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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  Great car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By neil martin - October 29 - 1:53 pm

  I love this car. It is fun to drive yet luxurious at the same time. I have never had any trouble with it and I love the way the turbo kicks in when you stomp on it. It is not extremely fast or anything but it feels great on the road and has great low end torque. It handles great too for only sixteen inch wheels and when I buy a new car it is definitely going to be a saab. Thank you for reading this.

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  Too good to be true - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Jessica - October 22 - 9:16 am

  I leased this car the first year it came out (I have since been told this was a mistake) because the price was right and because it came with free maintenance for 3 years. Within the first 5 months of owning the car, it started giving me problems. My lease is up this month, and I couldnt be happier. The car is too technologically advanced for its own good, so although it has great "extras," the electrical malfunctions are numerous. Ive have problems with everything from the engine light, windows, radio and locks (they lock and unlock while Im driving on their own) to the gear shift box, in addition to several recalls. On average, the car is in the shop every 4-6 months.

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  Fun to Drive - 1996 Saab 900
  By Prmetime - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I purchased mine brand new and I have had almost no problems. The only one I had was an electrical glitch which was finally fixed and the car has run flawlessly otherwise. It is a great Gran Tourismo especially after I put aftermarket shocks and springs on it. It is comfortable, fun to drive, and has great cargo space.

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  Still Love It - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By ek - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I have had the car for nearly a year now and 11,000 miles and still enjoy driving it every day. It is spacious, comfortable, and handles very well. The only part of the car that leaves something to be desired is the climate control. It is not intuitive, but I have gotten used to it. It is unique and gets good gas mileage. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  2nd Saab.....Not my last - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By capt_slow - October 14 - 1:03 pm

  Sold my 9000 Aero with 155K miles and bought a 1999 9-5 2.3T wagon with 120K. Absolutely love it as my commuter car. All options still work and is still nice and quiet. I have however had lot of vacuum problems. Replaced the turbo bypass valve, vacuum hoses, and fixed brake booster lines(Did all the work myself with the help of a friend so very inexpensive). Other than that nothing beats this car on performance and gas mileage. I get a couple mpgs better than my 9000 Aero. My family is full of Saabs and thats for a reason. Fantastic cars if you keep up on maintenance. Hoping to get a newer 9-3 after this 9-5.

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  2003 Saab 9-3 Linear - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Perdition - October 12 - 10:00 am

  The turbo lag on this car is frustrating and dangerous. Initial boost takes a full second or more to engage making crossing a road with traffic impossible. After turbo boost, however, this car propels the car like a high end sports car. Get a manual transmission, not an automatic.

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  Great when not in the shop... - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By oomps - October 9 - 7:16 am

  I purchased this car on 07/18/06. Up to now (08/15/06), the car has been to the shop 4 times for a/c problems. This car has NOT been reliable and has turned me off from the brand. The few times Ive had it, it has been fun to drive. Its a great little luxury/sport sedan. It drives rather well and is fast once you are above 2000 rpm. Tire noise is audible. The 300 watt system needs improvement. Seats are great and all the controls are with in reach. Fuel economy has been pretty good with about 22-24 mpg.

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  best Saab yet - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By johnshepherd - September 24 - 2:00 am

  My 3rd Saab, downsized from an 9000 Aero. less power, better quality and comfort. bought as end of lease with 100K warranty, cheaper that way. one major breakdown, idler puller went, under warranty. Do not like the automatic transmission though, no fun. Love my Saabs.

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  Undoubtedly the most unreliable car ever - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By NWpilot70 - September 16 - 5:56 pm

  In the process of researching my new vehicle purchase, I couldnt help but warn potential owners of a Saab 9-5 about the incredible frequency of costly repairs. 1st turbo replacement at 48000 miles, second turbo just blew again at 95000 miles, despite proper unspooling procedures and impeccable maintenance. A myriad of electronic failures that, come to find out, are outrageously common. Including an ABS module replacement for $3000. The display has been pixelated since around 45000 miles. I sent an e-mail of concern to Saab regarding potential recalls to consider and, of course, I received the courtesy reply. In short, Ill never own another Saab! Its awesome when its running. Too bad its rare!

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  Saaberration - 2006 Saab 9-2X
  By Pete - September 6 - 2:50 am

  This is definitely an aberration from the typical Saab lineup. Albeit a quick way for Saab to get an AWD to market, it still leans heavily towards Fuji Heavy Industries. Ironic that both companies originally made aircraft. Saabs adjustment to the exterior, gearing, steering, and suspension definitely paid off. Its handling was excellent. It loved to be pushed and responded well to pinning it centripetally into corners with acceleration. On the other hand, it was loud and the interior was most definitely Subaru. After professionally soundproofing all 4 doors, it was still noisy.