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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  My Jet - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Islah - October 25 - 2:46 pm

  I saw the Combi in 07 and i fell in love with the car, it looked like a Red jet coming from the other side, It looked beautiful and since then i was trying to buy this car but they seldom come out for sell, used that is. I finally bought the car last week, and in love with it. cant stop thinking about it. I didnt know, driving a car could be this much fun. I also have an 02 525i, and it delivers its own fun, but the sheer driving pleasure that this car provides is out of the ordinary. There is plastic all around is because the car needs to be light on its feet like Acura RDX.

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  I love my Saab 9-3 - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Jenna - October 21 - 11:33 pm

  Its the best car that Ive owned. I test drove an Audi A4, Lexus IS 250, and an Infiniti G35. I enjoyed driving the Saab way more and nothing compared to the super-comfy seats. You also get way more for the money. I get get really good fuel economy, about 30-32. It handles really well in the rain and its quiet. I LOVE IT!

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  Frustrated and Fearful - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By Frustrated - October 21 - 9:46 am

  Ive had my SAAB 9.7x just over 2 yrs. Mileage at purchased 23,000. Before my 9.7x, I owned 1998 Lexus ES and 2002 Audi A6. I travel three months out of the year averaging about 300 additional (highway) miles per week. Repairs to date: over $4,000 from wheel suspension and other minor problems. Last week, the fan for heat stopped blowing @ $340 (I live in Iowa); to the most recent problem--the fuel connector quoted at $700+ (fuel shows on "empty"). And now, I have concerns with performance. All this at 68,000 miles! I change the oil every 3,000 miles, align wheels regularly and do the regular checks on all fluids. Sound system gets hot when on for too long. Im fearful of whats next

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  The Ultimate Tanning Machine - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By mbm135 - October 18 - 5:46 am

  Wonderful car, turns heads, powerful, and best of all hardly anyone owns one. I rarely see another Saab Vert. I bought mine used with only 16K miles on it and it is like new. If you want a head turning, fast, unique sports car, this vert is the one for you. Loaded with luxury features and designed for sheer fun.

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  A soon to be classic SUV - 2008 Saab 9-7X
  By Jen Phi Sig - October 18 - 4:13 am

  Purchased this car to replace a Volvo XC 90. This SUV is a real head turner, even when sitting still. Have only seen one other like ours in the area. A ride like a plush SUV but hang when the right pedal is mashed, this really moves with the 6.0 liter V-8. Yes the MPG is low but hey its an all wheel drive full frame SUV, not like the cookie cutter uni body SUVS that are everywhere today. Bought it for $26,000 with 12,000 miles on it. Loaded with every option. Would do it over again in a heartbeat. No complaints as of yet.

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  second wagon - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By SwedeH - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is my fourth SAAB and I have loved all of them. My convertible was the best of all but was impractical for carrying loads and extra passengers. This is my second wagon and both are comfortable to drive, carry reasonable loads, and are not in a category with the cumbersome SUVs that guzzle gas, are difficult to squeeze into parking spots, and are hard for older people to climb into. It has all the features of and SUV and is not a monstrosity. I love it.

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  turbocharge your life - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By chad clarke - October 16 - 10:00 am

  -YEAHHH, ever since the purchase of my new saab i have had nothing but good times. I can honestly go out and just drive this car for fun. It has enough room for me and four of my friends to go golfing anytime and gas mileage that will blow your mind with all the power that the car has. Also I like the fact that I didnt pay ten thousand dollars to much for this car like a consumer who went out and bought a bmw like a fool.

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  My Saab - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Carlos Santos - October 15 - 9:13 pm

  A lot of fun to drive. Great interior/ exterior design, comfortable and reliable. Great fuel economy.

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  Happy so far - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By chris - October 15 - 3:13 pm

  I bought an Arc wagon off-lease; it is really an excellent value and a lot of car for the money. It has all the modern passive and active safety features, and feels very secure on the road. The Swedish seats are the most comfortable in the business. Super ride quality and excellent mileage on the freeway- this is a great commuter car. The suspension definitely favors ride over cornering, but the Saab is plenty responsive with quick steering and good feedback. The 2.3T motor is a torquey beast- it pulls from 40-70 mph in the blink of an eye.

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  Buy this car now if not sooner. - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By GaLawdog - October 14 - 9:06 pm

  Run, do not walk, to your Saab dealer and buy this car. Now. Not tomorrow. With only 600 imported into the US, and I suspect only 200 are Combis, this will turn heads and you will be one of a very few. High performance, and, yes Virginia, practical as heck. Took this bad boy through 3 horrible driving rain storms between PA and KS, and handled like it was on dry road. Messes bad with the heads of the young lads with hopped up Civics etc and ticks off BMW and Merc owners. High ego gratification while loaded with subtlety. Total aesthetic is well executed - a piece of Swedish art. Dont believe the tepid reviews - if you love cars, this is the real deal. Saab hits another home run.