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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  9-3 Viggen - Wolf in Sheeps Clothing - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By dwatech - October 10 - 1:06 pm

  This is my second Saab. My 99 9-5 was comfortable luxury at a great (used) price. The Viggen has all the comfort and luxury and outstanding performance too. The turbo kick at almost any speed is exhilirating. Torque steer is an issue, but there are aftermarket cures for that. Exterior look of the car is very "euro" and hatchback yields excellent cargo capability. Interior is comfortable, lack of cupholders just emphasizes that you should be driving the car when you are in it, not drinking (or talking on the phone). No automatic available anyway, so keep your hands free for driving! Viggens have a loyal following too, so expect used prices to be pretty stable.

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  Another Saab - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By Rick - October 9 - 9:36 pm

  This is our 4th Saab and believe it to be the best of the bunch. We just stepped down from owning an Aero due to the requirement for premium gas. The Arc only requires regular unleaded. We do not find much difference in the Arcs ability versus the Aero. However, we are not aggressive drivers anyway.

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  Viggen underappreciated for price - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Miles Parker - October 9 - 10:00 am

  At list, the Viggen isnt a very good deal, but at the price we paid, its awesome. We bought our Viggen for a bit more than the price of a loaded Maxima or Passat, or a pretty base A4. For that we got a car with huge interior, gorgeous styling, awesome acceleration, rewarding and engaging handling, really well thought out details, and that lovely Saab leather smell. For 10k less than an S4 Avant less we got similar performance, much more room, and a unique car. Yes, it is an older design, and there are some quirks, but you can take advantage of that and make a screaming deal. Remember when youre comparing cars to compare at the price youll actually end up paying.

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  I love my Saab - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By cosmodoodle - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Bougt mine certified with 38,000 miles for only $21,00. at this price, there is no other choice for a convert. Turbo is awsome and the car handels very well at high speeds (95+ mph) Put some 15 inch NOKIAN tires on for the winter and 17 inch low profile Potenzas for the summer

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  Pasion, Fun and Delivery - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Big Joe - October 2 - 10:00 am

  One simple statement : Its the BEST. No comparison to other EU cars.

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  I love my SAAB - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By baysetter - September 30 - 10:00 am

  The SAAB convertible is an excellent car to drive. The turbo acceleration makes it a dream on the highways. The top is extremely easy to take down. The SAABs interior is purposely design to resemble a cockpit interior. This means the controls are all within easy reach of the driver.

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  2010 Saab 9-3 XWD with 64,000 miles - 2010 Saab 9-3
  By Sean Lucander - September 18 - 5:23 pm

  We bought the car in 2015 with 48000 miles. We love how well it does in the snow, we live in massachusetts and weather can be crappy at times. The fuel economy could be improved, however, i knew what we were buying so im not complaining. I would sacrifice amazing all wheel drive for 4 fewer mpg. we get 24 overall. On a trip from Worcester, MA to Lake George, NY we averaged 29. The car is fun to drive, simple to use. All the controls are easy and not confusing. The interior is nicely finished. The hard plastics are definitely chintzy general motors product. I also have a 2014 camry se v6 and the interior and fit and finish is not as good as the 2010 saab! The seats fold down and split 40/60. The dealership where we bought the car sold us a warrantee. We have used it three times in the 2+ years of owning the car. It is well worth it knowing that the parts come from Sweden and they do not manufacture saabs anymore. I would not like the car as much if i didnt have the warrantee. When people review cars, they need to realize that what they are buying is the same car they test-drove. That being said, know what youre getting yourself into and you wont be surprised with normal maintenance, do your homework and know a great saab mechanic. My family has driven saabs since the 70s. I have know a few people who have walked away from bad car accidents. They are safe as hell and well worth the premium in repairs. Its quick, but not as quick as the v6 camry with 268 hp. the saab has 210, but has amazing passing power on the highway and feels more secure than a run of the mill toyota or honda.

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  Fun - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Gdsgn - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Fun car. Very happy. Zero turbo lag.

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  Saab lover - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By us-dane - September 14 - 4:06 am

  I got my 9/5 Aero about 3 month ago and im loving it so far. No mechanical problems at all.Driving 100 mph in the Saab is like diving 40 in other cars. It handles very vell and is comfortable to sit in for longer trips. There is so much power in this thing you can toy around traffic with all the power you want and precision steering.

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  Perfect more than 2 years - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By Sviden - September 9 - 10:00 am

  I own this SAAB for more than 2 years and so far the reliability of the car was PERFECT without a single fix for more than a 2 year. The ride and Handling is outstanding especially the low RPM High Torque which kicks at his Maximum in as low as 1900 RPM!!! High Speed handling is also fantastic. Dont need to mention the breathtaking Stereo which is old Saab tradition. There are a lot other features which I like. To make the story short - This is one Fantastic Car.