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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  Saab 9-5 Wagon - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By dpalex - January 14 - 10:06 pm

  Bad wheel bearing, bad ignition module, bad ignition module 2, recalled ignition modules, poor / insufficient brakes, heater erratic, unreasonably expensive repairs, failing guide pulleys to timing belt, possible symptoms of failing turbo. Positively EATS tires with its weight.

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  Fun to drive.... at the beginning - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By David Brennan - January 3 - 4:50 pm

  The electrical system is a joke. Windows are constantly breaking, trip computer goes crazy, electronic locking steering wheel malfunctions and I cant start the car. All problems continue even after services. The worst about this car is the brakes... sounds like a school bus, but according to saab its "normal brake noise". Not very saab like... or is it? That aside... very fun to drive. Would never buy unless under factory warranty and as soon as mine ends Im ditching it.

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  Lemon! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By no more Saabs - December 23 - 10:00 am

  This is a great looking car, fun to drive, and a good value for what you get. Turbo lag is minimal. Unfortunately I have had numerous computer glitches and one breakdown (with less than 2000 miles on the car) which required the entire engine to be replaced, the car was in the shop for more than a month. Fortunately, Saab customer service is superb and they are repurchasing the car. I am sad to see it go but I am looking forward to having a more reliable non-Saab vehicle. I would be very nervous about holding on to this vehicle once the 4 year warranty runs out.

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  Bought new; now 11 years old - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By john - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Car requires capable mechanic - not most reliable on the road after 50K. Ignition cassette crapped out at 70K ($600 for T5), seals blew at 80K ($1800.00). Im at 88K miles today. However, gobs of fun to drive (w/5 speed). Ive installed many handling fixes (1999 base version I thought was poor) and its great fun now. I recently drove 2007 BMW 328i wagon, 2010 MINI Clubman, 2010 Audi A3, 2010 Jetta Sportwagen, and 2011 VW GTI and decided to keep Helga. None improved on the room, comfort or dramatically in handling to my old SAAB - so what if $2K yearly on repairs?; its still cheaper than buying/leasing $25-$36K cars above. An enigmatic car, right for me.

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  A Lear Jet without the wings. - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By MarkPopkie - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased this vehicle used with 75k miles. Previous owner had been meticulous with service records so I feel confident that this baby was pampered. I have barely added 100 miles to the odometer but I am already impressed. Having driven or owned nearly every kind of car in this category, the Saab stands out as the most fun to drive. Fantastic handling, the turbo responds to my every whim, and the air handling system is straight out of a Boeing 747. I have never driven a 4 cylinder that handles A/C quite like this. Despite having a 13 speaker sound system, I was underwhelmed by the stereo - I may have already blown a driver. I do,however, love the timeless quality of the exterior design.

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  Contrarian choice that works - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By pablo_lie - December 4 - 10:00 am

  This car works very well in real world terms. Mixes quirkiness with practicality for a very unique formula. Nice real world performance, very good economy, hugely comfortable seats, and space for 4 adults are big plusses.

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  My 2nd Saab this year! - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Jay - November 29 - 9:46 pm

  I just moved up from a 9-3 SE to a 9-5 Aero. These are the first two Saabs Ive ever owned. The 9-3 met an untimely end but it wasnt the cars fault. So we looked around for a couple of weeks and found this gem. The ride is great, it is a little punchier than the 9-3, and these cars are actually roomy for a 66" guy to drive. Previous owner kept it flawless. Its eight years old with 53K on it.

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  keeps on ticking - 1996 Saab 900
  By Jungle - November 28 - 8:06 am

  After 135,000 miles Im still on my original shocks & struts, brake discs, drivetrain and engine. The only complaints Ive had from a repair stand point has been weird electrical problems and constant oil leaks.

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  Dont Do It - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By A Navarrete - November 28 - 6:00 am

  Great features for the money. They look great, are fun to drive and get good gas mileage but Ive chewed gum that was more dependable. Two Saabs and over $4,000 in repairs not including the warranty recalls. I thought maybe my first one was a lemon so I got another. I was wrong. They are all lemons.

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  Love it when its working - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Kim - November 22 - 9:00 pm

  It is a beautiful car that is fun to drive...when everything is working which is seldom. The sunroof works when it feels like it as does the radio and CD player. Have replaced the master cylinder twice in a year and a half. The stability control went out to the tune of $700. The locks constantly malfunction. The brakes are always spongy. Have replaced a wheel bearing also. This is all in less than two years of owning it. I am considering trading it even though I owe money on it. I would never buy another Saab. I walk up to it and love it then get in and something isnt working again and I get angry. SAAB - Somethings Almost Always Broken.