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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  Cant beat the value! - 2009 Saab 9-7X
  By NewSaabist - December 21 - 2:36 pm

  I just recently purchased a new 9-7x. I have to say that I would not have looked at this vehicle if I had to pay the sticker price of $43,000, but with $17,000 in rebates and other incentives this vehicle is a great value. I already have a Trailblazer so I am familiar with the platform. As you might expect the Saab is much nicer on the inside and has much better handling. The only knock is the fuel economy but I knew this from the Trailblazer. If you can get the rebates and incentives and youre in the SUV market, I think this SUV is worth a look.

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  love my saab - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By pootzes - December 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun and comfortable car to drive, even for long distances. I never feel exhausted after a long trip. I always feel sporty driving it, even though it is a wagon. This is my fourth Saab and although I have enjoyed each of them, this is my favorite because of the comfortable luxury.

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  Impreza Owner Goes Saab 9-2 Linear MS - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Eclem - December 20 - 10:10 am

  I bought the 9-2 Linear manual shift BECAUSE it was built by Fuji Heavy Industries who builds Subaru Imprezas. Ive owned 2 Imprezas and they are the best car I know of if you need a tool to go in all conditions and have fun. With rebates the 9-2 cost same as a comparable Impreza, but much better looking, much quiet, more precise handling, side airs, cruise, sun-roof, heated seats, mirror and wiper defrosters ... most stuff not available on Impreza. Add in the far superior warranty and free service and loaners ... had to go with the Saab.

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  2002 Saab 9-5 linear - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By alex205 - December 19 - 10:45 pm

  They are brilliant cars if you maintain them well! one of the 2 things that let you down is the Ignition coil which needs to be replace every 7-9 year of normal driving. And the other thing is the water pump that need to be replaced every 10 years or it will break and jam the timing belt and stop your engine. after 8-10 years you will notice a small oil leakage its okay dont worry its the head gasket thats all but you must fi it as soon as possible cause the oil might catch fire! Saabs run better in cold weather than middle east countries!

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  Turned down 2008 model for this 2007 one. - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By smokythediesel - December 18 - 12:28 am

  I bought my 2007 in 2009 with 22K on the odometer. I now have exactly 55555miles on it. It has an automatic transmission with manual mode. A few days after purchase at a local GM dealer the wind deflector (plastic cover under the front of the car) disintegrated taking out right fender cover with it on the highway. Same day I had bought all covers and hardware at different local Cadillac dealer. Installed it myself and noticed that the old cover (pieces of it) was new (paper still attached to it) and had only half the required screws installed. I already knew the dealers are criminals, so I do my own maintenance on all of my cars. This was the only problem I had with my saab 9-3. I love it!

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  Great Engine / so so suspension - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By halby - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Im 2.5 years into my 3 year lease. Overall, I think this car is a good value compared to its price range like v6 Accords and Camrys. Very versatile with the hatch. Initial quality was good and Ive had no major maintenance issues. The power is great when at full boost in 2nd and 3rd gear. Torque steer, understeer, excessive body lean, and a lack of chassis rigidity hamper this car.

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  Buy Different - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By ambrose01 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Basically, this car offers you much more than a BMW 3 series or a base Lexus. It is distinctive, the interior is WAY better equiped, the pick-up is respectable (especially for the stick or the V6) and best of all... you dont see yourself coming and going. These cars depreciate fast when new, and so you can find awesome deals is you buy a nearly new model.

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  Lead dont follow!! - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Gun99 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Just bought the 9-5 Aero automatic. What a joy to drive, smooth as silk on the freeway.Eats traffic signs up.Drove the beemers and wanted to own the infiniti G35 but was smitten by the quality of the interior and feel of the Saab. I live in beemer land but could not pull the trigger after driving the Saab. 0% financing to boot, you kidding me where do I sign. Best keep secret on the road.

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  Details, details, details!!! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By CMC - December 14 - 9:16 pm

  Bought used in 08 w/20k miles. Has everything but nav. After 16k miles/12 months, car feels like development stopped at 85%. All the pieces are there, just not fine-tuned the last 15%. Strong drivetrain performance (2.0t w/5-speed auto), but average gas mileage (mid-20s on highway). Steering is light/fast, but ominous popping/clicking noises from front end when turning at low speed. Smooth road ride is exemplary; rough road ride is jittery/harsh. Seats are comfortable/durable; rest of interior has too much brittle plastic. HVAC/radio too button-intensive. Interior squeaks and rattles are starting. Well-designed conceptually, but execution lacking. Resale value plummeting even after 3 years.

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  2003 9-3 Linear - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Larry DeVivo - December 14 - 5:16 am

  As a life long Saab driver, I can only say I am extremely disappointed in this vehicle. I have been in the repair shop 18 times over 3 years and have not been satisfied that any resolution is in sight with newer models. On a positive note, the handling is fun & what you would expect from Saab. The fuel economy has been good. If not for the repeatedly ridiculous problems from a supposed new car, I would not be writing such a harsh review. I am actually looking at buying a different vehicle for the first time in my life... one that does not need the constant work this car has needed. If I wasnt replacing the wiper motor this week ( 2nd time), I could go shopping!