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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  Best car ever! - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By scott - April 7 - 11:13 pm

  I am so happy with my purchace! I bought a ARC Convertible and I still have a smile plastered across my face. If it isnt raining the top is down no matter the weather. So much fun to drive and everybody that sees it makes a comment on how sweet it looks! Do yourself a favor and get this car!

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  Great speed, great space and great price - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By surroundedbybmwandvw - April 7 - 10:00 am

  At 64" there arent too many cars I can be comforatable in. The Saab 93 fits me fine. The cargo space is unmatched. I simply can not fit in any 3 series BMW and Audis are too plentiful in my area. Ive always loved the uniqueness of a SAAB and the 93 delivers. The turbo 185 is perfect - not slow, but fast enough to have some fun. The leather in the car is top quality as well.

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  what a wagon - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By tahcan - April 5 - 1:33 am

  What a great car for those of us needing to haul stuff and who wont drive a SUV anymore. I came out of a G500 that fell apart every day and this car has been great. Fun to drive (mines the manual) great space to haul dogs, lumber, tools, bikes, etc. really good gas mileage 22 in town 29 on the highway. i drive A LOT of miles and this car has been an excellent mix of everything i need. WHO KNEW?

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  Great car for the price - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By rk - April 3 - 10:53 am

  I walked into the dealership on a rainy day to test drive the car, and once I did, totally fell in love with it. The car handles and performs great! The tires stick to the ground, even in heavy rain. The Bose audio system sounds great, but could use a subwoofer. The controls on the audio system are not easy to use, though. The cup holders are not all that great. But, as a functional car, this car rocks. I have to constantly watch my speed on the highway, drop it into 6th and it cruises, sometimes without thinking, I find myself at 85 or 90. I just turned on the audible speed alarm system because of this. The turbo lag is apparent, but once you get beyond that, it takes off.

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  Its the Best Value Used Car out there - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Yob - April 3 - 8:33 am

  Its no secret that Saabs dont hold there value. I bought a one year old Vector that MSRP for $38,400 for $23,500 from the local Saab dealer with 10,000 miles. I now have 75,000 miles and it still looks like new. I get 32mpg around town and 37mpg on a trip the 4 cly. Turbo has as much get up and go as any V6 out there. So far I have only replace the front brake pads and tires other than that its been 100% perfect. I highly recomend this car.

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  Stand Out From the Crowd - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By Pats Aero - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Buying this car used, with Saabs massive depreciation, is the best bang per buck out there! Must get the 5 speed to take advantage of the overboost. Luxurious interior, good power, nimble handling, and best of all, you stand out from allthe So. Calif. ubiquitous MBZs and BMWs, because theres few Aeros.

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  Great Saab - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By BTB - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Very enjoyable to drive. Quick pick up in power.

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  I love it - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By abbydabby2 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  as in clothing i hate seeing myself coming and going...i love that there are very few on the road!!!

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  A real Saab Story - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By monpuss - April 3 - 2:00 am

  A Head turning Rag Top with real get up and go. Looks good, drives great, and with the top down, cant be beat.

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  just perfect - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By grasshopper333 - March 30 - 4:03 am

  This is a great car for the money. It drives so well my husband has scrapped the idea of getting a vette next year and will be buying a Saab. The wagon has all space you could want and all the comfort. I test drove competitors. Nothing touches the Saab.