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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  Aero Pleasure - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By AERO PLEASURE - October 23 - 3:10 pm

  I compared many cars before ultimately deciding on the 9-3 Aero V6. It would have cost me $5,000 more to buy a comparable car from another manufacturer. I was extremely pleased with the overall value I achieved, having purchased every available option and not breaking the $40K barrier. I have to say, the audio quality of the 300 watt stereo is disappointing & the navigation system is extremely poor! The navigation unit in a Honda Civic is far better! I understand that both the stereo and the navigation have been improved and this makes me wish I had waited to buy the 2007 model. I had a problem with the coolant system and after 6 service trips, I think it has finally been fixed!

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  have had some issues... but overall a good car with good MPG and fun to drive. if could go back in time would probably of gotten something else however. - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By nccaitlin - September 29 - 11:57 am

  I have had this car for a year now. I bought with 52k miles and have put 20k on it since. I have had a few issues with it so far - drivers side mirror piece fell off and had to be glued back on - back window wasnt working --> $200 -other back window stopped working - have had to change bulbs in headlights 2x already -error messages -> traction control/stability/immobilizer failure (after jumping battery it did not want to start and went haywire for a while before starting) - A/C blower locked up and had to be released and oiled up - Car wash knocked off antenna cover However this car is pretty fun to drive and no major mechanical issues. Great MPG over 40 often. Lost 2k in value already.

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  It is not our problem! - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By Debra M Fish - September 24 - 10:00 am

  Front toe setting was off from the beginning & the car pulled to the right. The dealer could only modify it slightly. By that point, the front tires were worn so badly they had to be replaced. The follow have had to be replaced:At least 6 key remotes, rear shocks, throttle body, digital display, ignition module.On a snowy day, the parking brake would not release & warning lights lite up. After sitting in the dealers heated garage all night, the car was fine. The hypothesis my service adviser had was that some part of the braking apparatus had frozen & needed to thaw. Saabs only response:As cars age, items simply have to be replaced.

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  Too much GM -- really a SAAturn 9-3 - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Wiggy - September 24 - 10:00 am

  The SAAB 9-5 is a great car, while the more I live with the 9-3 the more disenchanted I become. The stereo is horrible, it sounds like it is from a Cavalier rental car, and for this reason alone I would NOT recommend this car!!!! This cheapness / poor quality is found throughout the interior, which has the cheap look and feel typical of GM products. Instead of feeling like Im driving a quality Euro car (as I did with the 9-5) I feel like the 9-3 is a glorified Saturn, or should I say SAAturn!

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  Good All-Around Sports Sedan - 2010 Saab 9-3
  By jbrockwell - September 12 - 10:13 pm

  Someone in review forum talking about future of the brand wrote that Saab should position itself as the $25K European sports sedan -- whether that is where the future is for Saab or not, I think it is a good way to position this model. It doesnt have a great interior compared to say an Audi A4 (my previous car), engine is not sublime, handling is OK (AWD helps considerably though I bought FWD version), brand cache is struggling and I will have to see on reliability. But after 2,000+ miles of driving, I have no major complaints. Its a good all around performer and if it doesnt quite excel in any obvious automotive review category, does enough to satisfy and bring the occasional smile.

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  Sundays-only car - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By ej - September 9 - 9:03 pm

  Beautiful when youre single or dating, or married with no kids. Not a family car. Fun beyond belief to drive. However, way too many little annoying problems, rattling noises all over the interior after 25000 miles. Electrical problems day in and day out (radio, windows, sunroof, blinkers). In a few words: I regret buying this car and I do not recommend it. Dont forget, all NEW cars ride nice at the beginning but not all stay that way.

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  My poor SAAB - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By tay - September 6 - 2:00 am

  My saab is the funnest car I have ever had. But there is a problem, it has been in the shop one out of every eight days ive had it.

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  First 90 days: Good, but not great - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Ric in ATL - August 31 - 9:53 pm

  Picked up my 2nd 9-3 in April. It replaced my 05 Linear SS. I loved it & so I was sure Id love my 2nd 9-3. Unfortunately, my Aero hasnt lived up to expectations. Its seen the Service Dept. way too much, mainly Bose radio & sound system issues. Im now on my 5th visit to fix the problem. I missed most of my 3mos. XM Free Trial. Im unimpressed with build quality and the materials in my Aero. I already have several squeaks & rattles. The plastics look and feel cheap, and Ive already worn a hole through my floor mat. All in less than 90 days. Mechanically, the car is great & fun to drive...when I actually have it. The premium leather is a nice touch, but $1500+ is tough to justify.

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  Im really loving my new SAAB! - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Stewy - August 29 - 4:46 pm

  I ended up going with the Linear because I have a 35 mile drive to work everyday and the Areos turbo power means a max of 25 mpg and premium fuel - the Linear takes regular and gets 30mpg. Im not disappointed though - this car is a lot of fun to drive. The Linear has plenty of power , the styling is great and even though Ive been told other Saab 93 and 95 owners may turn there noses up at the 9-2xs Subaru heritage - Im re-assured that this car was built on a solid platform from a car company noted for reliability.

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  Saab 9-7X Linear - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By DM - August 23 - 7:30 pm

  I am very pleased with the purchase of my Saab 9-7X Linear. It rides real smooth and has the safety I am looking for. The seating is very comfortable and offers a lot of room. I do find everything too compact. There are not enough areas to store little things. The gas mileage is not very efficient for todays gas problems. I average 15.6 miles to the gallon. That is including both Highway and City driving. This is a luxury SUV in my opinion. They offer onStar and satellite radio free for 3 months.