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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  Big Surprise, Small Price - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Alfabet - June 12 - 10:06 pm

  I bought this used in August of 06 since I had a "price point" in mind as children were in college and cost was important. The terrible depreciation is the used car buyers gain and I bought three years from new for about 45% of list. The car turned out to be a big surprise after 4 years and about 40K miles I have driven. Few mechanical problems, although they were either covered by the remaining factory warranty or the extended one I bought. I am very impressed with the highway cruising ability but it is not my prior 911 or 540 (nor did I expect it to be). It is generally an all around good car with lots of room and decent driving fun. Go find one with low mileage!

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  Saab 9-3 Arc - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By mtag3 - June 1 - 10:00 am

  The car is still relatively new so Im still getting to know it. I like the drive & most of the features. Dissapointed with the cupholders provided - one in center console is large and I have spilled, one in dash is flimsy. Lots of trunk room I have no problem folding down the seats and tossing my bike in the back.

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  Love/hate relationship with my Saab 9-5 - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By vtsaabowner - May 31 - 1:26 am

  I have a love/hate relationship with my Saab turbo 9-5 wagon. Comfy, lots of bells and whistles, roomy rear seat, nice cargo room. Very powerful engine. However I have had this car in the shop more often (and at a higher price) than any car Ive ever owned. Gas guage stuck, lights dying frequently, sway bar, turbo replacement, ball bearings. That doesnt count the things that have broken that I havent bothered to fix: broken cupholder, elect memory seat adjustment, theft-alarm battery. I know the Saab dealer serves great coffee but Ive been there too much and now it is time to switch to a car that spend more time on the road and less in the shop. However I will miss the fun drive!

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  Saab 9-7X, much better than you think... - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By dawgpound55 - May 28 - 4:03 pm

  I was anxious about trading in my 2000 9-5 Aero for the 9-7X because of my perception of its lack of refinement. It truly has been a better vehicle than I expected, and Im glad to have stuck to the Saab brand for this purchase. It has decent acceleration, handling and breaking and appears to have good fit and finish. I wish that it had a six speed auto (or even a 5 speed) but the transmission is smooth and seems to keep the engine well within its broad powerband. Although it has a solid rear axel, it doesnt hop over rough pavement as I expected. Styling is personal, but I believe that Saab did a nice job putting their touches on this vehicle. I have gotten many compliments on its looks.

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  Long-term ownership review - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By waveho - May 28 - 12:50 am

  Wife bought the 05 9-2x Linear, with cold weather package (heated seats, windows, leather, etc.) at the end of 2004 to be used exclusively as her primary vehicle in her pharma sales job, which requires a LOT of driving. About 180,000(!) miles later, its Subaru quality is still shining through. In all this time, its only required new tires and brakes at regular intervals. This is a car that is driven often in the back roads of central Virginia and the Appalachia area of West Virginia. Its always burned a bit of oil, and the fog lights have had to be replaced due to sand and rocks thrown from trucks during the winter. This is a quality car, fun to drive (5-spd). Highly recommend.

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  buying 9-3 linear in one month - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By tobethebest - May 17 - 2:00 am

  I just got home from test driving the 2003 Saab 9-3 linear. I was very impressed with the drive and comfort. I was receiving plenty of looks from good looking girls on and around my University campus. This car made me feel good when driving. I felt more confidence within myself. Its amazing how driving a car can make you feel, and the Saab 9-3 made me feel great. I am currently an Audi owner. For the price the Saab is a much better deal. Looking forward to hearing others comments!

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  Fun to Drive, Yet Sophisticated - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By bluehorseshoe313 - April 26 - 6:46 pm

  I have a 2.0T 60th Anniversary with an auto trans. The auto has some turbo lag off the line, but the "passing gear" is great. Overall the car looks great and is fun to drive. At 64" I have just enough head room, but could use a little more. The Bose audio system sounds good, but the head unit controls are a little confusing to get used to.

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  Sleeper - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By LCACBOSN - April 26 - 5:16 pm

  Overall this automobile is an excellent value. Its definitely Subaru however the added Saab soundproofing and ride quality makes a huge difference. The front-end sheet medal appearance is better than the 05 Impreza. I recently drove the car north from Virginia to New Hampshire in late December. I found that driving in all snow conditions to be safe and pleasurable. The dry weather performance is fantastic for a grocery getter.

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  Typically good Saab - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By sgylfe - April 24 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Saab, and I have found them to be dead on in terms of ride comfort, lots of convenient features, great trunk space and passenger room, and has great turbo. Gas mileage isnt as great, but thats with city driving.

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  I love these cars - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Pat - April 21 - 7:50 am

  In October of 04, I bought my first Saab, a 99 9-3 S sedan. for 8 months, I loved this car. Then one June night, I was rear ended by a drunk driver at 40mph while I was at a stop... this car saved me from much pain. Since then, it has been replaced with a 99 9-3SE HOT. The AC Compressor binded, shredding the serpentine belt. $1200 dollars later, all is well. Its a joy to drive, gets a lot of looks, and people assume you paid so much more then you did. Rule of thumb is, this car breaks down less then most, but when it does it hurts the wallet. If you cant foot a 1000 dollar bill bi-annually, then this is not the car for you. I love it to death. Drives great, looks great, worth it.