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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  supah fly - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By bogota columbia - April 16 - 10:00 am

  its a super duper car

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  My fifth Saab - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Paul in PA - April 9 - 2:26 pm

  Another great Saab. Lots of room for camping and a comfortable ride. My gas mileage was 32 driving to South Carolina with the AC on full time (5-speed manual.) Just like a tank in the snow with four snow tires, of course. Just won a Peoples Choice award at Saabs in Carlisle at the Carlisle Import/Replicar show in May, so the looks are great.

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  ECO Power ! - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By buddhabman - April 7 - 2:00 am

  We just purchased the 2003 Saab Aero Wagon as my wifes car. We got a great hassle free deal from Saab of Santa Ana. The car is loaded and georgeous. Decided on it versus great deals on new 2002 Audi Allroads or A6 Wagons. The others are beautiful also, but the hinging factors were reliability concerns and gas mileage. The Aero wagon is just like any nice sports sedan. It feels connected, smooth and powerful. For the price and features, it matches well with the other luxury makes. The audis are a bit nicer inside and have AWD advantage, but you have to shell out alot more cash to beat it perfomance wise.

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  SAAB 9-5 Aero - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By vintravia - April 1 - 10:30 pm

  I love this car. Its quick, gets good fuel economy and looks expensive. The mid-range acceleration of this car is amazing and theres no turbo lag. I like how the engine is 2.3 liters instead of 2.0 because it makes it so theres not as much lag and the car doesnt have to rely on the turbo as much so the power band is much more linear. If you get this car make sure you get the Aero. Its the best model. It gives you 230 HP according to Saab (But its been said to be more like 250) and 258 lbs. ft. of torque. It feels even quicker than that though and it can really handle in the corners as well. The steering quickness and feel is excellent and it provides good road and even engine feedback!

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  our saab rocks - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By dr. j - March 27 - 10:00 am

  We needed a wagon to haul our 2 unruly basset hounds and our stuff. Suvs were not an option as they seem unsafe and a puffed up vestige of 90s consumerism. We test drove subaru, volvo, audi and bmw. As previous saab owners, we werent going to look at saab due to the lack of an AWD option. The minute we sat in this wagon, and then drove it, the search was over.

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  Saab Ownership - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By cedric long - March 25 - 2:30 pm

  Second Saab this year (other 9-3 convertible). Excellent build quality, very responsive handling, and power delivery of Aero exceeds expectations. Seats are very supportive. Financially, a very attractive package that delivers all of the features of my previous BMW 530i but at a much more realistic price. Not a mainstream vehicle but value certainly exceeds other competitors when you take into account attractive lease options.

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  Performance, Comfort, and Fun to Drive!! - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By GeeWhiz - March 24 - 11:13 pm

  Sink into these comfortable seats, turn the key in the console - hit the sport mode put into gear and take off - you will feel why they say Saab born form jets. All this and excellent fuel economy, especially on the open road. Since Ive only owned a short time - my personal experience with reliability is incomplete, sounds like following the maintenance schedule is key. I fell in love with this car during the test drive.

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  solid and very fast - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By piod - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Strong acceleration without feel of turbo delay, very roomy cargo area, very fuel officient on highway, not so good in the city. Very solid and luxurious interior, unique ventilated seats. Excellent sound system. A little bit odd outside, but all together I am very glad to owe one.

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  brand new. - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By ronr - March 21 - 10:00 am

  great details. only question is reliability. drives like a dream.

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  2008 9-3 2.0t Sport Sedan - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By magnetic1 - March 19 - 1:23 pm

  The styling is great (int and ext) and elegant. After many test drives, there is nothing with more punch/dollar. Performance is impressive for 4cyl turbo. Peak torque and hp at low rpms means accessible speed. Youre flying before you know it. Some turbo lag, but prep to ~2500 rpm and its a rocket. Too much body roll on corners, but grip on the road seems unaffected. Mine is AT, but the MT is a joy. Youve got to drive it even if not buying. Love the brakes...lots of expression. As always with Saab, the controls become intuitive. Radio and climate arent impressive. Some interior items feel cheap. Not bad for the money though. Like the gauges and SID in front. Love the car. No regrets.