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:

• 

  Bought It New...Hoping Saab Stays In Business! - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By mr_monza - May 3 - 12:03 pm

  We bought this car in August of 2004 while my wife was pregnant. We needed the utility of a station wagon but wanted something that was fun to drive and had a decent level of luxury appointments. The Saab has not disappointed! This is a medium sized wagon thats comfortable and has plenty of space for a trip to the beach. It gets over 30 MPG on the highway and has a very spirited performance from its 220 HP turbo. Its not our only car, so it has low mileage (around 32 K). It has not had any significant problems at all----a very safe and reliable car. The quality of the materials is excellent. The paint finish remains like new. No complaints at this point---still love driving it.

• 

  Dont do it - 1996 Saab 900
  By Saab Sucker - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Everythings needs fixing and it is very expensive. Do not buy this. I love to drive it but it is not worth the trouble.

• 

  Split Decision - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Gunny23 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Driving 35K+ per year puts me in the used car category, and I just couldnt say no to the price and great warranty of my 99 9-3. Cupholder in front stinks, but the seats are awesome and highway ride is second to none. I really want to love this car, but a few glitches make it a split decision. Everyone has had the AC knob problem, it seems, and when I had that fixed, the backlights on the SID went out. It doesnt stand up to a 328, but for 10 grand less, I can live with it. If I have no problems for the next year, Ill call it a great car!

• 

  Unique and Economical - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By DanaS - April 15 - 12:26 am

  After owning a 2001 Saab 9-3, there were questions about getting a new Saab. The 2001 was solid, but dated. The car was designed in the early 1990s. The new 9-3 handles better, has many more features, better layout, more room and is far better quality. The doors, fenders and quarter panels have minimal gaps. The fit and finish is superior to the domestics or japanese. I compared a Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and the 9-3. When comparably equipped, the Saab was cheaper. The Saab rode better and there wasnt a gazillion on the road. 31-34 MPG during mostly highway driving. GM should quit playing sticker games. It scares too many potential buyers away and affects published resale values. Its a good value when priced right.

• 

  So Sad - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By liz in az - April 9 - 10:00 am

  My first luxury car loved it but it was in the shop every couple of weeks for the first four months. Undiagnosed stalling, clutch lost pressure, wouldnt restart. Dealership tinkered and replaced the turbo. After almost a year it still has stalling/restarting problem. A beautiful piece of art but I need a dependable ride. Fun to drive but I can get C-class Mercedes for the same - Im out of here when lease is up.

• 

  Not a sports sedan - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By teacher - March 21 - 5:13 am

  Dont get me wrong, I like my Saab. It is safe, reliable, comfy, quick and gets great gas mileage. However, this is not the sports sedan that Saab makes it out to be. I dont understand how all of these consumers give this car a 9 or 10 in performance. I dont know what they drove before their Saab. This car is much too soft, leans much too much in corners and turns. The steering is much too light and there is excessive torque steer. Bumps in the road upset the suspension and the car never really feels under control when driven quickly. All of the professional reviews from car magazines and even Consumer Reports agree with me on the handling. This is NOT a BMW. Born from Jets?..ha ha

• 

  9.3 2.0T + - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Rip - March 20 - 1:16 pm

  I have owned this car for about a year. It has been all that was advertised by the dealer . .plus good milage (about 27 both C & HW combined). The only minor points I have are the headlights are set too low. On high beam, however, they are perfect. The stearing is also a bit " squirrelly", so you have to pay attention to your driving. Now, if only it had a little more kick!

• 

  love my SAAB - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Brian S - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought my vehicle used at 30,000 miles, it is now at 65000, and all I have to say is that it is a total joy to drive. It handles like a dream (though my friends get queezy because of the high seating position) and the reliability is great. I have had a ew small problems, but the dealer here in Orlando is totally awesome. I would recommend this car to my friends, and have. The 4cyl Turbo never feels like it is straining to pull the weight of the car, and Ive actually had a friend ask if it was faster than my prvious car (a supercharged 5.0 mustang convertible).

• 

  Superb design, dodgy execution - 1996 Saab 900
  By Atomic920 - March 11 - 8:03 pm

  I paid $4,600 for a non-turbo S with low (68K) miles. It was 8 years old, but thought it should go well. Uh-huh. Fun driver, but its stranded me 3(!) times in one year driving only 8K miles. First a serpentine belt pulley failure two weeks after buying it. No warning - belt almost fell out of engine bay. Second was the alternator ($600 repair). Third was the clutch cable. Other probs: E-brake cable squeals, rust, aftermarket CD impossible. For an old car, it cruises effortlessly at 75mph. Decent mileage. Smoothest 4-cyl. Ive ever had, but nothing like the 200hp turbo of 9-3. Takes slow turns like a drunken sailor.

• 

  Love convertibles but lots of headaches - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By tber - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my third (and priciest) convertible and have had it for 25 months with almost 20K miles. Has been at the dealer three times this year with a check engine light problem, fuses for the convertible top had problem and recently, towed in for a bad fuel pump that leaked gallons of gasoline! While I appreciate the many gifts and apology letters from Saab, for high cost and inconvenience, will have to look elsewhere for the 4th!