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:

• 

  Almost Perfect..Just Get Some Cupholders - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By ferdon - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Replaced my Explorer and have really enjoyed the car.

• 

  Great 8 years! - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By Peter - September 30 - 12:56 am

  Our 9-5 has been a really good car. Mainly use it as a winter driver these days, but it is comfortable, quick and very fuel efficient on the highway for the performance the car delivers. On 6 separate occasions reached over 500 miles (800 kilometres) on a single tank of fuel. Parts can be expensive, but taking our car to a local ex-Saab mechanic who has his own garage, its been wonderful. He immediately is able to diagnosis the situation and supply replacement parts at a price that a regular Saab dealer would not. Would I purchase a Saab again, absolutely but it has to have the performance, space and efficiency that the 1999-2008 95 has, which I understand is only about a year away.

• 

  Nicest Car Ive Ever Had Thus Far! - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Songwriter Guy - September 29 - 11:13 am

  Ergonomically, I feel like somehow Saab snuck into my room at night and took a mold of my body and built the new 9.3 to fit me. Its just amazing. Its solid, comfortable and a blast to drive. The overall quality is evidenced in just about every way. Ive had 9000s in the past and wasnt sure Id like this. Well... I dont like it; I love it!

• 

  The Best Kept European Secret - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By William Moore - September 27 - 2:00 am

  The 9-3 is fun to drive,safe, envirometally resopsible.The 9-3 is tastefull in design, subtle without being over-the-top.The interior is clean and functional.A great value...just a great car!

• 

  Extremely reliable even after 160,000 miles! - 2010 Saab 9-3
  By Mills - September 19 - 12:22 pm

  I purchased this car new in 2010 for $32,000. I currently have 162,000 miles on it and it has been extremely reliable. The engine runs great and so far the transmission has worked fine as well. I had to replace a drive shaft at 100K miles and a wheel bearing at 140K miles. As of today with 160K miles, I do need rear CV boots, a front vacuum pump and a transfer case seal. It would cost me approximately $1,850 to repair all of those items. I dont know if I will bother spending the money to fix these issues since I have so many miles on the car. I have to say though, it has been a fun car to drive and it has never failed me. I have always serviced it as per the manufacturers specs and Im sure thats partly why it has run so well. .... A little about me, I am 5-6" tall and the seats and cabin room are perfect for me!

• 

  Love the ride - expensive to repair - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By bc - September 17 - 9:03 pm

  I drove this car from NY to Ohio the month it came off the showroom floor and loved the car. 8 yrs later, I bought it from my friend at 96000 mi. still rode great and I was on top of the world. Then the warning lights came. I spent $2000 in repairs with a Saab dealer and it looks like it might come to that in repairs again this year. Love the looks and the ride, but...

• 

  WOW, this is great - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By Mike - September 17 - 2:23 pm

  This is the best car I have ever had. I have had BMWs, Range Rovers, Mercedes,and an Acura MDX. Nothing is as impressive as the Saab 9-7x. It handles like its on rails and the 5.3 liter V-8 unleashes amazing amounts of thrust to my rear wheels. I pretty much live in my car because I have to drive all over New England for bussiness. Trust me you will love it!

• 

  Great Car! - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By willg - September 17 - 5:03 am

  Just like the other guy said, once you buy a Saab, you will buy one every time you buy a car. Very great car and you can pick them up cheap right now!!

• 

  Little Room for Improvement - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By IamArchangel - September 16 - 10:00 am

  After owning this car for several months I can honestly say it is the moost wonderful vehicle I have ever driven...it runs like a scared rabbit on the short runs and floats down the interstate like a caddy when cruising long distance. Best of both worlds, I say. Dont give up the "boy" in you for comfort and style cause you have it all the 9-5 Aero!!

• 

  Good SUV value - 2009 Saab 9-7X
  By just right - September 12 - 9:03 pm

  Due to the incentives and rebates I was able to purchase a 9-7X brand new for 25,000. For the price this is an outstanding value for this vehicle considering it comes with a 50,000 mile warranty. Comfortable, fun to drive and the interior is better than the other SUVs I tested costing much more. The six cylinder has ample power and it handles the road better than the 4-Runner I owned. I know people like to point out that this is not a "true" SAAB. However, this is not a a typical GM offering either. For the price I did not find a better mid-sized SUV.