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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  GM influence shines through - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By bybyby - April 30 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 99 convertible (4 year lease turn in) and thought I was buying a cream puff. However, I had to replace part of the front axle as well as numerous other little things that shouldnt be happening on a car with only 40k miles. The car goes down the road great. But beware that late model Saabs are laced with GM DNA and it shows. The build quality and fit and finish is not there and is not like the Saabs of old. Although these cars are still built in Sweden; the Detroit influence (cheap and unreliable) comes through. Saab is forced to used some GM Euro parts and it shows in the car. Its a real shame what GM is doing to this once great brand of car

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  Saab 95 Aero review by HL - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By howard l - April 30 - 10:00 am

  Handles well with a very nice acceleration. Fit and finish could be a little more modern and tighter. The interior is sturdy and wears very well. The materials always look new. I had a 2000 model and it was the same. The interior room is adequate, yet the outside is not too big. Trunk space is great. The car could use a nicer stereo and the vanity mirrors have useless lights.

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  Too many repairs! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By BigHead - April 29 - 11:30 am

  The first year of my cars life was normal. No major repairs. The last two have been horrible. The engine constantly leaks oil despite three repairs to various seals. The electronics are plagued with various bugs in the software and the OnStar module has been replaced twice. Ive had issues with the headlight wiring burning away the insulation on the wires and various other troubles with the computer when either cold or hot (< -15C or >+30C (which in Toronto, Ontario is quite often)). Not too happy overall. However the handling and brakes are fantastic.

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  Why do I still Like this car? - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Ted - April 27 - 10:20 pm

  Bought the Linear model new but at a deep discount ($30k). Have had the typical failures -- fuel pump, heater valve, ignition cartridge, sunroof, and most recently the brake booster. Repairs are crazy expensive, and Ive spent way too much on them. But then I get behind the wheel and realize I really like the driving experience. Fuel economy is great, and the turbo is there when you need some punch. Its a great travel car, and the trunk is spacious. One of my criteria was "4 men and 4 sets of golf clubs". It works.

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  Much improved 2006 - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Frank - April 24 - 7:00 pm

  We had a 2003 9-3 sedan. This 2006 model feels more rigid and the steering feels tighter, which makes it more fun to drive. Suspension is a bit smoother but still is firm. Overall a lot better car than our 2003. If you want a good looking and fun car to drive, the Saab Sportcombi may be what youre looking for!

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  MINE BLEW UP!!! - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By alber1 - April 17 - 10:00 am

  This car has been fun to drive and performs well, but I will never do business with Saab again. I live at high altitude, and my cars engine seized under normal use to what Saab said was "bad gas". They refused to honor the warranty and wanted $8000 to replace the engine in a car I am leasing. Eventually, they fixed it for $1200 but it should have been covered. My case was not an isolated one and the company knew this. Very sickening experience. Buy a car that isnt a GM product.

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  ok car for the money, very reliable! - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By chris_gallucci - April 11 - 9:14 pm

  Performance: great in snow! turbo lag is very high though Comfort: over roads freshly paved-perfect, anything else-horrid! Value: compared to other cars I have driven/ ridden around in it is not the best, seats are rock hard Fun to Drive: Oh yeah! Interior Design: great the first year it was out, but got old fast Exterior Design: they are like Chevy, they keep almost the same design for a few years, then finally get the idea that people want to see something new Build Quality: the best, except for a tank, I was behind a dump truck hauling logs (one lane road) it dropped a log 6" in diameter, I ran it over, the car suffered no damage Reliability: I can do everything at home (change oil, etc.)

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  Bud - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By lenore - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Best car I ever drove!!! It is a plow horse. Always there and reliable. Pack horse too. Carried home two full sized desks and 2 storage units from Pottery barn in the hatchback. Unbelievable!

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  Love / Hate Relationship - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Vectra - April 11 - 10:00 am

  This is such a great car, it is a shame that I have a Lemon. I was not worried about buying the Vector as soon as it was made available b/c of SAABs committment to quality, however have ended up driving the loaner car more than my fun Vector. There is something draining the battery when the car is off and they have replaced everything: CD Changer, 300W Amp, Window Controls, Battery, you name it. Unfortunetely due to the fine print on the contract since I used GMS discount I have no protection under the Lemon Law. I hope they get it fixed b/c it is a great car.

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  its the little things - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By tb9er - April 11 - 1:23 am

  Move the cup holder! Slight spills and your coffee is now part of your cd player. Speaking of audio components, if a cassette is not part of the system, provide an aux input for the ipod or mp3 played or even better a portable XM radio. Also, improved spearkers would help; perhaps incorporating speakers into the headrests. Try listening to something other than blasting rock (like subtle classical) while moving at 65mph with the top down. Is that Mozart I hear!! Could use a secondary power port. Cruise control cancel should be a "push" not "pull" switch. Seems more intuitive. Light, window, lock and roof switches on console should be illuminated. That said, I love the car.