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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  Very Impressed! - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Lisa in Michigan - September 9 - 10:00 am

  Was only thinking of buying a new car, but when I test-drove the Saab 9-5, I had to have it! I had driven a Jeep Cherokee for 7 years, and needed a change. This car fit the bill - made driving fun again and even handles better than my Jeep in the snow. Just about everything about this vehicle screams style - I get so many compliments. Great car at a great price (exceptional incentives).

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  Its been in hiding till now - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Tigereye - September 9 - 10:00 am

  Wow, what a car...wheres Saab been hiding all my life. Absent the hatchback this car is a real looker. GM has made the difference in this car.

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  Very satisfying drive. - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By MJ - September 6 - 11:06 am

  The 9-3 convertible is a total package that comes together for a very satisfying ride. If you look at any one detail of the car it may or may not be best in class, but when combined it just makes you smile. It gives a solid, tight, controlled ride, a little busy on bad pavement. Youre very connected to the road. Acceleration from a dead stop is nothing special, but when youre on the road the passing power is impressive! Very comfortable seats. The automatic top opens/closes in 20 secs, even if youre driving (slowly). The stereo isnt strong, but its notes & sounds are very precise (dont confuse bass boost with good music). Theres a reason this is Saabs most popular car.

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  great car - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By JBG - September 5 - 9:36 pm

  Great car for the money. Interior sub par materials. However, much better reliability than my 2003 9-3. Min turbo lag, sharp handling, great performance at 30-35 mpg highway. A bargain compared to the Merc, BMW, and Audi. Much nicer design than the Volvo v50

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  A Great Driving Experience - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Jake - September 5 - 8:30 am

  I love to drive this car. I look for any excuse to get out of the house and always take the long way home. The car drives like a dream. I gave my 2005 Saab 9-3 Arc with automatic transmission to another family member for this car with 6-speed transmission. What a difference! As good as the Arc was, this car makes me feel like Im driving again. The subtle differences with engine, suspension and tuning make a huge improvement in the driving experience.

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  Excellent Value for European Import - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By JW Driver - September 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Saab and the new 9-3 is a vast improvement over the older 900 and 9-3 hatchback series. This car is fun to drive and inexpensive given the design, power and attractiveness of the vehicle. Youll feel priviledged to own and drive the new 9-3.

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  The best car! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Susan - September 1 - 2:43 pm

  I was looking at another cadillac when I saw the Saab. I was attracted to the looks and when I drove it, it was so smooth that I changed my mind in the middle of the deal to the Saab. I absolutely love everything about this car and will buy another one in the future!

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  Saab Fun to Drive - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By mattg - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I have a great experience with my Saab 9-3 and would buy another one. Good performance and fun to drive. Poor Gas Mileage expesive repair.

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  Whats not to like? - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By graynylons - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Having just purchased this auto there isnt much to complain about. The car drives well, handels well, and presents itself well.

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  Linear 5speed sedan - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By newsaabguy1 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I also shopped the 9-3, X-type 2.5, VW Passat & Jetta, Audi A4, Volvo V40 & S60, IS300 and Nissan Maxima. The combination of performance, style, safety & luxury features, and comfort in the 9-5 were unbeatable at my transaction price just over $28k (thanks to GM employee discount and $3k incentive). Assuming the reliability is there, I might actually keep this one longer than my average of 2 years. Im glad they resisted the urge to Passat-ize the car with chrome in 02. I think the overall shape will age very well, I really cant see any changes in the interior for 02 except the color & finish of the dash veneer.