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 safety first... reliability last - 1996 Saab 900
  By oralmeddoc - December 2 - 2:00 am

  There were minor problems with the car after purchase. Major problems for the life of the car. I can rely on the fact that if the car is brought in for repair, that the car will not be repaired properly. I am aghast at the amount of repairs and high cost of repairs. In the final analysis, the car is heavy, safe, handles well. Unfortunately, the car did not live up to expectations as far as reliability and service.

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  Stay away - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By JD - November 3 - 11:53 am

  My recommendation would be to stay away from saab. I have had it in the shop for major repairs of about $5,000 twice already. Thank god for my extended warranty. Multiple electrical issues with stability control failures, and steering wheel lock malfunctions. Also the plastic inside and emblems outside crack and fall apart. The car is fun to drive but could be better if it were AWD. Dont get me wrong BMW, Mercedes, and Audi have their share of problems and cost a lot to fix but at least they arent going under, and dealerships can still be found. My car is currently at the shop being fixed again, and once repaired will be going to a dealership to trade on a reliable vehicle

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  Junk - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By Swen - October 6 - 10:36 am

  Beware of the lousy GM powertrain - it will suck your bank account dry! One thing after another and always very pricey. Timing belt replaced at 58K but the timing belt tensioner went out at 64K causing valve damage and a $4000 repair bill, both ignition cassettes went out, headlights burn out every 2-3 months, too many minor repairs to fit here, transmission now shot and its a $5000 repair - enough!!! Will never buy a Saab or GM product again!

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  I wish Id chosen something different. - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By pythonfan6 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had one problem after another. All build quality issues. Unlubricated steering column, rattles, a door hinge came loose causing a mean whistle in the door, panel lights flickering, other electrical issues. Aside from those, the cupholders are ridiculous. The one in the front armrest is unusable, and the one on the dash is to flimsy to put anything in but a can of coke. Acceleration is fine, but the car has no grip on any surface. The tires squeal at anything more than a soft touch to the peddle. All in all, I feel like I paid 40,000 dollars for a Hyundai.

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  I Love my car - but - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Joe - September 8 - 12:46 pm

  I now have a 2004 Arc convertible. I love the car but I want it to behave. I traded a 2003 sedan on the conv. I have put 2 transmissions at 45,000 and 49,000 miles in both cars. If it werent for a great service department at the Saab dealer, I would be looking for another make of car. I hope the last tranny will be the last tranny I need.

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  Its a car - 2008 Saab 9-7X
  By vern in indy - September 3 - 2:10 am

  My overall impression is that Saab did their best to turn a small/mid sized SUV into a car. IÂ’m counting the days until my 27 month lease expires.

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  What a Shame! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By citizen1130 - July 1 - 7:06 am

  I own a 2003 Saab 93 Arc and I must admit, the drive and performance are awesome. That being said, I wouldnt get another one even if they paid me to do it. I bought this car with at little less than 31000 miles and its been HELL ever since. Among the problems, to name just a few; power steering failure (while I was driving!), blower motor failure, wiper motor failure, hand brake stuck in the upright position and SIM module failure (which cost about $1000 to replace). Ive owned many cars in my life from beat-up Chevys to Bimmers and Ive never, ever had so many critical safety issues with any of them. Especially at so low mileage. Its the most UNRELIABLE vehicle on the road.

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  Shows its age - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By LAC - June 10 - 1:50 am

  My friends in Europe told me not to buy it and I now know why. Shows its cheap European GM Cavalier frame through poor handling with too much understeer and being very cluncky to drive. Poor build quality and has been unreliable. While reasonably quick, it does require at least 91 octane gas to avoid engine issues but I knew this is a requirement with all turbos. Air conditioning failed, switches on dash failed, LED display failing piece by piece, I could go on. I hope the new model is a better car - it needs to be!

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  2003 Saab 93 - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By sideorder - June 1 - 7:00 am

  The engine has performed very well. All electronics and interior design has failed often. Engine Check light due to Gas Cap design triggers often. Traction control fails on and off again. Drivers window came off track. Side mirror adjustments needed replacement. Water Leak issues from Pollen filter design, door leaks due to poor rubber seal and interior door seal. It goes on but this should be enough. Car noise is non stop. Something always rattling.

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  Ur Money ... U Decide, I want a Refund! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By StillSAABing - May 2 - 10:00 am

  My 2003 9.3 2.0t is a great looking, fun car to drive with excellent dealer service BUT, this car has more annoying rattles, noises, and little gotchas than any other car I have owned. I expect more from a $30K car. (I have owned Infiniti, Nissan, Chrysler, pre-GM SAAB, and others). The base stereo system sounds terrible. I added an aftermarket amp and 6x9 speakers which make the system sound much better but now I am being told it causes problems with SAABs Infotainment system. The dealership has been excellent, since I have been there a couple of days every month since I bought this car.