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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  Hope You Have A Fat Bank Account - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By sundawg18 - March 4 - 10:06 pm

  I bought this car used, from the original owner, with 60,000 miles. In the few years Ive owned it - and over 30,000 miles later - Ive had at least $5,000 worth of work done to it. Around 65,000 it stalled during rush hour. A few years later it started to stall on the freeway - luckily I had enough time to pull off and into a parking lot before it died. The throttle had to be replaced - to the tune of $900, and Ive gone through a couple of batteries that all cost over $200. Now Im facing an oil leak that my mechanic cant seem to find a cap for since Saab isnt making these cars anymore. Correct me if Im wrong, but this seems like an awful lot of work for a car still under 100,000 miles.

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  06 9-3 SportCombi Aero - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By boutteman - February 24 - 10:53 am

  I have owned this car for one full year and have had an overall enjoyment of my experience with it. It has suited me, as well as my growing family, in many environments and situations. Its handled traffic in Houston, TX, snow/slush in Pittsburgh, PA, and mountainous terrain in Reno, NV. It has performed well in some huge cross country road trips (sometimes getting 33 mpg). I love driving in manual-mode (it not only helps with the gas mileage, but it is a bonus when traveling across the Sierra Mountains on a regular basis. This is a straight-up fun vehicle to drive! I am a mechanical engineer, I did a lot of research, and I picked the Saab over the BMW 3-series and Audi A4 sportwagons.

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  A good but not great little car. - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Johnnymauler - February 24 - 1:50 am

  I have had some problems with the tires and wheels on this car. After only about 10000 miles all of the Bridgestone tires bubbled and half my rims were bent. I had to buy new tires and aftermarket wheels. The car handles great but turbo lag and cheap seats are a downfall.

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  My third saab - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By saab1216 - February 22 - 6:13 am

  I find this car so much fun to drive not matter what the weather. It drives great in the snow and handles those mountain roads in the summer.I love the sharp looks and attractive interior. I just had to take it into the shop as my radio/control center stopped working. I know that saabs can experience some problems but I never drove a more enjoyable car.The acceleration and braking are superb and so is the c.d.player. The radio doesnt sound as well.If you buy Saab,get a warranty for peace of mind...then enjoy the ride!

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  Sweet Vehicle - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By Kev - February 18 - 7:56 am

  We are very happy with our new Saab 9-7X. It drives like a car and has an elegant look to it. We think Saab has done a great job on the design. When we are out enjoying our Saab, we always get second looks.

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  The opposite of Zeke - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By brucec32 - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Critics calling this car bland need to drive the car first. The new car has barely any turbo lag, unlike the old 9- 3, No torque steer, unlike the horrible torque steer in the previous car. Add in comfortable seats, fresh styling, more interior room for passengers, no body roll , great brakes, better interiors, and improved safety. And it costs thousands less than before. Unless your lifestyle involves carrying 36" TVs on a regular basis, the sedan is useful enough for most. the old 9-3 came in near the bottom in most sport sedan comparisons for a reason. The new 9-3 is a big improvement.

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  Certified Saab - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By vtsnow - February 11 - 3:53 pm

  I have 88k on my certified 9-3. Performance and comfort has been good to very good. Gas mileage averages 33 on the highway!! Snow traction and safety on Vermont roads have been excellent. I am glad it is certified though. Problems every 3 months including various leaks, yellow warning lights and electrical. I would recomend but get the 100k warranty!!

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  Been lucky - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By ron - January 24 - 1:00 pm

  Been in for non-scheduled visits twice in two years. both incidents were releated to non-serious computer malfunctions. The dealer has done more than one could expect. For the size of the engine, power and mileage are better than expected. Car is smooth but noisy. Interior ergonomics very easy to get used to. Almost bought a new A3 but realized what I have.

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  Good Choice - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By DH - January 16 - 10:53 am

  Extremely pleased so far - handling, styling, and power meet my high expectations from Saab. Enjoy setting the automatic controls so the radio & heat come on the way I want them to. Love the "heads-up" display atop the dash, but why do I still have a big screen in the middle of the dash with nothing to display? The basic audio system is a bit bland - Im sure theres a subwoofer in there someplace, but my ears havent found it. The engine has nice perky pickup, although the delay while the turbo kicks in was odd at first. Still, I find myself doing 80 without realizing it.

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  Great Family Car with Sporty Feel - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By Great Family Car wit - January 15 - 2:16 am

  This car is fully loaded. Nav, DVD, V8. Handles great, is very reliable. Our daughter feels like the car is part of the family. Great in snow and is faster than my BMW.