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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  "Have a bad hair day" - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By dog doc steve - January 6 - 2:00 am

  A really understated and fun car to drive. I put the top down and leave NYC in this car and leave all the city hassles behind (assuming no traffic).

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  needs all wheel drive - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By carguy - December 28 - 11:00 am

  Although this car is front wheel drive, it was fun to drive. I have owned several Saabs, and this 9-5 drove as good or better then all of them. Saabs are known for their torque, and the new 2.3 turbo was strong from second gear on up (first gear was weak). Unfortunately, there is still torque steer under hard acceleration (negative of front wheel drive cars). Seats were very supported and comfortable, stereo was very good, it shifted smoothly, and handled well. If Saab made this all wheel drive, they would have an awesome car to compete with the best from Europe, the front wheel drive on this car stops it from measurng up to other sport sedans. Over all, for the money, its a fun, comfortable car

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  A Unique Blend of Virtues - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Charlie - December 13 - 1:46 am

  This is a great all-around family vehicle, with something for everyone. Its got great interior space, attractive exterior appearance, exciting turbo performance, economical gas mileage, and reasonable mechanical reliability.

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  What a great car - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Scott Miller - December 6 - 11:46 am

  I have owned several European Cars and this one is my favorite. The car drives great. The service from my dealership is great. Theyve even come to my house to replace a battery when I left the door open overnight. This car is excellent on back roads and the highway. I especially enjoy the top down with the Wind Deflector in place. I get a lot of comments from people when Im driving. Overall, I couldnt be happier with my purchase. People say that GM has put too much into this car. I think GM has made some good refinements when it comes to overall quality and reliability. Ive owned 3 Saabs and this one by far is my favorite. Free service for 4 years. You just cant beat it.

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  Impressed for Now - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By Phillip - November 30 - 1:53 am

  Very pleased with the purchase so far. You can really notice the change made to the handling by GM. However, a close family memeber has a GMC Envoy and you really see a lot of the same characteristics in the Saab. With GMs history I can only guess that how durable the 9-7 will be. Although, you cant go wrong with the factory offered 4 year bumper to bumper warranty and 3 year service warranty. These were very appealing at purchase. In all, I would recommend the Saab, because I do not beleive you will find anything better for your money.

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  Great Rag Top - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Lazzlo Potts - November 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Saab (um GM) in a row. I am one of those SAAB enthusiasts that has not had a lemon yet. A great improvement over the last 98 900SE convertible I leased. This car will grow on you as you drive it more.

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  2nd look at Saab 9-7x - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By Smitty - November 15 - 7:53 pm

  I am happy with my purchase of the 9-7X. I love the ride, handling, power (V8) and the interior and exterior appearance . For the money the 9-7X is the best buy. You get loads of standard equipment that you will really use in your day to day driving and not standard equipment that you will never use like off road package. There were only two options (Nav and DVD entertainment) for the 5.3i which i got and just love. Also, the optional 18 inch Brightly Polished split 6 spoke rims are beautiful. these rims make the vehicle look even sexier. Saab did an excellent job on these rims. Good job to the Saab engineers for really making an enjoyable SUV!

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  Good all wheel drive wagon - 2006 Saab 9-2X
  By Joe Yu - November 15 - 5:13 am

  The car is fun to drive and the reliability is excellent. The interior of the car is cheap appearing. The all wheel drive is very good in the snow.

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  Im Liking This Car - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By J-Lo - November 12 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SAAB and Ive had zero complaints. I purchased a late year 93SE 4DR with the HOT engine and it is just plain cool. Performance is great and after 45K it seems to get better each day.

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  Buy with CPO - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By dgebler - November 10 - 11:20 am

  I bought a 2007 to get the car at half price w/ 3 years left on CPO warranty. The car has understated sportiness: it handles great for normal driving even if it wouldnt beat another car on a test track. Having the top down is great fun: easy to have conversations with the passenger.Its a car to take pride in and have fun with.