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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  Saabaru No. 1 - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Nahasapeemapetilon - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Great car for what it is worth. Very forgiving handling and extra security with AWD. Hatchback styles versatile enough for casual cruising and moving furnitures.

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  Happy as can be - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Branden - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. The autostick works like a charm. The only concern which is minor is the amount of brake pad dust that accumulates on the wheels. But hopefully that will go away as the brakes wear in. The 9-3 cost thousands less than a comparable A4, 325 or S40, and the insurance was cheaper too!

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  Fantastic in-betweener - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By Kiwidude - July 28 - 10:06 pm

  Weve had our 95 for 5 years now and love it to bits, the whole family loves it. It is a great alternative to a Toyota Camry (or similar) as it is much nicer, has more style and feels much better than the standard Japanese plastic box. It isnt at the same level as a BMW 5 or Audi A6 but neither is the price so what you get is a lovely solid car that does everything reasonably well at a great price. People moan about how it doesnt have the performance of a BMW 5 etc but it doesnt have the price either so! If you want a solid well performing comfortable car look no further. Mine has been reliable but like all cars you can find owners who disagree.

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  Be unique dont follow the masses! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Saabmstr - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a Saab, and boy am I satisfied. After test driving the Audi A4 and BMW 3 series, I decided hands down on the Saab. Not only is the interior more spacious than either car, but the exterior design has more attitude(this probaby stems from the fact that Saab has contracted BMWs(now ex) designer.) Not only is this New and refined Saab a great deal, but by driving one you set yourself apart from the masses who are conent with paying $5,000 more for the Audi or BMW. My recommendation, Buy.

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  Replacement for the Bimmer - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By pskim72 - July 27 - 2:00 am

  One of the best sport sedan Ive driven. The design is fresh and appealing. Performs heads on with the BMW 3 series.

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  Poor Saab quality - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Ray Mesa - July 25 - 6:53 pm

  Surprised and the poor quality of the car Saab overall - trunk lid squeaks when opened, front door speakers are very poor quality, rear airbag cover fell off. GM has definitely had a poor impact on Saab. Customer service isnt any better in trying to fix problems. OnStar definitely needs to be removed - in keeping with other cars in its class bluetooth would be much better. Navigation system definitely needs improvement.

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  Lucked out. - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By Austin - July 25 - 9:33 am

  I bought mine in 2008 with 100k and now have 190k. Biggest expense was fuel pump at about 150k. I still have the clutch I bought it with and have had no prob with turbo yet. Change oil every 3 to 5k at the cheap places but sometimes my independent SAAB Tech or the SAAB dealer. I have a back up Ig. cass. but still havent had to use it. Even the pixels on the SID arent too bad either. I did have some belts break and that broke open an oil line ($1,000 fix). Not as reliable or as trouble free as our 2000 Camry but much more fun though.

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  Nice Car - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By newatsaab - July 23 - 7:26 pm

  Bought this car due to GM and Saab discounts. Fun to drive, mileage on city/hwy 25 to 33 mpg. Accelerates smoothly, handles well, brakes well. Cruise control maintains speed well. Plenty of room in front and back seats for moderately sized people. Paid $18,500 for linear with automatic and cold weather package. Suprised at good mileage for an all wheel drive vehicle. Would recommend based on limited experience, with available discounts. Seats split and fold flat without having to raise back seat. Can sit a person in one side of back seat and fold down other side. Good all around visibility from drivers seat.

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  Bare bones facts. - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Joseph G - July 19 - 7:40 am

  This vehicle is awesome ! I test drove the "big three", re: Audi-4, BMW 325CI and the AERO. The AUDI and BMW have the performance issues you may be looking for, but they lack the comfort and driving ease of the SAAB AERO. The SAAB AERO driver seat is much more roomy than the other two, so if your a big man, re: 6 feet or above then your knee will be bruised in the AUDI or BMW. This car is really the only choice for comfort and style. I recommend you test drive all three on the same day to really get a feel for what I am saying.

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  My second Saab, still love them - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By NedSlc - July 17 - 7:06 pm

  Got it with 28.000 on it a year ago, has 45.000 now, 0 problems so far (I did replace Death-Cool with Pentosin G12) SID is showing 35 Mpg (50% of my driving is freeway), not as fast as my old 9000 Aero, but I am very happy with the way it drives (took off-ramp with speed limit of 45 at 90 Mph few times). We have some snow in Utah (SLC), and I think it handles as well if not better than my old Subaru Outback with all-season Michelins, guess you have to know how to drive in the snow. It has that 300W sound system, and if adjusted right, sounds better than Bose in my friends 2007 Maxima (he himself said so), so I dont understand all the complaints.