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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  happy SAAB owner - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By dnf - March 21 - 10:00 am

  You cant beat this cars overall performance and features for the cost (low 30s new). The beauty of the cars styling is in the eye of the beholder ... so, if you like the cars looks, I would highly recommend the 9- 5. I like the fact that not everyone drives a SAAB.

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  I would buy another one - 1996 Saab 900
  By kaydee - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I have a 1996 2D SE Conv. We never had any major problems with it, its great on gas, I commute 40 minutes to work (one way) per day and this car has never let me down. It requires the same attention as any other car would- nothing major in 7 years. I can only say that my husband took care of this car like it was his baby so maybe that makes a difference in the reliability of my vehicle compared to the other reviews.

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  Saab Dad - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By jadam2122 - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Super safe, much fun to drive. Makes it cool to be a dad. Little different than everyone elses car. great mix of large doses of drivability and high-end features with moderate cost especially for lease deals.

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  Beauty is only skin deep - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Seattle SAAB Owner - March 16 - 2:00 am

  If you get a Linear trim line, I highly recommend the stick, as the automatic simply lags. I like the styling and there are a few neat features BUT, the build qulity is suspect at best. Lots of plastic on the inside translates into a cheap feel and rattles everywhre. Limited space around the pedals and the placing of the trunk release are serious design flaws. Overall, if I had the chance to buy this car again, I wouldnt. Its easy to see why GM is discounting these cars so much;it is the only way they can unload them. Even with the deep discount I got, I still dont feel that it was a goo deal. Dealer support has been poor.

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  Love my car! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By jcp - March 13 - 3:36 pm

  Great car. Fun to drive. Good mileage compared to similar luxury sedans. Leather seats are firm and comfortable.

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  Tired - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By bluejay - March 11 - 7:13 pm

  This has been a good family, well maintained, gently driven car with some surprising expenses-new turbocharger 3 yrs ago, quirky starting, and annoying LED display failure that would cost $500 to replace. It handles well and the lack of pep is offset by reasonably good gas mileage20/30+ on trips. Not sure I will get another due to the change of ownership and increased quality issues with newer models identified by Consumer Reports.

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  Saab 9-3 Aero w/ Manual Transmission - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Ben - March 11 - 12:26 pm

  If you like to drive slowly, then dont buy this car... just test drive it and you will understand what I mean. All my life the cars I have driven have to be at 5000 rpm or higher to enjoy any real power. This car gives you power at 2000 rpm through 5500 rpm. It is strong, fast, responsive. I get 28 miles per gallon (with 75% freeway driving and 25% city driving). If youre looking at the Saab 9-3 Aero, you are probably a very unique person who doesnt like to have what everyone else has, thats why I bought mine.

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  A true sports car - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By uncjaybird - March 11 - 10:00 am

  If you want a cool car thats fun to driver. the SAAB 9-3 is yours.

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  Great Value @ 60K Miles 9-3 Aero - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By John L - March 9 - 2:53 pm

  Just hit 60,000 miles on the 9-3 Aero after 2.5 years - bought new. Mostly highway miles in the desert heat. Just replaced brake pads at 57,000 miles - first time the brakes required any maintenance - be careful - no squealers to alert that your brakes need replacement. Coolant tank replaced twice. Only other problem - unable to start - dealer fixed a switch that had "popped open." Car is worth the money and is fun to drive - quick, comfortable and reliable. Getting 25 mpg on highway and about 22 mpg combined city and highway.

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  Saab 9.5 smooth driving and fast turbo - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By Susan C. - March 8 - 7:03 am

  You will love the turbo function.-front wheel drive gives great stiring options-smooth ride