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:

• 

  First SAAB - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By Gerick - December 9 - 1:50 pm

  I have owned Acura, BMW, and VW. After test driving the above cars plus others, The 9-5 had the perfect balance of sport and luxury, comfort and elegance. Its a drivers car. You feel connected to the road which I enjoy experiencing. Above all, its a unique car which not every one has.

• 

  Disappointing - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By ebeth05 - November 20 - 8:53 am

  Purchased a 9-3 60th anniversary edition with high hopes for my first car. Loved the anniversary package, very happy about my first ever car purchase. Now Im disappointed. The first week of driving I noticed a steering wheel vibration - a nuisance at low speeds, a violent shake at higher ones, not relenting when again at lower mph. After one week I took it shopping: took me five tries to get it to start; it turned on, then the engine shut off on the first four. I have taken it to two different dealerships to have the problems looked at with the frequent response "problem cannot be duplicated." Tires have been balanced twice, vibrations still exist.

• 

  Our new toy! - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By SAAB-BOB - November 18 - 6:03 pm

  We bought our convertible 9-3 a couple months ago and we love it. The car gets good gas mileage (23-25MPG) around town where it is mostly driven. The handling is great and the turbo pickup is excellent. This is my first SAAB and am enjoying every moment of ownership. The pricing is so good on used SAABs that you cant go wrong. If your on the fence just do it..buy the car and have fun. Life is too short not to enjoy a little topless driving in the sun. They say once you own a SAAB youll own another...Im starting to believe it now. Do your homework, make sure the car you buy is of quality and go for it!

• 

  Maybe a little too much GM influenece - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By sprint - November 18 - 4:33 am

  Having owned a number of Saabs, you appreciate the quality that goes into the design characteristics of their autos. Overall the 9-7 a nice SUV, but having driven the vehicle for a few weeks, you notice the subtle GM influences through out both the interior & exterior. Kind of cheapens the SAAB name in my opinion. Many components have GM written all over it, but SAAB was able to enhance the vehicle just enough to make it enjoyable to drive.

• 

  TIRES AND RIMS BAD NEWS- GREAT ENGINE - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By TOM BRADY - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Im about to turn in my 2000 9-3 convertible after a 3 year lease. Over the course of 32,000 miles, I have been through 7 tires and two rims. Im driving on a rim now that appears to be bent as I have a slow leak in the tire, but at this point, screw up, its to the gas station every saturday for air until I turn it in. Blow outs at the slightest pot hole. I hate to say it but, its the Saab of old. I wont be getting another despite the BEST turbo engine Ive ever driven. Its a shame, if it wasnt for the friggin wheels and tires ( $250 per tire to replace), they would have a repeat customer

• 

  You just cant beat for the $. Excellent - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Jolie - November 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Saab after upgrading form an 9-3. There is absolutely no comparison. I am leasing this vehicle for the price that someone would pay for a loaded Accord or a Camry. The car is extremely confortable to drive. Saab offers free maintenance for up to 30,000 miles, and the luxury level is second to none. The car has plenty of pep, especially if driven in sports mode I might buy it after my lease is over. I really doubt that I will be able to find a better buy in another two years.

• 

  Watch out for the police - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By khodam - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Saab Viggen rquires a lot more agressive driving than BMS 3 series (use to own a couple). The car performance and handling substantially inproves at higher speeds and RPM. The ride feels not as comfortable at "Lexus" type driving. Dont waste your money on this car if you are a timid driver. Otherwise welcome aboard the SAAB VIGGEN.

• 

  Sweet... maybe too sweet - 1996 Saab 900
  By Redoubt - November 3 - 2:30 pm

  Our 1996 900 SE Turbo is the kind of car you’d want for your daughter if she was about to move away to college. It’s a completely stable drive in both city traffic and on the interstate and has a respectable safety rating. Very typically European, you and the machine are a single entity. It’s not about comfort or quiet… you won’t be napping in the driver’s seat. You have to actually drive this car but once you do, you’ll never feel the same about a Ford or Chevy. The 4-cylinder engine is topped with a turbo… and probably requires this as a means to produce the power that is definitely available. But the downside is that it is also very thirsty… expect to get a Thank You note from OPEC.

• 

  Fun. Period. - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By LBH - October 27 - 11:16 pm

  This car is just plain European fun. It is not a BMW, it is not an Audi, it is not a Volvo - it is a Saab. Through good and bad, it is a Saab. The turbo is a trip - wait till the turbo spools - up to about 40 mph and then the car will simply take off and suddenly you will be doing 80 without even a blink. I LOVE the interior, very minimalist, very Swedish. The 9-3 is not for everyone. It does not drive as well as a 3-series. The interior is great, but most will like the A4 better. The woodgrain is not as nice as a Jaguar. But I still love my Saab. The rakish front end, the smooth lines, the cockpit interior. Take it for a drive, you will either love it - or youll buy a Beemer.

• 

  Rockin Pocket Rocket - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Aaron Clow - October 27 - 6:53 am

  As soon as I found out Subaru was making a Saab, I had to have one. Subaru reliability + saab styling/tuning have lived up to promise. Zero issues in 15000 miles so far. I always felt safe, even going out in the heavy snows last winter here in NY. Love the sound of the flat-4 with the windows down.