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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  2006 9-5 good, but could be better - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By darryl greer - July 18 - 7:26 pm

  I just put my first 1000 miles on the new 9-5, having recently turned in a 2003 9-5 Arc with 50,000 miles, (flawless mechanical record). Good news is that the car is largely unchanged in handling and ride. Braking and headlights are superior. Yet the 2.3L four is much rougher than the old V-6, with noticable turbo-lag and torque steer. The updated dash is improved, but Saab uses cheaper materials inside, below prior quality. Seating remains the same- comfortable;and ventilation has improved. Overall, the car like previous 9-5s seems at its best cruising at higher speeds, and on extended highway drives, resulting in a smooth, safe and secure ride with performance and comfort.

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  2000 Saab 9-5: A quality ride - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By FloJo - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Since buying my certified pre-owned 2000 Saab 9-5 in July of 2003, Ive been enjoying a smooth, comfortable ride with little to no quality problems. I would definitely recommend this car to other purchasers, particularly the certified pre-owned program at Saab. The trunk space is fantastic, and it drives great in the harsh winter weather on icy roads (I live in Michigan). A very safe feeling car. My only complaint is a little big of lag in the acceleration, but its not so much that it drives me crazy. Overall a great car at a solid price.

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  Id be mad if I paid full price - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Pat - July 13 - 4:13 pm

  But I spent $8500 off msrp, which makes me very happy. I paid less than my friends WRX. I really dont think its any more quiet. Its more jarring over ruff pavement (17"?). Automatic is horrible. Aggressive driving is scary because of the automatic. The cloth is better, but gets dirty really fast. The seats dont seem to keep you in place as well. Oddly enough I love my car. Normal driving is pleasant. Side by side looks much better than the WRX. I have an AWD wagon with lots of safety for cheap. Only wish I got a stick, at least until Im stuck in traffic.

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  A fun to drive convertible - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By sandstones - July 4 - 2:30 am

  Trying to decide whether to buy out my lease, and thought Id see what others had to say. Overall for me car has been a blast to drive, and have only had a few minor maintenance issues. Think it will age better than new GM based Saabs, but only time will tell.

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  So Far, So Good - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Richard - July 1 - 6:13 pm

  Love the ride, the eurocar-snobs like to put this cars ride down because it is front wheel drive, but do they all live in California where it doesnt snow? Front wheel drive is so much better in snow and wet conditions, I wont buy a rear wheel drive car because of this simple fact. I like the handling, and I am most surprised at how much power this turbo 4 cyldr car has, makes for a fun driving experience.

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  Fun and quick, reliable and great mpg! - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By nott-me - June 25 - 11:23 pm

  I have had the car about 2.5 years and total of 36,000 miles. Fun to drive, turbo is great! I have the 2 door version, and the trunk area will swallow anything with the seats folded! Repairs are usually happen like clockwork every 10,000 miles on my example but worth the upkeep in enjoyment and uniqueness. I have 124,000 on the odometer now.

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  Pleased with Saab 9-5 Aero wagon - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By wendieb04 - June 3 - 8:53 am

  The car has been very comfortable and fun to drive. This is the most horse power I have had, felt I had power to maneuver when needed in traffic. Gas economy is good for size of car it is. When I have had passengers with me they have always commented what a nice ride they are having. I agree that back seat is just about as comfortable as the front and plenty of leg room. I think you get a great value for the money. Have had 2 minor recall issues I have had to get fixed. One complaint is that covered maintenance is only at 5k, 15k, 30k and 45k. Oil changes between every 5k are not covered.

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  What a love hate relationship! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Joe - June 1 - 8:43 am

  This is the best of cars, this is the worst of cars. Sound familiar 03 Saab 9-3 owners? Whats good is good- and thats handling, braking, cornering, traction, and great responsiveness from the outstandingly smooth (for a 4 cyl) engine. Great aerodynamic exterior too-a holdover from the Saab-Scania days. The interior is techy rich though the myriad of chicklet sized buttons is obnoxious. Now, whats bad is bad- and thats just plain lack of fit and finish and totally ridiculous reliability. I have the same problems I have read before- plastic rattling dashboard, OnStar meltdowns, thunking shocks (BADDD!!), run on transmission. Just get it right guys. This car has incredible potential.

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  Electrical issues - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By tonyb - May 7 - 7:10 am

  Overall, I love the car, but problems with electrical. Latest is left blinker wont go off. 1100 at the dealer to fix.

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  THE CAR? - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By marcin - May 1 - 2:00 am

  test drove the japanese and german rivals. saab feels and rides better. great acceleration in manual but need to concentrate on first gear. good overall car. some reviewers trash saab, im not sure of their validity! im a proud owner, test drive it and make your own opinion. ps. other competitiors have similar performance but you have to rev the engine v high, saab has great low end torque!