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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  Fun Car to DRIVE! - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By toxicavenger70 - October 18 - 7:56 am

  Awesome wagon! I have had a Linear wagon, a Volvo wagon and 3 Subarus. The Gary Fisher is the best one so far! It has the standard turbo lag at first but when it takes off it is good to go. I did have the DIC replaced due to recall and SIDs should be a recall item too. But other than that it is a great car for the price. Also I went back to Subarus for awhile but honestly I missed the comfort of my Saab.

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  Nice Car but a Quality Concern - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By jmklwck - October 18 - 2:00 am

  To date the problems have been 1/2 dealership and 1/2 car. It took 9 days to install OnStar, 4 trips to finally fix the cold weather starting problem (software issue), and then the recall of the front axles. I am more concerned about the creaks that are beginning to develop, headboard, seat, and intermittent out of the blue stereo electical miscues. Hopefully the GM portion is rearing its ugly head. I still love the car but its tough driving with your fingers crossed. If you have multiple dealerships in your area then Id support the purchase.

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  Very Pleased. I love this car - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By futureray - September 29 - 4:36 pm

  Purchased this vehicle over a month ago. I had already done my homework and found the Saab Sportcombi was a great all around vehicle, and found one for less than a used 2007 Altima with standard features. Vehicle can be driven fast and fun, or more conservative, or like myself in something in between. With an automatic, I get 32 MPG on the highway, 26-27 in mixed driving, and 23 city that is great for a car that gives a nice ride, luxury appointments, and room to spare. One of my consideration was room for four, including 2 kids, 9 and 16. We all ride comfortably, I do have to give up a little legroom, as I am 6-2" but still find it comfortable.

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  Love my new baby - 2007 Saab 9-7X
  By Molly84084 - September 28 - 11:56 am

  I got my new "baby" for Valentines Day and I love it so much I cant wait to drive it every day. This car looks great, has tons of power, very comfortable and reliable. Smooth ride! I get a lot of attention from other drivers who are still not used to seeing a Saab SUV on the road.

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  Saabaru Wagon - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Jim - September 11 - 6:13 am

  Got this car for company trips. So far it has been good. Decent cargo room, nice leather interior, xenon headlights are great. Not a performance car by any means but will get you from point A to B while letting you have a good amount of fun with the 5sp.

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  Stay away! - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Saad - September 9 - 5:16 am

  I loved this car when I first bought it. Thought I got a good deal and luckily got the extended warranty. It was fine for the the first few months but since then it has been in the shop every 2-3 months. Turbo went, alternator went, multiple sensors, etc. Driving on the highway last week, the passenger turning signal assembly flew off the car! Worst car I ever bought. Will never buy another Saab.

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  188000 - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By dbrooks22 - September 8 - 2:46 pm

  Electrical quirks aside, this car is pretty amazing. I dont think there is a better value for the money. The WORST mpg i have gotten over the past 6 months is 32.5. Best was 36.7. Great handling, leather looks new. Engine is a peach. In 5yrs when im done with this one, I fully intend to get the 2008 9-3.

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  appearance and comfort - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By michael spinelli - August 30 - 2:00 am

  overall satisfied with performance and build quality..however it is extremely uncmforable for a tall person to enter and exit the vehicle without rubbing the head on the top of the door jam

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  Best in class. - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By M.A.D.MikE - August 19 - 1:13 pm

  Used to own a 1994 VW Passat VR6, and didnt want anything slower. Narrowed my search to A4 or Passat with the same 1.8T engine, BMW E39 or 46, C Classe and Mazda RX-8. Didnt even consider Saab at that time. But after sitting in different cars at used car lot, felt in love with 2000 Arc model and went straight home to do some research. Found a black 2003 Aero and bought it the same day. Its 440 pounds heavier than my old car but the acceleration is just stunning! The only major problem with this car is $3000 I had to pay on my 90k servicing :( Nevertheless I would buy it again if I had the chance and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a compromise between sport and luxury.

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  The perfect sleeper - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Mike - August 16 - 9:03 pm

  Ive lived Saabs for years. I briefly owned an unfortunate 86 SPG, but loved its quirkiness (overused adjective when describing Saabs, I know) as well as its performance. The Saabaru is a near perfect marriage of two iconic marquees, in terms of performance, quality and quirk. Its a real shame more people dont even consider this car when shopping, especially considering the ridiculous incentives GM is currently offering. The power is there, the handling is better day to day than the WRX, its stealthy (both to cops and the kid in the modded Civic), its well made, it has a great warranty, and its different. That counts for a lot with me in this age of SUVs and boring Asian lookalikes.