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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  perfect saab - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By len - May 11 - 10:00 am

  From the day I bought it, now 34,000 miles nothing has gone wrong. Living in New Hampshire the driving is tough. Snow, mountains, this 9-5 Aero wagon handles it all never gets bogged down in deep snow. My Porsche used to die in the winter and my wife picked me up at the bottom of the steep hill in her Saab

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  Outstanding - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By pattyB - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I find it hard to believe that there is an entire wagon behind me when I drive! It is so much fun and tons of space! I have had NO problems at all in any way with this car...LOVE IT!

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  2nd Saab - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Previous owner - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I am very satisfied with my 02 9-3 SE. This is my first automatic Saab and its just as peppy as my 99 9-3 was in a 5-speed. I enjoy the benefits of traction control and On-Star in this new model. Cant say enuf to praise the car or the dealership, Just Saab. They go out of their way to please the customer. The old saying that the customer is always right applies here.

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  Nice ride! - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By snowboardereh - May 8 - 6:36 pm

  Nice Ride! Interior very roomy. Split rear seat makes it easy to put a couple of snowboards and gear in trunk and still be able to have someone sit in the back!

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  Solid vehicle - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By mia709 - May 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a very well made car, it is very much a Saab in all the ways that I can see. I have owned a 900 for the pst 5 years and there are many marked improvements over the old cars. True that it may have a few more GMesque tendancies, but thats because I believe Saab has a few more resources and idea pools to pick and choose from. I am enjoying this car more than any other other car Ive driven thus far; if word gets out about how nifty of a vehicle Saab has engineered, its possible that Saab may not be able to keep up with demand for the first time in a long time.

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  Steel Gray Hunchback - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By robg3176 - April 28 - 11:10 pm

  My wife called it a hunchback, so it is my Steel Gray Hunchback. Was looking around for another car actually, and test drove it, didnt feel right, and the one I wanted was sold. But I saw this one, and it had tint and a built in alarm. I was looking for utility, such as a hatchback to lug things around. 4 doors too. I also required better gas mileage since gas prices were sky rocketing. Also, power with torque to go up hills and turns. Alas, I test drove this 2002 Saab 9-3 SE: has leather seats, and more power than normal. It is a 4cylinder turbo auto, more economical than a 6cyl, with just as much power because of the turbo. Driving it ever since and my wife and I love it.

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  Finally Bought One - No Regrets - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By highegt - April 28 - 6:56 pm

  Styling like nothing else - gets looks from all sorts of folks - very fast car, especially when selecting sport mode - easily gets to autobahn speeds and slows back down - handles great - gas mileage is in the 30s driving from LI through NYC to NJ and back each day. As long as I drive normal - very comfortable with great sound system sunroof open has no cabin buffet - wagon design very useful with kids. Regarding vibration complaints in other reviews, this is a 4 cyl putting out 260HP - you want an appliance, buy something else. Great used value!

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  Joyful car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Eurozone - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Had it for about a month now, I still enjoy every trip in this car. It looks really good from the front and side, and alright from the back. The interior is very cozy with good quality materials. The seats are superbly comfortable, the controls and gauges are quite good. The stereo is good but the bass is a bit weak (no subwoofer). Great handling gives amazing feeling of control, the car feels very light and nimble. Great breaks, nice shifter and pretty good power from the engine. Turbo a bit lazy at low end, but gives very good response afterwards.

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  SAAB 9-3 linear w/launch package - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Mambo - April 27 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SAAB, and I was thinking about the BMW 325i as the other alternative. After driving the SAAB, I liked it a lot more than the BMW, and it was $7k less, and it gets much better gas mileage. I am truly enjoying the car and I have got a lot of complements, especially from BMW owners. I cant say enough good things about the car.

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  Best Car Ever!!!! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Orangeman - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Have owned it for a week + Love it! It was the best decision I ever made buying this car. I test drove BMW325 XI (all wheel drive) Jaguar Xtype- This car is so much better looking and more fun to drive.