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 2003 - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Lee - February 18 - 4:00 am

  It is a very fun vehicle to drive.

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  The SAAB - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By oscsret - February 17 - 3:06 am

  This is really a great car. The turbo charged 2 liter engine moves it down the freeway with no strain. SAAB incorporates many safety features, some of which would cost you extra on other cars.There is an active head restraint system built into the front seat headrests that I dont think any other car maker includes at all. I am a car nut and I was very impressed when I drove The SAAB for the first time.

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  Value sport - 2007 Saab 9-5
  By Denver Aero - February 15 - 7:50 am

  Great highway cruiser and the new suspension is very adept in corners. Compares in price to the 300 bmw series, but is larger. Ive enjoyed the sport-tuned suspension. Saab owners are used to the higher power band, so no biggie that first gear isnt much. Its a thriller to drive and own. Ive enjoyed it and its surprisingly practical. I have lots of warranty protection, but this build quality is much better than my 96 900SE. No hint of any probs yet. Realistically to get a car 4 people could fit in would cost me $45,000- 50,000 after options.

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  My car is in the shop while Im typing! - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By NUBULLY - February 13 - 12:23 pm

  Run away from this SUV. When we leased this SUV, GM had a promo: give us 27 months. Well, this morning when I tried to start the engine it turned over but did not start (for the 5th time). I have 4 more months until the 27 months are up. I gave them 27 months and I know to stay away!!!! THIS is why you lease autos, if I purchased this SUV I would be out my mind right now. The car drives nice but it gets horrid gas mileage and its been in the shop a lot. The interior fit and finish are still good. The XM/Radio antenna wasnt installed properly as well as the R/S mirror was 1/2 installed when we took delivery. NYBULLY

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  Electronic Nightmare - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By JDN - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car used and for the first few years it was fine. The last year or two have been a nightmare. Electronic issues and Check Engine" lights are a monthly occurrence. For instance the dashboard info display was rebuilt, the ignition switch has to be replaced and the trunk harness which controls the trunk lock and the tail lights was replaced. There is no manual key entry for the trunk. Recently the DI cassette in the engine was replaced ($550) to address the most recent Check Engine light.

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  Never again - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By NO MORE SAABS FOR ME - February 13 - 10:00 am

  This car ALWAYS has something wrong with it. You will never stop spending money on repairs.

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  Superb - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Tyler - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Cross shopped with the A4 and 3 Series. Its a real head turner with performance to match. Very tight build quality and mileage is great. As good as a compact executive vehicle can be.

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  Unreliable!! Unsatisfied owner - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Saab Owner - February 12 - 5:20 am

  Ive had my car a little over two years and now Ive started to have problems. List of the problems Ive encountered: computer chip in key not working - go to open car and wont unlock - had to get new keys programmed twice, tail lights went out - dealer stated it was due to the lights running all the time, left work one day and car wouldnt start - needed a new battery - dealership claimed it was due to the HOT weather, had to replace all four tires due to tread running thin before 2 yrs. If you have the a/c on high and need to accelerate to get on freeway car has no power... very sluggish. This wknd engine light came on... will take in Monday. Looking to trade it before warranty expires at 50k :(

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  Worth considering strongly - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By divyesh - February 9 - 2:30 am

  I purchased this car last year. I have been searching for a small sporty sedan for a while. This has been as close to perfect a choice for me as I have found to date. I traded in a VW Passat for this and dont regret it yet. This car is worth a serious look. There have been no major problems so far at 15,000 miles. Minor problems include: a 6 disc cd changer that jammed and had to be replaced, many of the parchment interior body panels were slightly discolored on delivery, and there are a few rattles predominantly in the door panels (a bit disappointing for a $30,000 car).

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  Great Built Cars - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Purduegemini - February 6 - 4:03 pm

  This is the best car that I have ever owned. I had a problem with some of the pixels going out of my display. I took it to the dealership and they fixed that plus replaced my door handles, seat belts, lug nuts, full maintance, and the list goes on all for free!! Great built cars.