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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  Terrible Car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Chad Schwartz - December 22 - 12:13 am

  We purchased our 9-3 from a private seller with about a year and 11,000 miles left on the factory warranty. We quickly began to get use of the factory warranty and have already gotten nearly $2,000 of use off an extended warranty we purchased. This is, by far, the most un-reliable car I have ever owned. The electronics don’t reliably work (Saab consistently updates the program which amounts to a patch before the next issue), the CDs get stuck in the changer, there are countless rattles/squeaks, broken plastic junk on the interior, failed A/C Comp., failed alternator and now the check engine light is on. The small 4 cylinder lacks torque and the car handles (bad) much like a family sedan.

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  Not impressed - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Kris - November 3 - 10:53 pm

  Bought our 9-5 off a lease with typical lease mileage. The first thing that went was the SID (Saab Info. Display) which was costly and frustrating. Next, the turbo kept needing adjustment. The vehicle would stall for no reason. Costly and frustrating. It seems to constantly have a light out somewhere and it is absolutely terrible on gas.

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  My new Saab was designed by 16 amateurs - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By never again Saab/GM - July 1 - 8:56 am

  After first few thousand miles the car began to disintegrate and deteriorate, forcing me to spend 2-3 times a month in a dealer shop; with each repair lasting 3-4 hours. The roof, body, upholstery, front panel, and doors’ trim rattling and noises are getting intolerable with adding passengers; giving the impression the car will loose pieces or break apart. On cold days doors would not close/lock. Hinges must be lubricated and tied up every 1K miles. Driver seat and steering vibrates at idling. The car occasionally pulling sharply to the left. Terrible 16-18 mpg on hwy. Car is difficult to fix, new problems introduced with every repair. Have to wait 30 days for new parts; Saab offer no loaners

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  Never Again - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By MzKim - January 4 - 6:13 am

  I purchased this car used. It was pretty to look at and clean, however one month after driving off the lot I began to had problems & it never stopped: fuel pump, electrical, water pump, timing chain, AC system, sunroof, turbo and the list goes on. 4 yrs later I refuse to spend another penny. I through a piston rod and need a new motor. I am done.

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  Saab Story - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By tidegolf - November 16 - 10:00 am

  My Saab has had nothing but problems from day 2. The car runs rough and had engine and brake issues within the first 6 months. Continual trips to the service department are getting so routine that the personnel know my voice when I call. I am sure all Saabs are not like mine......or at least one would hope they arent

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  Never been more disappointed - 2007 Saab 9-5
  By Mourer - October 23 - 3:56 pm

  Its my 39th new car. Ive owned most all types. This car is my biggest disappointment since purchasing GMs & Fords in the 80s. Owned 2 days and the side "memory seat" lower seat wrap around and buttons have broken off the drivers seat and just hanging, parts on order. Low gas mileage for such a tiny tiny engine...if 2.3L were in a Honda it would get 45 MPG, not 18. So with whats happened in day 2 of owning it, I look forward each morning to what will break next. Other cars offer greater value, quality, at lower costs. Dont buy a SAAB!!! Big mistake.

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  Too many problems - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By help wanted - October 17 - 7:50 am

  The problems include, window failure, Onstar malfunctions, transmission slipping, brake problems, plastic door hardware falling off, rattling plastic in the dash. My car has been to the dealer 10 times in 19 months. Save your time & money! By the way - Saab corp has been no help. Local dealer sales dept. offered an insulting buyback option. As you read this & other 9-3 reviews, dont you think its strange about 20% of the cars have the same problems Ive experienced??

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  Too many problems - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By John St. - October 14 - 7:36 am

  The problems include, window failure, Onstar malfunctions, transmission slipping, brake problems, plastic door hardware falling off, rattling plastic in the dash. My car has been to the dealer 10 times in 19 months. Save your time & money! By the way - Saab corp has been no help. Local dealer sales dept. offered an insulting buyback option. As you read this & other 9-3 reviews, dont you think its strange about 20% of the cars have the same problems Ive experienced??

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  Saab - Bad Decision - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By jj - October 3 - 5:26 am

  With less than 2600 miles, this car broke down four times. The fifth time I refused to drive it anymore. I had it towed to the dealer and told them to keep it. During one of the episodes the car just stopped while I was driving, luckily I was in a parking lot and only doing about 15 to 20 mph. Saab tried to compete with some of the quality manufacturers and put in too many gadgets. It was tinny and confusing to run. I knew from the get-go that I had made a mistake but was willing to ride it out. Unfortunately this cars time ran out in less than six months. I took a $15,000 hit when I traded this junk in. Live and learn. I no longer drive a Saab and NEVER will again.

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  Huge Disappointment! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By halloween - May 6 - 10:00 am

  LOVED my 2000 Saab 9-3. HATE my 2003 9-3. How anyone who claims to have driven a Mercedes Benz or BMW has the nerve to suggest that this car is a great alternative with a more attractive price tag. They either have to have their heads examined or they are liars and have never stepped foot into either of those car models before. This car is nothing more than a Grand Am with a Saab logo on it. Do yourself a favor and bite the bullet and buy the 3 Series BMW like I am instead of going through the agony of owning this car - it is the worst!!!