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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  Nice ride! - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By cuncannanm - January 9 - 10:00 am

  As I am new to Saab ownership, I couldnt be happier. My little silver baby has plenty of GO - I do a lot of highway driving and can get from 70 mph to over 100 in a blink. The solid constuction feel is impressive. At cruising speed the car wraps itself around the driver, making long trips a joy.

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  Love It - 2007 Saab 9-7X
  By jrubel - January 9 - 12:16 am

  This car is better than I imagined. Great performance, styling, and comfort. I get a ton of compliments on the car and I am surprised not to see more on the road.

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  Swedish Marvel - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By Hugh Garnett - January 6 - 12:03 pm

  I drive over 65,000 miles per year, mostly highway, and this is the best road car made--superb handling, braking, acceleration (turbo), amazing gas mileage (31+), comfortable heated seats, auto climate control, the best sound system Ive heard, and air bags in side doors as well as front. Ive got two other Saabs (900S)with over 400.000 miles as well as a 1999 Saab 9-5 with 168,000 miles. These cars are made to last, the 4 cylinder engine is the best ever made and the body and paint are very durable. What more could one want?

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  WHAT a car!!! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Marc F - January 2 - 10:00 am

  One of the most fun to drive cars Ive ever owned. Saab got it right this time! Went from Saab SE convertible into this sedan thinking it might be a downgrade, was I wrong!! This car is tighter, has less torquey steering, better appointments, better sound system, the list goes on and on! Beats my wifes BMW from the line and to the finish too!

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  My Saab - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By joan kent - December 28 - 5:56 am

  The car is very spacious, nicely appointed and fun to drive. The styling of the car both exterior and interior is very tasteful. The car has some ingenious accessories that can be purchased for storage.

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  Steel Gray Beauty - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Ric C - December 26 - 10:00 am

  A wonderful car to drive. The Turbo has been improved and the 205 hp engine has plenty of power. I live in Utah and it takes the mountains with ease. The Saab $269 per month lease is incredible. The rent charge is under $14 for three years. Basically a 0% interest 3 year loan. I will purchase this car at the lease end. It will be worth about $2000 more than I paid for it.

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  Cant beat the value! - 2009 Saab 9-7X
  By NewSaabist - December 21 - 2:36 pm

  I just recently purchased a new 9-7x. I have to say that I would not have looked at this vehicle if I had to pay the sticker price of $43,000, but with $17,000 in rebates and other incentives this vehicle is a great value. I already have a Trailblazer so I am familiar with the platform. As you might expect the Saab is much nicer on the inside and has much better handling. The only knock is the fuel economy but I knew this from the Trailblazer. If you can get the rebates and incentives and youre in the SUV market, I think this SUV is worth a look.

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  love my saab - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By pootzes - December 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun and comfortable car to drive, even for long distances. I never feel exhausted after a long trip. I always feel sporty driving it, even though it is a wagon. This is my fourth Saab and although I have enjoyed each of them, this is my favorite because of the comfortable luxury.

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  Impreza Owner Goes Saab 9-2 Linear MS - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Eclem - December 20 - 10:10 am

  I bought the 9-2 Linear manual shift BECAUSE it was built by Fuji Heavy Industries who builds Subaru Imprezas. Ive owned 2 Imprezas and they are the best car I know of if you need a tool to go in all conditions and have fun. With rebates the 9-2 cost same as a comparable Impreza, but much better looking, much quiet, more precise handling, side airs, cruise, sun-roof, heated seats, mirror and wiper defrosters ... most stuff not available on Impreza. Add in the far superior warranty and free service and loaners ... had to go with the Saab.

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  Turned down 2008 model for this 2007 one. - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By smokythediesel - December 18 - 12:28 am

  I bought my 2007 in 2009 with 22K on the odometer. I now have exactly 55555miles on it. It has an automatic transmission with manual mode. A few days after purchase at a local GM dealer the wind deflector (plastic cover under the front of the car) disintegrated taking out right fender cover with it on the highway. Same day I had bought all covers and hardware at different local Cadillac dealer. Installed it myself and noticed that the old cover (pieces of it) was new (paper still attached to it) and had only half the required screws installed. I already knew the dealers are criminals, so I do my own maintenance on all of my cars. This was the only problem I had with my saab 9-3. I love it!