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 - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By racer gti - March 29 - 10:00 am

  this car is classy and it needs no new component and it feel good to know you are in one

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  SAAB(MW) - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By AJUNA - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I had a 3 months of Saab-free interval after selling my 90 Saab 900S, and simply HAD to test drive a 9-5. And this car is simply a Swedish equivalent of a BMW!!! The design inside-out is first rate, and the ride and handling have reached that perfect balance of sure-footedness and comfort. This is a very much improved, much refined in comparison to the older Saabs. In fact, I look forward to drive this car every morning as much as I enjoy my Prosche!!

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  Lovin It - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By saab93ss - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Had the car about 3 months now and love it more and more each passing day. It is great fun to drive, terrific handling and response. What a beast for a 4 cyl engine, it is giving me about 23 mpg city driving!!

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  Great Wagon - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By craig r - March 11 - 4:26 pm

  I have waited to file a review of our Sport-Combi until we had accumulated some miles. We recently took a 1,000 mile road trip which has prompted us to say great car!! The engine and transmission are the strongest points. Terrific acceleration, effortless cruising, and 30 mpg at 80 mph. Sporty yet compliant ride over rough surfaces, along with precise steering and effective brakes. The seats are very comfortable over long distances. Very little wind noise at speed. Sports car perfomance with the utility of a wagon. Lots of cargo capacity with the rear seat folded down. We have used it during house construction to haul granite shelves, bagged trash, furniture, and other bulky items.

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  Love the 9 3 Convertible - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By sosogo5 - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Second 9 3 convertible Ive owned and just love it. Have had it all out in the twisties with the top down and its great fun. Always have people asking about it. Great car. Have had some minor trouble with the new one getting steering to track straight, both otherwise a great, tight , comfortable car.

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  Solid Car - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By bah - February 22 - 3:13 am

  Very nice car, frustrating issue with in dash display module indications that appears to be a factory issue. Excellent handling in ice and snow/rain. Very solid fit and finish. Gets a little expensive out of warranty.

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  Saab 9-3 2004 model - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By simonsatx - February 20 - 2:00 am

  This is actually my first car purchased on my own since entering college and I think it was one I will not regret. I test drove other vehicles in this price range and Saab had to be the best in my opinion. Even performed better than those with 6 cylinders. This automobile is definitely worth the time to be considered. The dealership I bought the car (Ken Batchelor)from in San Antonio made the car buying experience even better. I hope all Saab dalerships caer to the customer the way these guys do.

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  Exceeds expectations, "expert" opinions - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By NJ Bald - February 9 - 10:20 am

  At 16,000 miles and 18 months, the car has been trouble free and all maintentance has been covered for free (one oil change). This car is more reliable than the Toyota and Honda I previously owned. Car handles very well, and although the controls are a little complicated, figured out how to use the car after a couple of days of ownership. This has become my favorite car and willing to replace with a new one in 10 years when this one needs replacing.

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  Love my Swede Racer!!! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Aero Power - February 8 - 6:16 pm

  I purchased this car in March 2008 after many months of research. I wanted something upscale but not the same thing everyone else had (G35, 3- series, A4, etc). I found myself leaning toward the Swedes so it was down to the 9-3 or the Volvo S40. I drove the S40 and the turbo lag was scary so I drove the 9-3 and was sold. The only problems Ive had were the coolant reservoir needing to be replaced (under warranty) and my ignition switch failed after a few drops of coffee spilled in it. The dealership replaced it free as a courtesy but said the next one is my expense ($700). Everyone loves my car and they say its perfect for me! I hope Koenigsegg can help Saab survive!

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  Outstanding car - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By chalkpie - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Just got an *outrageous* deal on an 03 9-5 Aero with the touring package. It was a leftover and I bought it directly from the dealer (they held the title) with 100 miles on the odometer and plastic still on the seats. This car has met and exceeded all of my expectations significantly. This car is a perfect cross between a luxury sedan and a European sports sedan. It is very unique all the way down to the pop-out cupholder. I could not ask for more power in a car - this machine always has *plenty* on reserve thanks to the fantastic turbo. This car is also *comfortable* and very roomy. The auto transmission is very smooth and works like a charm.