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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  9-2X happiness - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Svenka Aeroplan AB - September 7 - 7:26 am

  Everyone wants to know if the 9-2X is worth the price premium over the Subaru Impreza wagon which it is based. It depends on what is important to the owner. GM/Saab definitely overpriced the 9-2X at first, but late summer incentives convinced me to buy. I really wanted a hatchback (3-door), but no automaker seems to want to offer this handy configuration anymore. So the 9-2X gives me two extra doors i will never need for hauling the two of us to the park, skiing, or on a weekend trip. Fuel economy predictably stinks for a car this size, but part of that is due to the desire of the driver to truly exercise the peppy engine and actually utilise the all-wheel-drive. Overall, the 9-2x is superb!

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  Nice Car at a discount - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Michael - August 22 - 8:33 am

  I just bought my Saab a week ago and in my short time I am very happy with the car. It is a bit noisy with the top up in traffic but the stereo does a good job of helping to overcome that. The engine is energetic and delivers good around-town acceleration, the transmission is slow to downshift in the standard driving mode. Visibility is ok, but the soft top does create some blind spots when up. My fuel mileage was ok for first two tanks - avg 21.5mpg with mostly city driving. I like this car, but couldnt see spending $44k for it as on the original sticker. If you get a good deal, enjoy - if not, I think the other Swede might be a bit classier for the same loot.

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  OK so far on 2003 rag top - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Stafford VA - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Not as good on gas mileage as I had hoped. Does much better on extended trip. Can use mid-level gas with no problem--regular might be OK too, but I havent tried it. Recommend the leather arm rest--gave it to me at purchase. Paid $32,400 in October, 2003. Car does shake over any type of rough road--but has good pick up and excellent braking. The hand brake is the strongest I have ever experienced. The car will not move when it is engaged. Top works well--no leaks.

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  My best car ever - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By kkits - August 17 - 10:06 pm

  I have owned my car for 8 months and is still a big smile each time i use it. It has an superb engine with more torque than most ever need, and its handling is sharp and precise. The only drawback is the fuel consumption which is to high at todays standards.

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  2001 9-3 2.0 turbo 4 dr base model - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By JT - August 12 - 3:16 pm

  Mine has 72500 km/45000 miles. Recently needed almost CDN$900 in front suspension work. Recent problems led to software upgrade for throttle body, dealer warns if problem recurs, vehicle will need new throttle body (cost over CDN$1000 at dealer pricing). Ignition Discharge Module replaced on recall. Various valves and hoses replaced. An oxygen sensor failed around 40000 km. Drivers door handle mechanism failed twice. Interior squeaks. Some pixels no longer light on information display. One headlight wiper motor failed. Blower motor for heater replaced. Received letter from Saab advising 8 year warranty coverage for engine failure due to oil sludge provided certain conditions are met.

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  Jury is still out - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By prnitz - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I have had his Saab about a month. My last car was a 1999 Toyota Solara coupe. Believe it or not, the Saab after a few years of depreciation was much more affordable than the Solara convertible. Compared to my Solara SE V6 the Saab is smaller, handles bumpy roads worse, has a funky interior lay out, and will not hold its value as well as a Toyota, BMW or Mercedes. On the plus side, it gets great gas mileage (35 on the highway, 30 around town), has great acceleration from the 4 cyl turbo, and has distinctive looks. I am going to like this car if it does not break. If it does, and I find it hard and expensive to fix, I am back to a Toyota.

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  2007 to the old Saab of yester year.. - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By justin - August 7 - 5:40 pm

  Solid car owned a fair share of Saabs, better build then my 2000 Saab 93 SE. However lacks the road feel and fun of an old pre GM models from the 80s and early 90s.

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  Thought I got a STEAL but..... - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Phillyc - July 14 - 6:43 pm

  Purchased in May of 2006 w/36,000 mi. on the clock, paid $19,500. Current mileage 65,800 mi. Wanted to love this car but it has been in the shop more than any other car I have owned, 7 or 8 times in the 2 1/2 years I have owned her. The interior could use an update, but the seats are super comfy. I really like the exterior of the car, looks fast standing still. Gas mileage in town is poor for a 4 cyl., only about 17 mpg due to the turbo but hwy mileage is surprisingly good at about 31 mpg. Just too many little things. Warranty ran out in Sept. and just today I spent $1800 on repairs and the 60,000 mile service. Sad to say she will probably get traded in soon.

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  Saab 9-5 Linear Sport Wagon - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Rick & Kristi - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Great Car; we own 2 Saab 9-5s

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  180k and still love it - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By matthewakamatt - July 8 - 12:06 am

  The Saabaru is a great blend of sportiness, reliability, and practicality. Its sporty and powerful enough to stay entertaining for years. I really enjoy the on boost power, but theres not much low end torque. Handling is good enough for the street, but its not really at home on the racetrack. Mine is still completely stock, and has been incredibly reliable. Ive got almost 180k miles on it, and have only had a few repairs in all that time. I really like how practical it is. I frequently load lots of stuff in the back and tow a 5x8 utility trailer with it for household projects.