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 low profile sports sedan - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By bruce - September 9 - 6:10 am

  After over 3 years and nearly 60,000 miles, I have no complaints about the car other than the poor resale value vs its competition. It handles nicely with the sport pkg, feels safe on the road, looks great in red, and always gets compliments. It has had a few minor electrical glitches but all were fixed under warranty, and one was fixed out of warranty due to a recall. Sure, theyre not Hondas, but they do stand behind them. This is just about the safest affordable vehicle on the road when you factor in handling, braking, crash tests, curb weight, airbags, etc. Road noise is a little higher than some luxury brands, but its not bad. A great used car bargain due to low resale value.

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  2003 Saab 9-5 Aero - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Mr. B - September 7 - 2:06 pm

  It took a long time for me to decide to purchase my Aero. I always loved the styling and didnt ever really hear anything horrible about them. Now that Ive put about 6,000 miles on the car including some spirited road runs, stop and go Milwaukee driving, a 345 mile jaunt to the U.P of Michigan, and the late night trek to the grocery store, Ive found the car to be responsive, sure-footed, very smooth, comfortable, and suprisingly reliable. I take care of my autos and this one really seems to have a lot going for it. My only hang up with the car is the cost of parts and labor, when you need it. I havent run into any issues with my Aero yet, but I anticipate that when and if I do, its not gonna be pretty. Thank God for warranty work.

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  Questionable build quality - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Ken S. - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 1999 Saab 93SE two months ago. So far, the A/C has been charged three times and no one can figure out why it is blowing the freon out of the pressure reease valve. The engine started leaking coolant and oil from the head gasket. I get a sulfur smell from the tailpipe at times. The power antenna no longer goes down all the way. The dash turn signal indicators sometimes dont work. Or sometimes they stay on when the turn signal is off. The passenger side headlight wiper is coming loose. The car has way too many interior rattles and creaks for a car in this class. And it is out of warranty with 54K on it. I want my Acura back.

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  Bad Suspension noise - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Cobalt714 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  The suspension noise on my SAAB has made me CRAZY. SAAB has no fix for it yet. Its a Klunking noise upon suspension compression and de-compression. I was onced asked if there was something wrong with my transmission because of the noise!

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  9-5 areo - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By Wohlf - September 2 - 10:00 am

  The car has been perfect. Not a single thing has broken. I have not even had an adjustment for the dealer to make. The dealer experience is exceptional. I dont pay for anything when it come to regular maintenance every 10k. I get a loaner and the car is done when it is suppose to be. Lots of space and versatility.

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  Useful and fun! - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By sportsmom - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Replaced my Toyota Camry wagon with the smaller Saab last year. Very fun to drive and extremely comfortable - I spend a lot of time in my car between commuting 35 miles each way to/from work and driving two hockey playing kids all over New England. Have had no mechanical problems and car gets good mileage - over 27 mpg combination of highway and city driving.

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  back again - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By spot - September 2 - 10:00 am

  This is my second 9/5. Had a 2001 and loved it. The 2002 is a little softer visually and doesnt have the same edge as the 01 did. Many improvements between the two years though. Ive enjoyed now having an auto vs. stick. The sport mode really makes a difference.

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  Saab 2.0T - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By DH - September 1 - 11:56 am

  This car is fun to drive, handles well in the snow and has some nice luxery components. The steering is resonsive and the mid-range acceleration is peppy. The overall interior quality is on the lower end, but still nice. The cabin is surprisingly roomy with a nice trunk and fold down rear seats for extra storage space.

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  Great Car at Any Price - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Demetri - August 29 - 10:36 am

  I feel sorry for those Saab owners whove had a bad experience with their 9-3. Ive owned the car almost two years and have been completely happy with it. The Linears motor puts out 175hp, but with a low curb weight (for this segment) and the great-shifting 5sp, I can get off the line quick enough for most situations. Great gas mileage (27 mpg mixed), plenty of back seat room for our 3 kids, massive trunk, and Saabs unbeatable safety rating. The important stuff is all standard - traction control, dynamic stability control, brake assist, 8 air bags, etc etc. My wife likes it so much, were getting her the 9-3 Sport- Combi and ditching our minivan.

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  sweet - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By bob saab - August 26 - 2:00 am

  2 weeks old love it