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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  93 is an over-priced Passat!! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By YSaab? - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Ive been shopping for an entry-level lux cars for about two weeks, and just test drove 93 recently. This skinky car shouldnt even be mentioned with the likes of Lexus IS300, BMW 3s, and Audi A4. Simply put, this car lacks power and its interior looks dirt cheap (like GM Cavaliers). To aggrevate my already disappointed experience, its sleazy salesman told me that you CAN NOT get an automatic transmission option without getting Launch package first, and quoted a price of $31K!!?#. I bet those people who gave 93 a 10 pts, didnt even test drove BMW or Lexus, or must be insane! Get Lexus like I did.

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  I love my Saab - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Lucy Florses - October 24 - 3:53 pm

  I bought this car new, I had 1 problem with it took it to the dealer, they fixed it. The problem is with a rattle but I have never heard from it since. I love the turbo, it makes you think its a v6. I still get around 32 on highway and 24-29 in town. I never had any electrical problems with it. I have about a 2 hour drive each day and it has suited well. I will always drive saab from now on, this is my second one, the last one was crushed by a drunk driver with my daughter driving, she walked away without a cut.

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  Saab 9-3 Convertible - the Freedom Machi - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By The Polar Bear - October 23 - 10:00 am

  Finally theres a car that reflects how I feel, free, in for a challenge, OUT THERE and totally comfortable when I just feel like taking a ride home in the sunset. With a cup of coffee in the cup holder, and some jazz on the high powered stereo, I call it a mix between a vehicle and a Peets Coffee coffee shop. Brilliant - again!

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  2003 Saab 9-3 Convertible - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By SMann - October 23 - 10:00 am

  Great car for most local driving and when you want to go out for a "fun" drive. The lack of a center arm rest makes it uncomfortable on a long haul.

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  GREAT so far! - 2007 Saab 9-7X
  By Ray - October 20 - 11:03 am

  I bought this car almost a year ago used at a great deal. I love it! It has all the luxury one could want, heated seats, navi, dvd, sunroof etc... It handles nicely and so far (with 41,000 miles) I have had no issues at all.

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  Uniquely Saab- Seattle - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By josh - October 20 - 7:13 am

  We have enjoyed this car for 4 years. We have never had a problem and dont expect one.We drive it in all weather coditions- No Problem. No better investment then owning a ragtop in Seattle. We are considering replacing it with a new 9.3 conv.. Dealership experience has been exceptional. I scratch my head wondering why Saabs depreciate as they do. They are a great buy for the money.If you are a educated and responsible owner and service your car appropriately, as we have, then Saab is your car.

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  hard to knock it - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Robjc123 - October 18 - 5:43 pm

  I have had this car almost 2 years. I wondered if I should have gotten an Audi instead HOWEVER after I saw the crash test rating I was in love again with the SAAB. It does what is does well. Drive is nice, handling fun and technically I cant complain. Not one thing wrong aside from some pinch protection issues I had to keep going back for in the windows. I may get an Audi someday but for now I find it hard to knock this SAAB and I DO enjoy it.

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  Better Know a Good Mechanic - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By BrianM - October 14 - 7:20 pm

  Engine has been torn apart 3 times for misc oil leaks, turbo has been replaced, muffler replaced. Misc sensor and electrical systems failures. We are on a first name basis with our mechanic. We spend at least $1000-$1500 per year on maintenance. Much more than any other vehicle weve owned. Every part is amazingly proprietary and expensive. $300 plastic turn signal lights... $900 mufflers... etc. It was just crazy. The best thing that ever happened to us was that car getting nearly totally in an accident (and of course that no one was hurt) so that we can take the insurance money and run.

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  Best car I have owned... - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By misplacedyankee - October 12 - 12:20 pm

  Viggen is a rocket. Great car with awesome utility. I highly recommend a Saab 9-3 to anyone and cannot wait to buy another Saab.

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  My Saab has been a great purchase - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Harmiclir - October 12 - 4:36 am

  I had a few minor problems in the first year but since then, nothing. Granted, its a fairly low-mileage car but it rides well and has been reliable. I still get compliments on the way it looks. I have no idea how the problems with GM cutting Saab free will play out or affect future value but so Im glad I bought the car and have never understood the concerns raised by many old-time Saab-snobs.