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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  Great Luxurious SUV - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By Mary Ann - August 27 - 2:20 am

  The car has a smooth ride. I have not seen anyone down here in the Rio Grande Valley with one. So its fun to see people stare at it when I drive. The car is perfect for my son and I. Ive really enjoyed it.

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  Who Thought A Wagon Could Be Such Fun - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Partha Mohanram - August 26 - 5:33 am

  We were looking for a Wagon in 2003. Our initial choices were the Audi A6 and Volvo XC 70. Didnt think of Saab as we wanted AWD. However, with all its safety features, electronic stability protection, Traction control etc, we dont miss not having AWD. We chose the Saab, and I think we made a great choice. This car is great fun to drive, reliable, spacious and comfortable. Fuel Economy is terrific, we get close to 25 mpg for city/highway combo driving. The seats are very comfortable, and the console display reminds you of a cockpit. Love the "cooled" seats - no need to sweat with leather seats in summer.

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  Fun car, but needs a little arm room - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Scott - August 21 - 7:16 pm

  Love the gas mileage! Love the acceleration, and optional manual shifting on the fly. I do wish there was more room or padding on the door where your elbow naturally sits during a long drive. My arms get sore after an hour of driving from having to place to comfortably rest. I also miss my auto-dimming mirrors from my previous vehicle. Otherwise the seats are very comfortable and the position of the headrest is the best I have ever found. My wife calls it "the fast car" and tries to steal it whenever she can.

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  Understated wealth - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By aerodude - August 19 - 4:53 pm

  Such a great car! This is my 4th Saab but my first 9-5. I do a lot of highway driving (cape cod every weekend) Weekends i avg 300 miles and weekdays I drive about 500-700 and the car gobbles them all up with composure and confidence Some people will say Saabs are nothing but problems, but I find that if you actually maintain the car like youre suppose to, then not much will happen. This car has been wonderful to own. Its fast and agile, yet i avg 29-31 mpg on a regular basis. Great car for New England winters with snow tires of course. I plan on keeping this for a long time as its holding up better than I expected. We also have a convertible and its just as good.

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  What a Ride! - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Dublj - August 17 - 7:03 pm

  I bought this car one month ago and have had a superior experience so far. My concern with imports such as this is repair cost, and Saab has covered that with a 100,000 mile/3 year warranty. One test drive and I was hooked. This car can move - 250 horses never felt so good - there is a lag in the turbo, but in sport mode that is taken care of for the most part. Ride is smooth and as safe as they come. Seats are ultra comfortable. My only regret is having waited so long to take the plunge with this vehicle. Price is right especially compared to others in this "class", with none of the repair concerns because of the warranty, which does not cost more like it does for the Maxima.

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  Test drive one, and yes you will buy one - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By davejobes - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Definately a "state of independence"! I test drove a lot of cars (BMW, MB, VOLVO, etc...) and was not impressed with any, until I drove the SAAB. The mixture of Swedish (scania) and american (GM) input refine this to be a joy to drive. Being a mid-30s anti- conformity punk, I was even considering the Mitsubishi Evo-8. I would have bought the EVO-8 if I was 25. I probably would have purchased the Benz if I was 50. The SAAB is the happy-medium between the Evo-8 and the C-230. I have a luxury car that will still hit the off-ramps at 70mph

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  My first "baby" - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By JerseyMandy - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I got the Vector model (but thats basically the Aero...right?) last March and have loved every minute of it. Its my first car and I love it so much that once my lease is up on this one, I know that Ill be getting another Saab. Its so much fun to drive and its such a pretty car. I had a little fender bender with another car and came away with not a scratch on it! I feel sorry for the people in those boring cars that it seems like EVERYONE owns. The Saab is definitely one of the best cars on the road! Plus, just being in it makes you feel great!

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  A great, unique, fun car. - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By SweedFan - August 6 - 8:23 pm

  I have been a Volvo driver since I stared driving and buying cars. This is, in fact, the first non-Volvo I have owned though I have driven dozens of other cars. I can say without hesitation that this is one of the better cars Ive driven. The quality and safety are similar or superior to the pre-Ford Volvos. A great if relatively unknown car. I like this car more than I even expected when I bought it. Unique styling adds to the fun in my book.

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  They were right - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By crabby kaiser - August 1 - 7:40 am

  I cant say I wasnt warned. Other Saab owners had suggested that the car would be quirky and that Saab dealers are generally horrible and expensive. They were right !!! The check/engine electronic portion of the car is horrible. The engine is great and the handling is terrific. The biggest knock against this vehicle is trying to get it fixed/serviced. This alone will keep me from buying another Saab period. Fun to drive, great gas milage wont make up for the persistant problems with the direct ignition cassette (now part of a recall) and the terrible service from numerous dealers.

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  Amazing Car - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Pete Saab 9-5 - August 1 - 2:00 am

  FIRST -- I have an automatic, not a 5 speed (but Edmunds doesnt give that option). I really wanted a stick -- drove the previous model 9-5 -- then the 02 with Automatic in sport mode -- great transmission. The car handles better then a comparable BMW wagon -- its taughter than Audi -- far more luxurious than VW Passat. PLenty of room for passengers, and versatile cargo area.