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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  Underestimated - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By SaabNY - June 23 - 12:50 am

  I purchased my 2006 9-5 with end of year incentives. We already had a Saab 9-3 in the family which we like a lot. Im very happy stepping up to the 9-5. Similiar understated luxury but with better interior quality and design. I now have 10,000 miles and zero problems. The 9-5 may not be the most modern car on the road but I think the long production run has given Saab a chance to refine the platform and fix a lot of early production issues. Despite some GM parts, the 9-5 still has lots of Saab feel and luckily manages to NOT feel like any GM vehicle that Ive ever driven.

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  9.3 convertible.....Im not getting rid of it - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By jbeloff - June 15 - 8:50 am

  I have owned a saab for over 20 years and find them to be the highest quality car. While Saab has had its many challenges over the years it has always produce a solid performer with above average reliability. Unfortunately the markets tends to go with the brands with the biggest budget to impress you with the image of its brand. Saab has done a outstanding job mixing form with function. Everyone who has enjoyed the ride in my car are always impressed with the quality and find themselves asking why they never considered on. Saabs brand deserves leadership that can carry its unique niche and continue its quality builds to attract more owners looking for something that just works well.

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  9-5 Aero a Blast to Drive - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Mick - June 12 - 6:06 pm

  Ive got to say the 9-5 Aero is the most fun to drive vehicle Ive owned, and Ive had many over the past 20+ years, including a BMW 525i that comes in second to this SAAB. The power is phenomenal, the handling awesome, the ride on the highway is silky smooth. I like how the computer compensates for any type of gas you put in from regular to super. The back seats are comfortable even for a 6-footer, and the passengers back there appreciate the heated seats. Exterior styling is good, but needs an update--the new 9-3 is better looking. For $14,900 I think I got a real bargain here-- wouldnt want to buy a new one at $40K with that kind of depreciation in 3 years though!

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  Great Sportswagon - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Photoguy - June 9 - 6:56 am

  I got the auto transmission Aero even though I heard that you need the manual Tranny to get good performance.(My wife doesnt like to drive manual transmissions) I have been pleasantly surprised with the performance with the auto- if your engine rpm is less than 3000 and you downshift to third gear before hitting the accelerator it will kick down to second gear and move out fast.Cornering and steering are exceptionally good on this car!

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  pleased - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By young family of 4 - June 7 - 4:20 am

  The car handles wells. We were averaging 32 mpg with a lot of highway driving. The headlight burnt out 3 times in less than 2 years. The passenger door does not always lock. The emblem on the hood fell off, as I have seen happen with many others. We have had to have the arm rest in the center console replaced as well as many of the interior parts because the cheap plastic coating rubs off. We ended up being "stuck" with this car because it has not held its value. Overall, we have enjoyed the vehicle but would have liked to trade it in for something that fits our 2 car seats better. A rear-facing car seat requires that the front seat is moved all the way forward.

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  Fun, Quick, Safe, Comfy Piece of Crap - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By Purveyor of Vehicles - June 5 - 10:00 am

  So its very safe, very comfortable, very fun to drive, pretty quick and all around enjoyable car to drive. However, it was designed poorly and is unreliable and puts a permanent pipeline from your wallet to the mechanic.

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  Likes to visit its birth place often - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Not for long - June 1 - 2:00 am

  The first five months were great with only the On-star malifunctioning. I have recently experienced a dead battery, two oil leaks, static in the radio, sticking window, and transmssion issues. I am paying for a car that is at the dealership more than leaking in my driveway. Before you rate this car a "10" for reliability, drive it for 10000 miles. I hope you feel the same way. The best comment I can say is that it looks good in the dealerships lot when waiting for the next problem to be fixed.

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  First Time Saab Owner - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Mike S. - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Pros: Great torque to the engine. Good off the line speed. Fuel efficient 30 MPG highway. Differentiated design. Not very many on the road. Fun to drive. Comfortable/firm cloth seats. Better suspension than the 2002 9-3 SE model (too firm and bouncy). Cons: Maintenance work 3 times in 2.5 years. Cheap interior materials. Horrible front seat adjustment handles. Wide shifting between gears (hurts off the line performance).

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  Fun car, but not too sporty - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Jeff - May 24 - 8:26 am

  This car is one of the most reliable cars I have owned. In over 3 years of owning this car, outside of normal maintenance, which by the way was included in the lease, I have had no problems. Tires and brakes need replacement at 27K to 30K miles. Interior had minor integrity issues, but again, all covered when brought in for service. The interior and top squeak in the winter months; I guess to be expected in a convertible. The back seat is spacious for a convertible and one of the main reasons I bought this car. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a nice, reliable 4 passenger convertible. If looking for a more sport riding convertible, go with the Viggen or Bimmer convertible

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  Need optional towtruck - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By polo - May 21 - 10:00 am

  This car when running has been great. It has been towed in four times. The battery had been replaced three times, once because it blew up damaging under components, another time excessive corrison caused damage to transmission external areas. if this is not a lemon I dont know what is. It has been in the shop now for two + weeks. I cant afford to kep it much longer based on dependability. Its a nice car but the quality is terrible.