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! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By scot - August 25 - 10:16 am

  Wow! I received a fantastic deal after this gem sat at my local dealership for six months with no takers. Car turns heads and continues to receive compliments. Driving topless is the best stress-buster in the world. If Id heeded the reviews in Consumer Reports, I would never have purchased this vehicle, so Im glad I lived on the edge. I love the unique design and the fact that so few others own this vehicle. Still love it after owning for a year.

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  Good performer - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By SAB - August 24 - 10:00 am

  It was either a beemer or a Saab and I chose the Saab 93 with every option that came with the aero...I have no regrets, I used to own a 2001 95 Aero and BMWs before that, but I wanted something smaller and more agile. The car rides great, a little stiff around town but its tight around corners, there are small build issues inside the car but they are very minor, over all I really like the car and I think I made a sound choice.

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  Unreliable Car - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Sad Saab - August 23 - 2:46 am

  Bought a new 95 Linear on 05/03 with 23 miles. At 3k miles the back passenger door latch jammed. AT 7k the sunroof jammed. AT 14k noise on the front wheel with bearing replaced. AT 35k the trunk would not open. One recall to replace the clamp on the fuel system. AT 41K engine lights on with O2 sensor replaced. At 44K there is a front axle leak and broken belt protector. At 56K heater valve leak. At 58K again O2 sensor was replaced and also the fuel pump. Car just died on the middle of the road. Now at 61K stranded again. Car just choked, jerk and not getting into gear. Very dissatisfied. Maintenance schedule has been followed.

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  I am in love with a 19 year old! - 1996 Saab 900
  By Donsdad - August 22 - 8:28 am

  I just bought a 1996 Saab 900 S convertible. I am in love with her. There are a few mechanical issues which need attention. But because the previous owner cared so much for this vehicle, those pale in comparison to the sheer fun. Riding down I-95 is a whole new experience. I wish someone would revive the make. There is nothing quite as sexy as a Saab convertible. Nothing.

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  Autobahn Tested/Approved - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Keith n Becky - August 21 - 12:23 am

  We picked this car up at the Factory and drove it to our home near Frankurt the next day. This car is completely at home while cruising at the 133mph gov. The magazines trash Saab for a couple reasons that stem from the FWD. It will never have the feel of a RWD BMW, but its great for a FWD. The shifter is fine untill you are speed shifting when it becomes a little slow. This and its at the limit handleing are not up there with the BMW, but during spirited driving youd never know it. It is only when one thrashes the car through a small road course, like the magazines do, that one would see the difference. Interior is much "nicer" than the BMW and the rear has more room than the BMW5dr

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  00 Saab 9-3 SE HOT - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By AJ hamzehpour - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Great car, excellent power for the buck.. best bet is to buy one off lease but to still have a little warranty just incase.. only bad thing being the torque steer since its FWD and has so much power.. but id much rather have torque steer and power than no torque steer and no power.. great ride comfort excellent gas mileage!

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  Too cool - first Saab - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Marc Lobell - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Former Honda / Taurus person. Have new Linear with stick, wont go back to others. We compared with Acura TL, Passat GLS, Honda Accord EXV6 and chose this as most roomy and fun to drive.

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  My 9-3 - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By gozer - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Everyone that sees my car immediately asks what it is and wants to check it out. Great, fun to drive car. Lots of utility with fold down rear seats and trunk and passenger space that betters almost all competitors. I have optional 16", 10-spoke wheels that look great but are hard to keep clean. Surprising performance out of 175 hp motor, feels and performs more like 200 hp. And Ive been averaging 26 mpg. Manual shift mode on auto tranny is fun. Solid built quality.

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  9-3 Vector - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By New2Saab - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Ive had it for a week. Did my homework, and so far am happy w/ my choice. The cars got great styling, power and features. JDs latest survey seemed to call out the quality of the electronics. Admittedly and as expected, the car was delivered w/ a few bugs that I need to take in to have fixed. The radio on/off sticks and the "nxt" button on the steering wheel doesnt work well. Overall, I feel the new design is strong and is positioned to be a legitimate player in the sport/premium mid-size segment.

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  9-3SS - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Rocco69 - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Great handling, nice styling, loaded with new technology and gadgets. Lots of options for the money.