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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  Saab 9-5 Arc - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By gtoman - December 10 - 2:00 am

  In 2000 miles, Ive experienced a car with oustanding highway & city driving capabilities. The seats are exceptionally comfortable (w/ heat and a/c !) Driving through a downpour on the highway provided me a great deal of confidence due to traction & stability control. The Sport mode on the trans. launches the car like it has 50 more hp The stereo (240 watt Harmonn Karden) is awesome. The build quality is very good.

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  Everything seems GREAT to me! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Theo - December 6 - 4:33 am

  Not certain about some critical reviews here but Ive had no problems so far and am having a great time driving this vehicle. Plenty of headroom (63"), which was one of the main selling points for me - had trouble with just about any other car/vehicle (even my brother in laws Escalade). This vehicle has superb ergonomics and comfort with handling and performance that does not disappoint. I was cross shopping against an Audi A3 but honestly, there is no comparison (other than the Audis superior DSG transmission - would have loved one of those in this car). I wouldnt hesitate to recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a great handling, powerful and good looking "wagon".

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  Tow after Tow after Tow after Tow - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By hatesaab03 - December 5 - 10:36 am

  I had purchased this vehicle not even 2 weeks and it died on me. I had bought it with about 57K miles, and two weeks later on the way to a mini vacation it leaves me stranded in the middle of the freeway. I took it back to the selling dealer and also their Saab dealer and they slapped the machine on it and "Nothing is wrong with it, it drives like a champ." Again it had just died as i was accelerating through town, and then my speed gauge gradually goes down once again! On my way back from work on the freeway it died again! DO NOT BUY THIS MODEL. By the way i failed to mention i had to waste my money towing this vehicle every single time it died on me. STAY AWAY!

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  I thought there was snow in Sweden - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By HeatherVT - December 2 - 7:03 am

  Although the 9-3 wagon is sporty and comfortable, the snow performance leaves much to be desired. The ground clearance is so low even a dusting of snow made driving treacherous (despite studded snow tires). The front wheel drive did little to propel the car through the mountainous roads in Vermont, leaving me stranded in driveways and scared on the highway. The seats are comfortable but close together, allowing my toddler to kick my elbow while driving. The trunk is small, not able to accomodate a bike trailer. Although the seats are comfortable they are very close together so my toddler can kick my elbow as I drive. The trunk was too small to accommodate a bike trailer.

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  Ive owned four Saabs... - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By rsg4 - November 28 - 2:03 am

  I purchased a used 2003 9-3 Saab a few years ago. This was my fourth Saab. It was still under warranty. This model is a far cry from the old Saab. I too, have had issues with lights, engine light on, heat/cooler blower...just to name a few. Even the 6 CD gave me issues. I had the CD into the local dealer several times -- of course, never acted up while at the dealer. Finally (200 miles out of warranty) it acted up -- and they were refusing to honor the warranty!! Gave me a price of $2000 to fix. I was on the phone quite a bit with Saab, when they finally agreed to fix it. Funny thing, the dealer only fixed $1100 of the $2000 -- said the other didnt need fixing!

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  Great sport luxury value - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Ken G - November 17 - 3:00 am

  Coming off lease of a MB C230K coupe/hatch, I wanted 4 doors, a real trunk, front or AWD (for winter), and lower price while retaining as much of the sportiness and luxury car experience as possible. In my first few days with the 9-3 Linear, it reminds me a lot of the C240 4Matic that the MB dealer often gave me as a service loaner. My impression of that car always was "not as fun as the C230 but a bit more practical and very livable." Now I have the same benefits for $10k less than a new C240 and $4k less than I paid for the C230 almost 4 years ago. Pricing is more comparable to Accord or Camry but with more safety equipment, free maintenance, premium dealer experience and smaller exterior.

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  Done with Saabs - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By otto - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Read just a sample listing of some of the mechanical and electronic issues people have had and that has been my experience and then some. The most recent and the last episode with any Saab product was the turbo. Done. This car was constantly in the garage. No mas.

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  Love to hate it - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By paulsmith94065 - November 13 - 4:06 pm

  I wont buy a Saab again. The only reason I bought it was the unique style. I bought it new and it has been in the shop MANY MANY times. Now that it is out of warranty, its becoming quite annoying, but its paid for, and the repairs are cheaper than a car payment. Saab has lost its style. The new ones look just like Audi and BMW. Too bad, unique style was the only thing going for it. Anyway, beware if you buy. Many quirky problems, hard to find & expensive repair shops. Oh, and the car really depreciates which is another reason I havent ridded myself of it yet... cant bear to take the loss. I would only recommend this car if you have a reliable car to drive while its in the shop!

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  Onstar problems - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By xcitableboy - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I am having a problem with cross talk between the onstar system and the electrical components in the car (thats what the dealer has said). My problem is not severe but a friend has such a severe problem that the car will not start. This problem is surprising since GM has been installing onstar on its vehicles for many years.

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  arc 9-3 - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By fishtank - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my car almost a year and for the most part I like it however, Im reminded daily that I hate the 6 speed transmission. The shift from 1st to 2nd is very slow and I often catch the teeth on the snycros. I read in one car magazine that the Audi A4 with less power was faster from 0 to 60 because of the slow shift. Im at a loss as to why the traction control has come on so often, and on one road I turn it off so it doesnt come on. At night it can be scary when you cant use your brights on a real dark road because of traffic. The dont shine far enough. These Thule roof racks are only available at a saab dealer.