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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  Excellent deal for the money - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By 92xaero - October 28 - 8:16 pm

  Picked up my Aero 5mt early July, 2005 and have already put about 4400 miles on it. The car is a lot of fun to drive and a bargain for the less than $20k that I paid. Engine pulls strongly above 3000rpm and puts a smile on my face every time. Shifter is a little notchy but is getting better with use. Lower gears are spaced a little too far apart which needs them to be revved higher before upshifts for max performance. Interior is spartan by Saab standards, but quite adequate at its price point. Huge selection of WRX aftermarket bolt-on/tuning parts make it very easy to upgrade power and handling at reasonable prices. All in all, an excellent ride at a very affordable price!

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  Awesome, third new Saab in 3 years - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By awesome car - October 25 - 5:10 pm

  The car is awesome and the engineering is incredible. The car is for my wife and I am very confident in the safety and reliability of the car. Picked up the car and drove it 3000 miles for christmas vacation and enjoyed it totally. Lots of power and very comfortable. I am 63" and 320lbs and would drive cross country without any reservations of comfort, performance, handling, fuel economy, and safety.

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  I love my Saab - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Lucy Florses - October 24 - 3:53 pm

  I bought this car new, I had 1 problem with it took it to the dealer, they fixed it. The problem is with a rattle but I have never heard from it since. I love the turbo, it makes you think its a v6. I still get around 32 on highway and 24-29 in town. I never had any electrical problems with it. I have about a 2 hour drive each day and it has suited well. I will always drive saab from now on, this is my second one, the last one was crushed by a drunk driver with my daughter driving, she walked away without a cut.

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  Saab 9-3 Convertible - the Freedom Machi - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By The Polar Bear - October 23 - 10:00 am

  Finally theres a car that reflects how I feel, free, in for a challenge, OUT THERE and totally comfortable when I just feel like taking a ride home in the sunset. With a cup of coffee in the cup holder, and some jazz on the high powered stereo, I call it a mix between a vehicle and a Peets Coffee coffee shop. Brilliant - again!

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  GREAT so far! - 2007 Saab 9-7X
  By Ray - October 20 - 11:03 am

  I bought this car almost a year ago used at a great deal. I love it! It has all the luxury one could want, heated seats, navi, dvd, sunroof etc... It handles nicely and so far (with 41,000 miles) I have had no issues at all.

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  Best car I have owned... - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By misplacedyankee - October 12 - 12:20 pm

  Viggen is a rocket. Great car with awesome utility. I highly recommend a Saab 9-3 to anyone and cannot wait to buy another Saab.

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  My Saab has been a great purchase - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Harmiclir - October 12 - 4:36 am

  I had a few minor problems in the first year but since then, nothing. Granted, its a fairly low-mileage car but it rides well and has been reliable. I still get compliments on the way it looks. I have no idea how the problems with GM cutting Saab free will play out or affect future value but so Im glad I bought the car and have never understood the concerns raised by many old-time Saab-snobs.

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  Drive one & you just might buy one! - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By barry - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Surprised from the start, this is a true lux. vehicle with true sports feel. Wish it was a stick, though, would really be fun to drive.

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  Well Balanced Car with Everything - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By vxm8 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  The new Saab 9-3 is the perfect blend in this class of distinctiveness, luxury, performance, styling and overall comfort. It presents the best handling chassis used by Saab and thus improvement in overall driving is tremendous. The amount of standard features in this prices range are enormous and I would have this car in my garage any day over a 3-Series, Audi, or C-Class. Understated, subtle elegance with enough uumph under the hood to make you smile!!

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  SAAB!!! - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Hectorg - October 3 - 8:20 am

  Let me start by saying that I also drive a BMW X5. Ive had the car for 3 days, I am thrilled with the Saab 93 Aero!! This car looks great, feels great and it is fast! Why doesnt anyone talk about that? I even like the fact that I dont get that much attention, like I do in the X5. Still this car is beautiful. I love the details in the care. Did you see the in dash cupholder? The seats? The wheels? I drove others, like the BMW 3 series, Acura TL. The Saab just has character. Just test drive it, feel that turbo kick in. Right now when I drive around, I notice that I dont see other Saab 93 Aero in Nocture Blue and you know what? I LOVE THAT!!