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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  AWESOME TO DRIVE-GET RID OF B4 100,000 - 1996 Saab 900
  By hendrix - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Saabs are the best until you hit 100,000-115,000. I enjoyed driving the heck out of my Saab. My 1997-w/130,000- had an amazing engine- that will keep running long from now- the non-engine repairs were numerous. I had to replace the emergency brake cable, air conditioner door and motor, clutch cable, and the handle of the right passenger door. And that was just within the last few months! I write this review to say- that youll not find too many other cars as fun as the 900 turbo to drive-but note that past 115,000 youll be dropping $300-$400 every 2 months for minor repairs.

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  Drive one & you just might buy one! - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By barry - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Surprised from the start, this is a true lux. vehicle with true sports feel. Wish it was a stick, though, would really be fun to drive.

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  Well Balanced Car with Everything - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By vxm8 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  The new Saab 9-3 is the perfect blend in this class of distinctiveness, luxury, performance, styling and overall comfort. It presents the best handling chassis used by Saab and thus improvement in overall driving is tremendous. The amount of standard features in this prices range are enormous and I would have this car in my garage any day over a 3-Series, Audi, or C-Class. Understated, subtle elegance with enough uumph under the hood to make you smile!!

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  Nice car, but junk - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By Frank - October 7 - 1:56 am

  Loved the look and driving feel of car. So glad I had a warranty since it was in the shop every month. At least the dealership gave me a nice loaner car. Couldnt wait to buy a Toyota. Repairs done: new turbo, struts, starter. Repairs needed: ABS module ($3000), Transmission ($2500) and another turbo ($3000). DO NOT BUY THIS BRAND.

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  SAAB!!! - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Hectorg - October 3 - 8:20 am

  Let me start by saying that I also drive a BMW X5. Ive had the car for 3 days, I am thrilled with the Saab 93 Aero!! This car looks great, feels great and it is fast! Why doesnt anyone talk about that? I even like the fact that I dont get that much attention, like I do in the X5. Still this car is beautiful. I love the details in the care. Did you see the in dash cupholder? The seats? The wheels? I drove others, like the BMW 3 series, Acura TL. The Saab just has character. Just test drive it, feel that turbo kick in. Right now when I drive around, I notice that I dont see other Saab 93 Aero in Nocture Blue and you know what? I LOVE THAT!!

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  Put this engine in a different body - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Bucky - October 3 - 6:13 am

  Now at 60,000K. The sedan is definitely a small car but loves 80+ mph at 34+ mpg (on regular unleaded). Interior is kinda cheap for a $30,000 vehicle and I am not too keen with the useless bells and whistles. But it is clearly a true European sports sedan. And no major issues thus far.

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  Almost Perfect..Just Get Some Cupholders - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By ferdon - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Replaced my Explorer and have really enjoyed the car.

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  Good for $? Yes it could be. - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By T - September 30 - 2:36 am

  Just got a 2-year old certified one. Cant beat the value for what they go for nowadays. (with the heavy incentives, the 08 new models would be an attractive option too.) Understand that one of the biggest complaints on this vehicle is the fuel efficiency, but when you do the side-by-side comparisons AND THEN calculate it into additional costs for the duration of your planned ownership, well it made the financial sense for us and we were happy to get into this semi-luxury SUV in a heavy snow prone area that we live in.

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  Great 8 years! - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By Peter - September 30 - 12:56 am

  Our 9-5 has been a really good car. Mainly use it as a winter driver these days, but it is comfortable, quick and very fuel efficient on the highway for the performance the car delivers. On 6 separate occasions reached over 500 miles (800 kilometres) on a single tank of fuel. Parts can be expensive, but taking our car to a local ex-Saab mechanic who has his own garage, its been wonderful. He immediately is able to diagnosis the situation and supply replacement parts at a price that a regular Saab dealer would not. Would I purchase a Saab again, absolutely but it has to have the performance, space and efficiency that the 1999-2008 95 has, which I understand is only about a year away.

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  Nicest Car Ive Ever Had Thus Far! - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Songwriter Guy - September 29 - 11:13 am

  Ergonomically, I feel like somehow Saab snuck into my room at night and took a mold of my body and built the new 9.3 to fit me. Its just amazing. Its solid, comfortable and a blast to drive. The overall quality is evidenced in just about every way. Ive had 9000s in the past and wasnt sure Id like this. Well... I dont like it; I love it!