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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  First SAAB - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By My first Euro Car - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I was cross shopping top of the line TL, I35, Passat. Here are factors for deciding on SAAB: The PRICE - I was cross shopping among the low 30s so you can guess how much I paid for my SAAB fully loaded Performance - I test drove all 4 mentioned above. In reality, ARE YOU going to do 0-60 for all the red lights? I was looking for more of low- end torque to pass on highways and consistent power throughout and excellent handling (which ESP helps a lot) Features - Out of 4 cars mentioned, SAAB was only short of (Nav sys of Acura, 4wd of Passat, Rear Shade of I35 (not to mention 255hp)) But, other than that SAAB had much more features

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  Good could be better - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Leon2 - September 7 - 10:00 am

  The car is extremely comfortable, especially if you have long legs. The engine has plenty of power but sometimes there is a turbo lag and sometimes there is no lag, making it not reliable when accelerating to pass: will it kick right-away???

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  Worthless OnStar - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By spaman - September 5 - 5:56 pm

  Had the car for two months. If you live in the Northeast, you must buy snow tires. Car would not go forward without them. The OnStar does not work. The problems is the system is analog only and the towers now send digital. I cannot use the phone feature so contacted Saab who will not do anything about it. They keep putting the blame on the dealership and the dealership on Saab. Radio is cheap and not modern. Must keep the button down for memory seats to work. The car is overpriced for what you get. I will not buy another Saab. Saab does not care about their customers.

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  Unreliable! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Unhappy Saab Owner - September 2 - 5:33 pm

  Bought the car used towards the end of February, problems started within 3 months of owning. Some of the problems I experienced: fuel pump breaking, the radiator needing to be replaced,the security system failing not once but twice, battery dead, and the transmission failed at 60k AND 66k. Not only that but in the summer I got into my car and notice the floors were soaked. A pipe had backed up into my car, flooding it and ruining the electrical box under the seat. I brought it to Saab and they fixed the problem or so I had thought. The car is still damp and smells like mold. This car has been in the shop more than I have used it in the last 10 months!

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  Good and well-balanced car - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By DCSwede - August 28 - 1:10 am

  The Saabs ride-handling balance is a good compromise (somewhat favoring ride quality), and it has good performance and responsiveness (esp. with the sport mode engaged). Its quiet without being Lexus-like and has a very good sound system. The seats are comfortable (though it can be tricky to find a good seating position), and the interior spacious. Respectable highway fuel economy (~25 mpg). Largely reliable (though when needed, repairs/ maintenance is expensive). Overall, its a very good car, but the base (2.3L turbo) engine provides nearly equal performance and better fuel economy; Id also recommend buying a car of 2002 model year or later, when a number of improvements were made.

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  Great car, rims and tires suck! - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By Risalaw - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Solid car BUT: The window buttons are in the worst, most uncomfortable place to get to. But thats minor compared to the tire and rim problem. I am on my second new rim, and six new tires. THIS IS NOT A CAR FOR NYC! I write this now, because at first i thought it was just my fiance or my driving. then I thought it was bad luck, then i thought it was the tire company, until finally a letter arrives today that there is a class action lawsuit for all those saab owners who have rims like a tin can and are going through tires like underwear! So, if you are going to buy this car new, do whatever you have to to put after market steel 15 inch rims with new tires and then youll have a solid car.

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  A pretty fun/good car - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By NewM3owner - August 14 - 8:30 pm

  Bought my 2000 9-5 used in 12/03. Went with the manual tranny which made it a little sportier. Bad turbo lag, but once it is in the turbo, pretty quick. Handling is fairly tight, not sportscar tight, but pretty good. Overall I was happy with this car. It drove well with very few mechanical problems until just recently, then it seems like everything started to fall apart. I just sold it for a 99 M3 w/ 50k miles. I think I am going to notice worlds of difference.

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  Watch Out!!! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By cedar - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Had for 3 months,no problems..now its one after the other. Have a noise coming from the front axle that the dealer still cant diagnose have been in 7 times still with no success. I have had the parking brake lock on me 4 times, twice i had to get it towed from roadside assitance because of this. I know roadside assistance phone number by memory(not a good thing) There also is a door rattle that the dealer has "fixed" twice with no success. Not what you would expect in a $30k auto. Buy the TSX unless you want to be disappointed.

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  Love my Saab - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Tony - July 21 - 10:36 am

  Nicely weighted and agile handling. Its a fun car to drive through the twisties and is a true 4 season vehicle (Ive been driving it all winter). The manual shifting option is a must to get most out of the engine. Convertible operation is effortless and quick.

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  So what if its not built in Sweden - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By saabwonkka - July 8 - 9:33 am

  Ive been a Saab fanatic and have had numerous Saabs from classic 900s to a Saab 9-5 Aero wagon. I was skeptical to even consider a "Saab" built in Ohio. So lets get a few things straight, yes its based on a trailblazer/envoy and built in the USA, its a great all around SUV for everyday use. It has just enough ground clearance to get through those plow piles at the end of your driveway. The all wheel drive system works great when you need it (no you 4wd people, it doesnt have locking diffs or low range 4wd) but how often do you really need that stuff. The 9-7x has been reliable and comfortable. It wont take you across the Sahara but it will take you anywhere you "really" must go!