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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  Disappointed - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Unfortunate - June 28 - 4:26 am

  I hate to have to write a negative review. I have 4200 miles on my 06 SAAB 9-3 Aero and had to have the engine replaced in the car. Engine coolant light to leaky head gasket to engine replacement. Unbelievable!! I love the car other than that. The V-6 has a problem that they wanted the engine back to the factory to investigate. Beware folks!!

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  Love this car - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By M Hoffman - June 26 - 12:00 pm

  In 2001, my wife wanted a new car and we purchased this 9-5 wagon. Other than replacement of the direct ignition cassette and one wheel bearing, it has been relatively problem free for more than 90,000 miles. The DIC was replaced under a recall at no cost. Just drove car through western Canada, averaged 28 mpg. Love this car.

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  Never Follow!!! - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Will - June 26 - 11:50 am

  This is a great vehicle, no question about it! I had a BMW 535i over the weekend which the dealership let me test drive, because of my excellent credit. However, at 35 years of age, I felt like 45 or older in it and besides, the place where I live already looks like a BMW dealership, because just about everyone owns one! So, I took it back and started looking for a car that was just as good, but rarer, unique and with its own agenda. That is what SAAB is, and that is what the 9-3 Aero is more than any of their other vehicles! This car is absolutely unique and once you actually see one in detail, you will realize just how different they are. Never follow! This car really stands out!

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  You have to own a Saab to understand - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By chdavis - June 23 - 12:00 am

  We absolutely love this car. Saabs dont necessarily impress immediately, but live with the car for a good amount of time and youll see what gems they are. The highway passing power is laugh inducing, the comfort is unsurpassed by even cars costing 9x as much. The seats are to die for. Ours has only had small issues, which can be taken care of for very little at our local independent Saab specialist. This has been one of the most reliable cars we have owned, its just extremely important to perform preventative maintenance and not to "let things go". But that really goes for any car, especially European. The build quality is very high and materials extremely good quality.

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  Love the 9-5 aero - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By cueball1 - June 22 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. It was purchased used with only 27000 miles. I cant imagine buying one new and eating the horrible depreciation, but what a bargain used for under $20000. This car makes amazing power, is incredibly smooth, handles great and you dont pass yourself on the road every 5 minutes. Drove this car 13 hours straight at nearly 80 MPH and it got an amazing 32 mph. Ventilated seats and the cooler in the glove box are great when on the road long distances. Quirky sometimes means imaginative. Terrific car for the same price I would have paid for a boring mid line accord or camry.

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  My First Saab and First Wagon - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By drewtoo88 - June 14 - 1:10 am

  Really like the looks of the 60th anniversary edition with the 17” rims. Black on black with the rear wing and front fog light. I get 23-24 at best. Highway you will get 27-28. Driving impressions: Stiff in the corners can be tedious on rough roads, lots of tire noise. Given this, it handles very well and passes like my VW GTI did. Corning is a blast with the manual mode. Inside impressions: Seats are really well done. The cargo area of the wagon is astonishingly roomy. Controls are nicely done and easy to operate. Back seat fit IS tight. The fit and finish are good, but a little cheap with some of the plastics. Over all though, it feels nice to sit in and look out of.

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  Think Twice - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By EuroCarDriver - June 13 - 9:23 am

  Bought this vehicle with 95k and it was a one owner vehicle that was dealer serviced, so thought it would be a good buy. Have had a Saab in the past (92 900 turbo) which was a great vehicle. This 03 model, not so much. Day 3, engine light came on. Something to do with emissions. The grill has even fallen out driving down the road. Twice! Theres been other issues too. Right now the water pump is out. I got tired of the car and its been sitting for a year now. GM ruined what was once a great vehicle. Hopefully Saab will go back to its former glory now that GM is out of the picture.

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  SAAB Driven - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By SAAB Doyl - June 13 - 2:26 am

  Fun to drive, mocking a BMW with the MPG of a mini cooper. 3 years service with this lease costs the owner nothing. Hope the new company purchasing SAAB keeps tradition... superior value for the buck!

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  9-5 aero...a joy to drive - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By canemagic - June 11 - 10:00 am

  this is a fine performane vehicle...fun to drive....something different....priced 5-7000 less then compatible bmw

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  Expected more... - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By e.j. - June 11 - 10:00 am

  i was sorely surprised at the poor quality of my 02 Saab 93, which i leased new. i expected much more of a $30,000 "luxury car". Ive had this car back to the dealer an average of once every couple months for constant nagging quality problems. Door handle snapped off, sunroof frame cracked when opening, spoiler popped off, etc. etc, etc. Not to mention the annoying rattles, creaks, & vibrations. My daughters 99 Cavalier rides more quietly. Really disappointed... Ill never own another one.