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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  Nice ride! - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By cuncannanm - January 9 - 10:00 am

  As I am new to Saab ownership, I couldnt be happier. My little silver baby has plenty of GO - I do a lot of highway driving and can get from 70 mph to over 100 in a blink. The solid constuction feel is impressive. At cruising speed the car wraps itself around the driver, making long trips a joy.

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  Solid, Ford not affecting them yet - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By ejohn - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Inherited the last two years of this lease. Probably wouldnt have selected this car myself, but came to really appreciate it. It hasnt had one mechanical problem. It is fast, too. You get a little torque steer when accelerating, but that has never bothered me. Very smooth at high speeds. When we had our cold spell last winter here in Chicago, it began to creak a bit which makes me wonder how it will be in the next few years. I would recommend this car for a lease, dont know about the long term.

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  Fun to drive...expensive to fix - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By gohard - January 9 - 8:03 am

  I bought my Saab 2001 used with 20k miles in 2004, now has 98k miles. It has been a great dog mobile and triathlon equipment car. I have a love/hate relationship with the Turbo. It has gone once already as has the battery, brakes, cup holder, lights (frequently), electric panel, A/C, etc. I have easily spent over $10k in repairs. The ignition is in a terrible place and the car has turned off when a larger person passenger accidentally bumped the ignition. I thought it was a lemon but from reading other reviews this is typical of this model. I had hoped to drive it forever but I dont think it will last that long. The interior is nice but I wont buy a performance vehicle again.

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  Love It - 2007 Saab 9-7X
  By jrubel - January 9 - 12:16 am

  This car is better than I imagined. Great performance, styling, and comfort. I get a ton of compliments on the car and I am surprised not to see more on the road.

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  Swedish Marvel - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By Hugh Garnett - January 6 - 12:03 pm

  I drive over 65,000 miles per year, mostly highway, and this is the best road car made--superb handling, braking, acceleration (turbo), amazing gas mileage (31+), comfortable heated seats, auto climate control, the best sound system Ive heard, and air bags in side doors as well as front. Ive got two other Saabs (900S)with over 400.000 miles as well as a 1999 Saab 9-5 with 168,000 miles. These cars are made to last, the 4 cylinder engine is the best ever made and the body and paint are very durable. What more could one want?

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  WHAT a car!!! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Marc F - January 2 - 10:00 am

  One of the most fun to drive cars Ive ever owned. Saab got it right this time! Went from Saab SE convertible into this sedan thinking it might be a downgrade, was I wrong!! This car is tighter, has less torquey steering, better appointments, better sound system, the list goes on and on! Beats my wifes BMW from the line and to the finish too!

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  A lemon? - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Saab-ing in NJ - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Are computer glitches common with this car? I loved my new Arc -- until day 2 of owning it, when I had to have it towed in because of a computer glitch that made the car barely move when accelerating from a stop. Ill never feel safe again, because Im afraid of the next computer failure. And safety was a big part of why I chose this car!

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  Functional SUV Alternative - 2006 Saab 9-2X
  By pgh92x - December 31 - 11:30 pm

  The car itself is sporty and gas mileage is good for an AWD. The AWD performs well in the snow but soft-roading is made a little more exciting by the vehicles light weight and lack of stability control. In deep mud and snow I have never felt at threat of getting stuck. Overall it is fun to drive and inspires confidence. The 9-2x has all the cargo space and flexibility of a compact suv but feels adequate rather not ample in passenger space. This car would not likely be optimal as a family hauler for more than 4. The interior is sporty if austere and I found that Subaru after-market parts helped round out the options and upgrades. The leather helps solidify the upscale feel

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  My Saab - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By joan kent - December 28 - 5:56 am

  The car is very spacious, nicely appointed and fun to drive. The styling of the car both exterior and interior is very tasteful. The car has some ingenious accessories that can be purchased for storage.

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  Steel Gray Beauty - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Ric C - December 26 - 10:00 am

  A wonderful car to drive. The Turbo has been improved and the 205 hp engine has plenty of power. I live in Utah and it takes the mountains with ease. The Saab $269 per month lease is incredible. The rent charge is under $14 for three years. Basically a 0% interest 3 year loan. I will purchase this car at the lease end. It will be worth about $2000 more than I paid for it.