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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  my 6th Saab - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By TMJ - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a Saab since 1970. The vehicle that I drive now is my 6th Saab and have been thoroughly satisfied with its performance. The only criticism I have pertains to the on board computer which malfunctions now and again especially on humid days. I have encountered this problem on previous models too! I also enjoy the sound system, probably the best in the field.

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  Wish the electronics worked - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Ganddi - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Linear in Feb 03. I have every option on the car including the "rare" launch package. My initial response to the car was very positive. However, since Feburary we had the car in for electronics problems 5 seperate times(mainly onstar).Our dealership, although responsive, seemed to be inept the first 4 times I graced there floors. Fianlly, after dealing with the GM and the service manager the problem appears to be resolved.fantastic.Cruising at 80 mph feels effortless, and unnoticed with how well the car rides. However, I am basing that only on the few times I have driven the car since it seems to be in the shop more than Im driving it.

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  Least reliable car, Ever! - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By T in Seattle - October 20 - 8:53 am

  Bought this car used in 2003 with 60k miles on it. Initially enjoyed its comfort, style and all that, but in 2.5 years have spent $10,000 (more than it is even worth now!) on repairs - DI unit, transmission (at 80k miles), and other, smaller but still spendy flaws too numerous to mention. Now the ABS has gone, and we stand to spend another thousand, and that is if my mechanic finds a used part. Had I known the car consumed money instead of gasoline, would have gone with another make. Could have bought two of something more reliable . . .

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  Sweet little thing - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Anne - October 19 - 3:26 pm

  This is my first car, and i could not have asked for a better one. I never have to worry about it breaking down and that little 2.5 liter engine gets me where i want where i want to go on about 27mpg. It is great in corners and never looses hold of the road. Also it is so pretty to look at...sigh...the only problem i have with it is that the non-turbo model has that typical subaru lag in 2nd gear. Also in really bad snow, like 6 inches on the road, turns can be tricky, but it does great everywhere else. All in all, i love this car! Test drive it!!

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  A happy Saab owner - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By kukusa - October 10 - 9:58 pm

  I feel very sad to see Saab went under. Its probably not surprising because today every car maker is going mainstream and the only way to survive is to get bigger, which Saab failed to achieve. But Saab definitely didnt fail to make a solid and sporty 9-3 convertible. They dont drive as well as a 3-series, but not off by much and the car itself is much, much more special. Not the mention the excellent value. Buy yourself a gently used 9-3 rag top today and find a trusted Saab shop, it will bring you years of happy top down motoring and attract lots of envy eyes.

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  Saab 9-5 Wagon - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By bruceposner - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a comfortable family car for both city and highway driving. In town, it is nimble and easy to park. On highway it is quiet and the turbo gives the 4 cylinder more than enough pep.

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  Great to drive just too many problems - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By tarina - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Love to drive, having terrible problems with sunroof making noise - going in for fourth repair, a noise in the dash area sounding like styrafoam rubbing together - absolutely annoying for such a luxury vehicle, lights are not suppose to change automatically and do, tires are wearing usually early a major problem with coolant sensor that has not been fixed - going in for third repair. On lease dont want vehicle anymore.

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  9-5 Linear Wagon - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By pierrot - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Solid Car, reliable, fun to drive, versatile, cargo hauler, sporty, multi- purpose, original and different. This car is multi-faceted and serves multiple functions well. It has lots of character and always fun to drive on country roads and turns into a real cruiser on the highway in 5th gear.

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  Still Love It - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Sean D - October 5 - 7:26 am

  Its been a great car through 20K miles. Only complaint I had was when I tried to change the tire and there were caps on the lugs. The special tool was in the glove box. I had to call the dealer to figure this out. Other than that Ive really loved this car. Its the only car Ive planned to keep beyond two years... or at least until the warranty is up. Too bad Saab could end up being wiped out. Dealership has been superb. Ive been really impressed with the service. Car is very comfortable on long trips. I drove 2000+ miles in the span of a week and they were all a pleasure.

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  Beautiful Car - 1996 Saab 900
  By Wei - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Love my convertible beauty!! Its fun to drive. Auto tranny slows a bit but very good for city drive. Encounted many quirk minor failures: A/C, outdoor temperature sensor, oil pressure sensor, SID(SAAB Info Display) lost pixels, check engine light on and off... Major disapointment is dealer, SAAB OF TROY in Troy, Michigan. Was charged $500 to replace my driver side seatbelt system, just because it was deadlocked. Maybe replacing whole system is the only solution, but I was even refused to give a 12 point courtesy check after the service. Its free in most garages! And worse, my car wouldnt start when I picked it up... I will never go there again.