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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  Attractive and fun midsize wagon - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By ChrisJ - August 23 - 5:36 pm

  The Aero Sportcombi is a car that gets overlooked too often in favor of the 3 series and the A4 Avant (both more $$). Which is too bad, this is a great looking and performing little wagon. I had the opportunity to drive the 2.0T and Aero quite aggressively at the Aero Academy and was impressed with the cars dynamics. Power from the smooth turbo V6 (a Wards 10-best engine) is plentiful, and I find myself shifting 1-2-4 or even 1-2-6 as the speed builds quickly. Very minimal turbo lag and torque steer. Cargo room is on par with many mid-sized SUVs. Fuel economy is good for a V6: high 20s hwy, low 20s city. Throw some cross bars onto the roof and youve got a capable home depot runner too.

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  A Mixed Bag-Fun, Economical but Fragile - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By Mendelation - August 21 - 1:56 am

  Theres a lot to like in this car. Good combination of power and fuel economy. Lots of room in the interior and trunk. Unique car that you dont see everyday. However, the quality leaves much to be desired. The engine at idle send vibrations through the whole car and lots of interior pieces now vibrate. Lots of wind noise. Air bag problems, sun roof rattle problems, loss of coolant on trip, gas gauge failure. I worry about the long term durability of this car.

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  Great handling - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Avery - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive put a total of about 700 miles on this model. So far I can say the handling is excellent. The turbo is fun and zesty, really pulls an even amount of power from the small engine and makes it feel like a V6.

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  Sweet car even for a guy in his late 30s - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Chris Mackey - August 12 - 8:40 pm

  Love the looks of this car. The rear hatch opens up and fits 6 bags of groceries easily. Automatic Aero off of the line is very slow until the turbo kicks in. Makes up for that as you accelerate from 35 MPH to 75MPH in a hurry. Suspension is perfect for me. Not too tight, but still corners like a stud. The stereo is merely adequate. Meets the needs of most people. Its clear Saab expects you to upgrade the system.

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  Saab Story - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By mtnbound - August 10 - 4:33 pm

  I purchased this car used, in 2002 & I drive Orange County Ca for Sales. Vehicle performs as a Saab should, however I am disappointed by maintenance. Replaced all 4 power windows within the first year, due to a plastic connector breaking, that has no replacement part available At $500/window, not good. SID display replaced in "04. Switched to synthetic oil in "04, seems to start better, run quieter, did not help mileage (24-26) on average. Also had to replace radiator in vehicle in december of 2005. Replaced struts and disc brake rotors, but that is expected with a car of this age. Braking and handling excellent. Love the climate control, but had to replace compressor.

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  Good for a passionate car lover. - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By matt_beckman - August 6 - 5:59 pm

  After driving 3 Saabs, a 2005, 2006 9.3 Turbo, and a 2003 9.5 Aero It is clear that Saabs are cars to be pampered and taken well care of. If you are looking for a reliable car with as little maintenance as possible this is not the car for you. Your better of with a Toyota. You will get what you give with Saab and the car is good for someone who enjoys taking care of cars as a passion and DOES NOT mind putting in an extra dollar to keep their jem running at top quality. For about $4500 the 2003 Areo is about the best sports car you can get for the price and after regular maintenance you can expect quick acceleration, good gas mileage, and an all over all smooth, stylish, and luxurious ride.

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  Saab 95 Arc wagon - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By momn8r - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Great pick up. As much fun to drive as my old Infinti I30. OnStar is no longer a standard feature as the 2003 model. The audio has that Delco sound.The whistle sounds when the keyless remote functions are acivated are obnoxious. Alarmed when "add coolant" flashed on the SID (Saab Info Display) after only 372 miles and three days after delivery. I was in the desert and there is a dealer about 20 miles from our place. the dealer attributed the warning to a possible air pocket in the line that displaced the coolant level indicator. No other problems after two weeks and 1800 miles.

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  Fast comfortable sedan - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By tedsmith944 - July 26 - 5:46 pm

  Just bought this 2002 Saab 9-5 Aero sedan. Went with the 5-speed manual. This car is very, very fast at cruising speeds and is the perfect highway passing vehicle. Torque steer and turbo lag are noticeable when driving around town. I really like the Xenons as this is my first car with that type of lighting. As an engineer, I am attracted to the engine technology; 250hp/258lb-ft is mighty impressive from 2.3 liters of displacement. Furthermore, the engine management and gearing allow me to get great gas mileage. Also, I wanted something that you dont see everyday, so the Saab is way cooler than a 330i (for example) in that respect. Overall, I am very happy.

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  Fast comfortable sedan - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By tedsmith944 - July 26 - 2:26 pm

  Just bought this 2002 Saab 9-5 Aero sedan. Went with the 5-speed manual. This car is very, very fast at cruising speeds and is the perfect highway passing vehicle. Torque steer and turbo lag are noticeable when driving around town. I really like the Xenons as this is my first car with that type of lighting. As an engineer, I am attracted to the engine technology; 250hp/258lb-ft is mighty impressive from 2.3 liters of displacement. Furthermore, the engine management and gearing allow me to get great gas mileage. Also, I wanted something that you dont see everyday, so the Saab is way cooler than a 330i (for example) in that respect. Overall, I am very happy.

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  DRIVER SIDE MIRROR EXPLODED - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By JenniferJimenez - July 20 - 6:23 am

  I was driving vehicle hit bump and turned black. Left brake light indactor states is inop. But brake light operates.