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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  For being "different," its too ordinary. - 1996 Saab 900
  By fitzgerald.e - November 6 - 5:50 pm

  I bought this car as my 21st birthday present. I moved on from a 9000 S to the proper turbo 900. Since I bought it, it has slowly fallen apart. Little things break, and it just adds up. The performance is nothing special (especially today), and the turbo takes FOREVER to build any meaningful boost. Also, the clutch is stiff and there arent ANY cup holders! You need at least one, especially with a manual. The climate control irritates me. Why is it always on? Its default setting should be "off." I dont want it blowing hot air when I get in at noon in July! I think Id be happier with an S70 T5 of similar vintage.

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  99 9-3 Still going strong - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Chris Kreger - November 1 - 11:06 pm

  Just rolled 200K and the car still moves. Gets over 30 mpg highway and averages 26+ mpg. 3 daughters learned to drive in this car, wife drives everyday and refuses to give it up. Oil changes every 4-5000 mi w/synthetic, one tune up, one timing belt, and repair to drivers window. Car still looks good and currently no thoughts of replacing it.

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  Resolving a midlife crisis - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By L. Zeitlin - October 29 - 10:30 am

  This is a "Q" boat of a car. It packages the firebreathing performance of the Subaru WRX in a skin that you would not be reluctant to drive to a meeting at the Harvard Club. I can recapture the sports car days of my youth yet remain outwardly respectable. The build quality is excellent and the car has proven ultimately reliable. Fuel economy is good but every time you use the blazing acceleration, its like throwing a 50 cent piece out the window.

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  SAAB Story - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By Kevin - October 26 - 7:46 pm

  This car when running is great. But it breaks at the drop of a hat and it is a thousand here and a thousand there. Luckily I can wrench on it myself and save some money. Expect to replace and engine and expect GM to flip you off unless you live in Europe. They honor the warranty there.

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  SAAB story - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By ed - October 25 - 5:26 pm

  I use the car in my business, and it is mostly highway. This car does nothing bad, and has been very reliable. The biggest problem with any SAAB is repair costs. Since I do most of my own, I can save on those. The previous poster who said the timing belt on his 9/5 was a problem should go get his money back. The 2.3t engine uses a chain, not a belt. They last nearly forever.

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  The Most Fun to Drive - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Saab RC - October 19 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I road tested various models of BMW, Audi, Infiniti, Acura, Lexus before deciding on the Saab 9-5 Aero. Only competitor for sheer fun to drive was the BMW 3 series, but that car was much smaller with poor rear seat and trunk space. After 28,000 miles, the 9-5 has been reliable, still feels rock solid, safe and roomy enough for kids, handles beautifully and oh, that turbo kick that presses you back into your seat! Nits: 1. the bumpers are poorly designed--if you get a few scratches on the black ribbon in the middle, you have to replace the whole thing. 2. Road noise is greater than it should be for a car in this range, especially on concrete highways

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  Loveable but complicated!! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By merashad - October 18 - 2:30 am

  I love the car for its design and drivibility. The car responds well if maintained. The complicated portion of the car is its electrial and quirky engine light. One day the car is fine and the next, the electrial system can just quit without warning. No, mishaves to complete shut off. If you are looking to purchase this car youll need to have on hand about $1500 due to abrupt problems.

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  SAAB 9-3 - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Burt - September 29 - 2:36 pm

  This car gets great gas milage on both in town and on the highway. I get an average of 27.5 miles per gallon in 40/60 highway driving. For a 2.0 Turbo it out performs the Toyota Camary, Honda Accord for both performance and acceleration. This is a very fun car to own. I have not regreted purchasing this car at all.

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  Fun in 2nd gear - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By twowhiteshoes - September 28 - 10:00 am

  ok, this is a family station wagon, not a sports car. But when the turbo kicks in starting around 2500 rpm, usually in 2nd gear, you can have a lot of fun. Also, for all you SUV drivers out there. This has the storage you need but it gets 40 mpg on the highway.

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  Great Car! - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Saab BT - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car in pristine condition from a dealership specializing in pre owned saabs and volvos. The car was a steal at the price I paid. Smooth turbo, comfortable seats, great on the highway. Right off the bat I needed some minor work done, but luckily I found a mechanic that works on..you guessed it, saabs and volvos! I feel more secure having found him. The only issue so far is a whining noise at low speed; we (the mechanic and I) think its an issue with the brakes where something is rubbing or perhaps the turbo is making the noise at low speed. Other than that, the car (knock on wood) has been terrific so far.