5 Star Reviews for Saab

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.49/5 Average
2,450 Total Reviews
Make Overview:

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:

Showing 371 through 380 of 2,450.00
  • Replacement for the Bimmer - 2003 Saab 9-3
    By -

    One of the best sport sedan Ive driven. The design is fresh and appealing. Performs heads on with the BMW 3 series.

  • Lucked out. - 1999 Saab 9-5
    By -

    I bought mine in 2008 with 100k and now have 190k. Biggest expense was fuel pump at about 150k. I still have the clutch I bought it with and have had no prob with turbo yet. Change oil every 3 to 5k at the cheap places but sometimes my independent SAAB Tech or the SAAB dealer. I have a back up Ig. cass. but still havent had to use it. Even the pixels on the SID arent too bad either. I did have some belts break and that broke open an oil line ($1,000 fix). Not as reliable or as trouble free as our 2000 Camry but much more fun though.

  • Nice Car - 2005 Saab 9-2X
    By -

    Bought this car due to GM and Saab discounts. Fun to drive, mileage on city/hwy 25 to 33 mpg. Accelerates smoothly, handles well, brakes well. Cruise control maintains speed well. Plenty of room in front and back seats for moderately sized people. Paid $18,500 for linear with automatic and cold weather package. Suprised at good mileage for an all wheel drive vehicle. Would recommend based on limited experience, with available discounts. Seats split and fold flat without having to raise back seat. Can sit a person in one side of back seat and fold down other side. Good all around visibility from drivers seat.

  • Bare bones facts. - 2005 Saab 9-3
    By -

    This vehicle is awesome ! I test drove the "big three", re: Audi-4, BMW 325CI and the AERO. The AUDI and BMW have the performance issues you may be looking for, but they lack the comfort and driving ease of the SAAB AERO. The SAAB AERO driver seat is much more roomy than the other two, so if your a big man, re: 6 feet or above then your knee will be bruised in the AUDI or BMW. This car is really the only choice for comfort and style. I recommend you test drive all three on the same day to really get a feel for what I am saying.

  • My second Saab, still love them - 2006 Saab 9-3
    By -

    Got it with 28.000 on it a year ago, has 45.000 now, 0 problems so far (I did replace Death-Cool with Pentosin G12) SID is showing 35 Mpg (50% of my driving is freeway), not as fast as my old 9000 Aero, but I am very happy with the way it drives (took off-ramp with speed limit of 45 at 90 Mph few times). We have some snow in Utah (SLC), and I think it handles as well if not better than my old Subaru Outback with all-season Michelins, guess you have to know how to drive in the snow. It has that 300W sound system, and if adjusted right, sounds better than Bose in my friends 2007 Maxima (he himself said so), so I dont understand all the complaints.

  • Saab - highly underrated balance - 2003 Saab 9-5
    By -

    this is an outstanding car with the perfect combination of safety and performance. While we all want performance, few are willing to give up safety....this is perfect balance.

  • The Best Car - 2003 Saab 9-3
    By -

    My Silver Vector has 3800 miles on it and I love driving it. I get a lot of complaints from many of my friends. Everyone seems to love the body kit on the car. There is not much turbo lag but the car does take a second to get going after you hit the gas pedal. The sport seats are perfect for sharp turns.

  • Great Car - 2006 Saab 9-3
    By -

    i ws not planning to buy a car. Drove it while my VW was in service, and had to get it. Never thought I would have a Saab. Drove the 325i, A4, and C230 Sport and bought this. Maybe not quite a 325, but a lot of car for the price. Handles good, and is fun to drive. Car has great gas mileage for the "funness" of it. Better than the 2004 Passat I traded in.

  • No disappointment here! - 2003 Saab 9-3
    By -

    Great balance of above average performance,comfort,design,and fuel economy. 28-30 combined mpg with mainly hwy driving. Other than turbo lag with hard acceleration from a stop or out of a turn, nothing about my 9-3 disappoints. Substantial power,and with power heated seats,rain-sensing wipers,parking assist,dual ACC,OnStar,and wheel-mounted audio controls,the 9-3 pampers. With new Michelin Pilots, I experience a stable, quiet and responsive ride at all speeds. Brakes are exceptional, although a little touchy until you adjust to them. As far as design, it turns a few heads and you dont see yourself coming and going. When heading out with family or friends, I always say "Ill drive!".

  • Saablover - 1999 Saab 9-3
    By -

    Superb dream car! Ive always loved these autos and I was not wrong buying this one. Swedish perfection! No problems at all! I bought it w/ 50,000 miles and now I ended w/ 122,000 - maintenace free w/ oil change. Unfortunately I was rearended by a drunk driver and my passion (Saab) was totaled. The car was totaled but nothing happened to me. I would recomend this car to anybody - simply perfect vehicle, reliable, beautiful, no words...

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