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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  BUY IT AND REGRET IT - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Matthew Allascanina - September 7 - 2:00 am

  As an opulent consumer I have purchased the 9-3 for my 17 y/o son. Made the mistake by letting him choose out of the cars we tested. Car has a classy look but thatsthe only good thing. GM cant make luxury cars, Cadillac is the most dangerous luxury car on the road. Saab was a great car but GM has ruined that. Want real luxury and style look at one of the two best made luxury marques small sedans, Volvo S60 or Mercedes C240. The prices of Volvo and Mercedes maybe more but it is worth it. Odd when an engine and drivers seat has to be replaced on a brand new car. Mercedes had a few problems with the 4.3 liter engine but at least they handle the problem.

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  We love it! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Gary & Melissa - September 4 - 4:23 pm

  We have enjoyed this certified Saab for almost a year now, we really do not have a bad word to say, its fun to drive and we often fight over who gets it that day!

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  My first Saab—Im in love! - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By 73spider - September 3 - 1:15 am

  To make the story short, Im in love with this car. Everything about it is so pleasing. Its distinctively beautiful inside and out, with a very attractive interior and style that I find far superior to the German cars. The handling is exceptional for so heavy a car, and the ride is very pleasant—evidence of a supple suspension setup. The more I drive it, the more I respect the work of Saab engineers and designers. Even the colors of my car, silver with parchment leather, are stunning: people comment so favorably. I feel so happy to drive this Saab!

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  saab 93 review - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By armen - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, not very reliable. Impossible to find a good garage (including certified delerships).After 5 dealerships and 6 independant garages in 2 years, I have given up on this car. Three pieces of advice. Buy it new , get a lease, give it back.

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  Really Enjoying My Saab - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Swurvydel - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Switching from a sports car (honda s2000) to the Saab 9-3 was a big change in driving experience. Although I miss the performance of the Honda, I am throughly please with my Saab. The service after purchase is 1st class. The really know how to treat the customer. It was great to get all the luxury features of cars more expensive than the 9-3. I would recommend this car to anyone looking to get a sports sedan.

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  Fast and Fun - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By BBSSaab05 - August 31 - 5:23 am

  This is a fun car to drive. Great handling, smooth ride, good acceleration - especially compared to other cars with similar pricing and/or power ratings. The exterior is beautiful and the interior contemporary Swedish minimalist. I have had two minor issues with reliability in 12,000 miles - both electrical. My wifes 4 yr. old Saab has had minor electrical problems and the seemingly common problem of failed throttle body. Dealer service has been beyond expectation including warranteed repairs after the warranty expired. That and the driving experience more than make up for any problems weve had.

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  Worst car ever - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By stacy - August 29 - 12:23 pm

  I purchased a used Saab that had 35,000 miles when I bought it. In a 2 yr. period it has had approx. $7,000 in engine work done on it and the problem is still not fixed. It doesnt matter how many bells and whistles a car has if it wont run. I am not sure what kind of aircraft this car was born from but I would not want to fly in it. My advice is run, run far away!

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  2003 9.5 - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By mcdill - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I love my Saab! I was interested in the new, at the time, 9.3, but chose the 9.5. It was roomier, had more delivered options and was about the same price, with incentives, as the 9.3.

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  Saab 95 Aero - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Mark Rutenberg - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I have owned several performance cars, but this is clearly the most satisfying to drive regardless of price. I believe tha this is due to a combination of unique feedback to the driver and a sensation from the turbo that I can only describe as "surfing on a wave of torque." A truly excellent car. An additional virtue is its volumnous room, particularly for the back seat passengers. I dont use the back seat often, but when I do it is usually for someone important enough to want to seat confortably.

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  Nice - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Saldoman - August 28 - 3:40 am

  Overall the Saab 9-3 has delivered as expected with no complaints. The reliability, quality, performance and economy are all where there were advertised to be. I have received as high as 30 mpg on the freeway. I have 15,000 on the car and nothing has failed or needed service. The Saab is just simply fun to drive! All with a very good price on a car that is all it is advertised to be.