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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  First Month - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By ESB - June 30 - 10:00 am

  Love the car. Traded from a 2001 LS430 to this for something smaller, sportier, and more fun and we love it so far. Dealer experience was incredibly good. Great deal on a great fun car. My first SAAB and likely not my last based on my so far limited experience! Classy alternative to a Japanese car.

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  1st week - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Hoagie - June 23 - 8:36 pm

  So far, this car has been a blast to drive. The 165 hp is more than enough for my tastes. I have an hour drive, and am 6 ft, 230 lbs. No discomfort whatsoever. And 28 mph to boot. The 5 speed makes this package all the more fun.

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  Saab FUN - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By mschae - June 23 - 2:03 am

  Fun and exciting to drive. Recently had two rather large rocks hit windshield. However, on further inspection not a mark was noticed. This car has very rapid pickup in the 70-80 mph range.

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  This is a Saab? - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Nutmegger - June 21 - 2:00 am

  The good news: goodbye torque steer, goodbye mushy handling, goodbye alarming amount of flex over bad roads. The bad news: its no longer a Saab. Wheres the quirkiness? Hatch? Supple ride? Now its just another generic Eurosedan with a stiff ride...

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  Somethings Almost Always Broken - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By teblhasa - June 19 - 8:36 pm

  It would be a great car, if there wasnt always something going wrong with it! Ive only had it not even 6 months and I want a new car. Some of the 9-3s are great, just make sure you have it thoroughly inspect it before you buy. But it is a lot of fun to drive (when it behaves), and it turns heads! I love how expensive they look all cleaned up, and the really nice infotainment display.

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  Blast to Drive, Blast in the Wallet - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Ryan - June 6 - 10:20 am

  This car is a blast to drive. I bought this car used with about 47,000 miles in 2007. Because most of the miles were highway, I figured Id only have a few maintenance issues. WRONG! Ive easily spent close to 1,500 on this car so far (including the pricy 60K maintenance). So far the horn and both power windows have broken, along with the temp. gauge. The front of the car/wheel well is currently squeaking. Regardless of these issues this car IS A BLAST TO DRIVE! I paid only about 20k for this car and there is no other car at that price point like it. So, if your looking for a great car to drive and dont mind putting in a little maintenance, this could be the car for you.

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  Love it! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Travis Cole - June 5 - 5:43 pm

  I purchased my Saab used, Ive had a couple issues but I still love the car. It has enough get up and go, and to me is just a thrill to drive! The only real problem Ive had with the car is on 2 occasions there was a computer issue, the computer wasnt telling the car to shift gears basically. The first time this happened it fixed itself after I restarted the car a few times. The second time I had to have the computer reset at the dealership ($100) and they put in all the updated software. I get tons of compliments on the car, and I get excited to drive it every time I get behind the wheel!

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  A Much Better WRX (and better looking) - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By jmelaw - June 4 - 11:50 pm

  Loved the idea of the WRX wagon, but couldnt get past the ugliness of the thing--the bug-eyed look wasnt for me. What I hoped for was a decent horsepower, better-looking, but similar sized AWD mini-wagon. Found it--the Saab-icized WRX--or, as I desribed it to everyone, a better WRX---quieter, better looking, better interior, but with the same great 230hp AWD chassis (and reliability) that Subaru is famous for. Really like the car--few nits are some early rattles (to be covered under warranty), but overall, a blast to drive. Love that you dont see one every 10ft. Easy to add 30hp with chip reprogram. A stealth mini-missile, with upscale badging. Gotta love it!

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  Motorcycle alternative - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Mid life crisis car - June 1 - 2:36 am

  I bought my 99 Saab convertible as a second car. I brought it to a SAAB only local service shop that has taken care of all the basics. Now, I get to drive. I love this car. It has great pick up, is very comfortable, and is lots of fun. Im not sure about other guys, but this is a great alternative to a motorcycle for me. (I tend to not pay attention when I drive!). Yes, the 9-3 has quirks and leaks, etc. But I am so tired of seeing stupid expensive 323s on the road... and this car is perfect for me.

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  Great car, especially for the price - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By 2nd Saab - May 31 - 11:03 pm

  Looked at the A4, S60R and TL before buying the Aero. Traded an older A4 Avant (2000). Turbo is a little flat in top gear passing, but I believe thats somewhat common in 6sp with turbo motors. Lag off the line is there, but minimal, then picks up much quicker than the new A4 turbos (even the Saab 2.0T seemed to have better acceleration than the A4 2.0T, though the Audi is smoother). Excellent on the highway, fun on backroads (excellent powerband from around 1800rpm on), with an easier clutch than on the Audis (both old and new). The Aeros spoiler is VERY low to the ground. Seats are comfortable, but interior controls/surfaces feel very cheap.