:40 pm

  Buying a used Saab is great for a couple reasons: 1 - The price was great. 2 - The car is amazing. This Saab 9-3 SE is an absolutely fantastic car. It has a premium package (sport susp, better audio, full leather, ACC) and heated seats. The 5-speed shifts smoothly and accleration is excellent. Suspension is quirky, yet entertaining. It handles corners very well. Its absolutely beautiful in black. The hatch has a plethora of room for anything. Rides quietly. Engine noise is really insignificant. Fuel economy is great for a car with its power. No torque steer.