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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  First time Saab owner - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By Sarah - September 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Saab, I am its 3rd owner and I bought it with 126k on it. Has a brand new turbo, drivers side heated seat does NOT work, I love it dont get me wrong so far so good, fingers crossed I dont rack up some hefty repair bills!

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  Make it more of a Saab! - 2006 Saab 9-2X
  By mdnumber32 - September 22 - 7:16 pm

  I really like this car, and the fact that you dont see them all over the place, however, Saab did almost nothing to make it their own, which is really disappointing for a car company with so much personality. No problems so far after 6 months of ownership. Im just recently finding out that the heated seats get perfectly warm very fast, and I love that theyre paired with cloth upholstery. Ive gone through 4 cars in the past 2 years and this is certainly the most satisfying. The sound system is horrible, and the heat and air cant really be turned up to a very high max (important for super hot and cold days).

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  Fun, but if you like audio, avoid 06 - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By cptab - September 13 - 7:50 pm

  I found this car fun to drive. It is peppy and corners well. Great torque/power. Unfortunately, the overall fit and finish is not great. If you like buttons and knobs, youll love the 06. Though I like the heads up display on the 06, it renders the dashs radio display almost 100% irrelevant. Apparently, the H-up display was removed for 07. The 300w Infotainment system (w/o nav.) on the 2006 Aero is a joke. The power is placed towards the front which renders the rear speakers and subwoofers powerless. The bass is muddled and there is really nothing you can do to replace the system.

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  Great driving car - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By jsima - September 13 - 7:13 am

  Bought it used with 28000 miles. This is a really great driving and performing car. Have had many problems, but all were fixed by dealer under good factory warranty. Gas mileage is very good and performance is outstanding. I get 28 - 30 mpg highway driving on a regular basis. 5 speed

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  Its O.K. - 1996 Saab 900
  By Joe I. - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Owned since 1998, Ive had the LCD display and the radio head replaced once. Also, the heated seats have quit working. The biggest expense so far has been replacing the spark plug wires(about $300, yes $300) and another $450 for labor and the valve gasket that allowed oil to seep and damage the wires. Also, parts are OUTRAGEOUSLY priced, up there with BMW and Mercedes. The ride and handling are good and the car is generally fun to drive, and overall I like the car. However, if you are contemplating buying one of these, remember this is not a low-maintenance vehicle. Fortunately, as a used car theyre generally (initially) cheap.

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  Fun to drive - pain to service - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By spidaman - September 7 - 2:30 pm

  Fun to drive, but this car has had some significant service issues. The engine was replaced because coolant was leaking out the tailpipe. The car went into "limp home" mode because of a problem with the transmission. Both of the above were fixed gratis under the warranty (with loaner Saabs included). Beyond the reliability issues, the car is a dream to drive - fun, responsive and handles all weather and road conditions with aplomb. The seats are not as comfortable as past Saabs I have owned, but still a cut above most other cars I have driven.

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  No Competition in SAFETY - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By MichaelG - August 31 - 2:00 am

  When spending this kind of money I like a car that I do not see everywhere which made me choose a SAAB. Have the 9-3 Vector on order in time for the summer, but have drove the arc edition with the same engine 210 turbo which was very impresive. Love the design interior and exterior, the gadgets like the tire pressure monitor. The new 9-3 might not be the best out there in the category with BMW and Audi but it is very close especially with that reaxes system. In the end what made me choose it was the safety, still a young guy so my life is a little more important than the performance of a crap, see everywhere, overated BMW or Audi.

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  Where have the hatchbacks gone? - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By mc - August 30 - 4:33 pm

  I bought this car to travel to bicycle races. I wanted something fast (turbo), with good economy (my car gets close about 30mpg highway), comfortable, and with ample interior space for two bikes. This car fit the bill. I was surprised by how reliable it has been. I bought it used in 2001, with 30K miles, the car now has 110K, and the only things Ive had to fix are the ignition and serpentine belt. Everything else has been pretty routine (like batteries). An excellent car -- and for some reason, BMW drivers try to drag race my wife when shes driving it .. and theyre surprised when the turbo gets going and she drops them. :)

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By drewtoo88 - August 28 - 10:50 am

  Purchased a 2007 9-3 SportCombi 60th anniversary addition in Dec ’09 w/34K mi – now have 67k. Issues: two head lamps replaced for $25. Things to be aware of: Oil changes - 2.0t takes (6) quarts of synthetic oil only, so $100 every 6.5K miles will add up and it only takes premium gas. Gas mileage - City 21, Highway 27 = average around 23. Full tune up at 60K = $700 (dealer $1k).

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  Happy Driver of this 6000 lber - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By MangoOTK - August 23 - 5:36 pm

  The primary motivation for this end of year purchase was that it met certain tax write-off requirements of 6000lbs. We were considering the RX330 from Lexus pretty seriously, but it wasnt heavy enough. Were more than satisfied with the power and ruggedness of the drivetrain. We havent had it in the mud yet, but hope to see some late-season (calif) skiing. The vehicle turns a lot of heads and generates much interest in a sea of BMW X5s, Lexus and Navigators from people who are amazed that it is a Saab. The cons: Gas mileage is below average at about 14MPG. But hey, we can tow a boat or trailor. Fit and finish were a little rough on the interior, but Im a detail guy.