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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  Great Convertible - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Andrew - August 22 - 12:56 am

  I purchaced my SAAB in 2006 with 50000 miles. The car now has 85000 and has had few problems besides routine repairs (front brakes, new battery, tires) the only problem I have had is the digits burning out on the Saab Information Display (SID). I sent the unit away for inexpensive repair and have had no further problems. I change the oil regularly and use synthetic. The car is fun to drive, convertible hood works well. Great engine. Sufficient power from the turbo. The suspension is not as good as the 3 series BMW but on the whole I am very pleasd. The car depreciates rapidly intitially making it a great used car bet.

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  Saab 9-3 Auto - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Robertsc - August 21 - 10:00 am

  JUst leased a saab 9-3. The computer system is a bit confusing, and the ventilation system is not quite as good as the one on my 98 outback. Overall I enjoy driving it, auto is smooth, sound system is great. Small rattle in passenger side door. overall a pretty good car.

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  Engine Failure - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By SaabingStu - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car used with about 45K on the clock. Had for 3.5 years and put about 70K miles on it. Always ran synthetic oil, maintained the car very well, and the engine has failed at just 116K miles. Very disappointed, as I really enjoyed this car, and it was my second Aero, and now have a worthless car. I dont think Ill ever buy another one. also, very frustrating is the digital display always goes out on these things.

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  Love this car! - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By notasoccermom - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought my wagon to replace/upgrade from my Honda wagon. Absolutely love this car! I put on about 250 miles/week commuting, plus errands. Seats are extremely comfortable, ride is quiet, automatic turbo is quick off the light. Did have a problem with the turbo at 20K miles; dealership fixed it under warranty and didnt cost me a dime. Not good in snow, much to my surprise - have to get snow tires. Even so, my husband has a brand new SUV; I much prefer my car over his (except in the snow).

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  Too bad - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By JDR - July 31 - 8:20 am

  Good looks and safe car. The best seats for comfort hands down. The sad part, I have to boost the car every 6 weeks or so. Gone several times back to dealership, changed battery 3 times, changed steering lock mechanism, headlight bulbs burn every 4 months. Of course it never starts when I need it most! I.e., leaving on a trip to Florida with car fully packed with luggage and family, turn the key. No start! Call AAA for boost. What a pity. Cannot trust that the car will start! Fuel consumption in city driving is high for a 4 cyl, on the other hand highway fuel consumption is really good! I since sold the car as I will not pay premium price for a car that will leave me stranded!

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  Most reliable - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By YEO - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Despite friends disbelief that I can buy a GM, I have found the car to be one of the most reliable that Ive owned (VW Jetta, Volvo 850, Subaru Legacy). Poor resale value means much better value for money on a used vehicle.

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  Tough to beat at the price - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By redk - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought the 2003 9-3 for almost $5000 below MSRP because the dealer was in a hurry to get rid off the 2003 models to make room for the 2004s. Four weeks into the ownership, I love this car - It is fun to drive, gets excellent gas mileage, and looks cool. The brakes are phenomenal and features galore. If you are considering a car in the 25 - 30K range, this car should be at the top of your shopping list.

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  Saab 9.3 - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By wgstatenj - June 21 - 4:30 pm

  Leased Vehicle after top scores regarding safety scores. Handling and comfort will not dissappoint any driver. Turbo lag although is evident and needs to be addressed. This is a common complaint. Interior design of arm rest, use of power door locks are annoying. Cell phone options on steering wheel are not functional as Saab offers no phone accessaries.? Driven for 12k, glad to have stability control and safety features. Turbo lag is major issue and if not addressed in future model I would not lease/purchase another.

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  Flying ace... - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By 9 3 owner - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I have a lot of mixed emotion about this car. It can be a pleasure to drive. Acceleration, comfort and feel are all good. It is expensive to maintain and has had its share of minor problems. No major flaws however. The change over to a hydrolic clutch is a vast improvement over the previous model but it still feels like the clutch plate may be small for the weight of the vehicle. i.e. It commonly lugs starting the car on an incline and wants you to feather the clutch out.

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  Great Car - Poor Build Quality - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By Mark T - June 13 - 10:00 am

  The car came off the assembly line with a squeek over the right rear door. Glassman Saab has been great, working to fix the problem several times. They tell me there is a missing weld on the over the door handle. They fix it but it always comes back. Other than that, I love the car. But to drive a car with a squeek for 3 years is really irritating. Dispite this I will give the new 9-3 a look.