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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  Well balanced and fun - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By Mike - August 8 - 7:06 pm

  The 9-5 continues the SAAB tradition of providing an economical, sporty, cavernous luxury car in one package. It is great.

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  saab 9/5 - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By hmann - August 8 - 2:00 am

  very solid car over the past 4 years. The car does need more power though. Other than that it is a fine automobile.

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  surprised, fun, quick - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By richard - August 6 - 12:36 am

  I am surprised how much I like this car. I had always had cars with larger engines, so I was pleasantly surprised at the spunk of this 2.0 liter 4 cyl engine, I guess its the turbo. I enjoy the pick-up, the agility, and the nice handling. contrary to the reviews, the stereo is just fine, and I prefer a front wheel drive car, especially in the northeast USA, where we have snow, and a rear wheel car is never a good idea.

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  watch out! - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By Diana - July 30 - 1:46 pm

  Bought this cute little car 5 years ago. After the first 2 years I had to replace the engine. One year later I had to replace the engine again. VERY costly. Expect to have at least $250 - $500 in mechanic bills quarterly. Other than that, i love how it looks, how it handles, the size, the interior. Just wish it was better built.

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  Runs like a champ - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By johnd - July 25 - 9:30 pm

  Bought my 4- cyl turbo se special edition with BBS wheels brand new. Fun to drive, a great value for the money if you buy used. My 9-5 has 125,000 miles on it and I plan on going to 200k. Change oil with synthetic or semi- synthetic and only have had minor problems with electrical system. The panel goes bonkers sometimes but overall would buy again. Need to buy the Aero next time or Saab should make other models sportier with lowered suspension. Out handles many a surprised BMW, Audi and M-B drivers. Shock value is high.

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  Parts on indefinite backorder!!! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Jules - July 1 - 7:30 am

  I have had a lot of Saabs and no car has given me as many problems as this one. It was in the shop over 7 times in 1 month alone. Recently the alternator went and then the vacuum pipe and now a $34.00 hose that is on back order Saab Corp. says indefinitely. Thanks to GM the quality of this car and the company has gone down the drain. WATCH OUT!!!

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  turbo power - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By aniszaman - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Power,when you need it most i,e, at passing is there with the turbo.An excellent value with all the features.

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  Linear Saab - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By thomas t - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Happy with this car so far. Smooth ride, classy exterior. Upgraded 16 inch wheels are distinctive.

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  Saabaru 9-2x - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By John - June 5 - 11:53 pm

  This is a great little car the only problems I had when I bought it was that the tires bubbled in under 10000 miles and I had to replace them with performance tires because no good tire company makes all weather tires for this car but bridgestone and they were the original tires.

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  Quick, Comfortable & Reliable - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By jimb - May 27 - 11:13 am

  I am very pleased with the combination of power and fuel economy the Saab 9-3 convertible provides with the 2,0 liter turbo-charged engine. My 9-3 is equipped with an automatic transmission and delivers 20 plus mpg city and 28 mpg highway - not bad for a comfortable, powerful and fun to drive convertible. The 9-3 delivers more than adequate acceleration, and plenty of reserve power for merging and passing. Ride & handling are superb, albeit with a bit of cowl flex on less than glass smooth roads. Comfort is fantastic, thanks in part to some of the best seats in the business. Top operation couldnt be easier. Reliability thus far excellent! A very nice automobile.