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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  reflections of the 900 - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By saab9000 - January 1 - 10:00 am

  while this car looks large, the interior does not match the promise of size one would expect. the exterior styling seems to be reflective of the early 90s 900 and not the last of the 9000s. the car is comfortable to drive and the seats are heaven but interior storage is very limited.

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  First time buyer of SAAB - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By New Saab Owner - January 1 - 10:00 am

  We traded in a Nissan Maxima for a 2003 Saab Linear, options: Auto Trans, 16" wheels, metallic paint, & heated seats. Its no where as fast as the Maxima but overall my family and I like the 9-3. The seats are very comfortable, the steering is responsive, and the 9-3 just seems to be put together nicely. The 9-3 moves preety good for a turbo four cylinder engine.

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  Just Drive it! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By saabowner - December 26 - 10:00 am

  After many weeks of research and driving, I opted for the 9-3 Linear with all available options and received a vehicle which is gorgeous to look at, extremely practical (I have taken it camping twice and easily fit all required items), and thrilling to drive. Add to this a reasonable price tag and flexible purchase options, and the decision was fairly straight - forward. Truly, I am pleased with this vehicle after 4 mos. of ownership and 8000 miles. This is one car I can live with for many years (or at least until the new model comes out!)!

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  Practical and Cool - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Rob - December 21 - 5:13 pm

  I have a fast and practical car which looks unlike everything else. It has had no problems and puts a smile on my face when I accelerate.

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  Love it, love it, love it - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By jbird - December 17 - 3:16 am

  I love my Saab 92X and dont care if its part Suburu. Its the best of both reliability, stability, and style. Perfect for a person with an active life style. Great even with few options, but wish I wouldve gotten leather for easier cleaning.

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  Great purchase - 2006 Saab 9-2X
  By NY owner - December 16 - 10:50 pm

  This is a great car, the handling and performance is excellent, and with the rebates given when the model was going out, it was an amazing purchase. I specially love cornering in twisty roads and the response in steering.

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  Great all-rounder - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By HK - December 15 - 10:50 pm

  I just finished a 5 day drive from Michigan to Alberta in this vehicle, and I would do it again, no hesitation. The car performed admirably, as it has always done. Its been great in the snow (though I thought it was better the first winter;I expect the new tires will help), always reliable, and looks a lot better than the Subaru. The cars Achilles heel is the 4 speed auto transmission. It feels unrefined, and brings the average down a bit. I hoped for better fuel economy (20 city, 26 hwy), and replaced the very weak factory stereo. But over all, its a great car which I intend to keep for a long time.

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  I love my Saab - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By BEV WALKER - December 15 - 12:20 pm

  Excellent except for a few turbo lags. On a whole, Im very happy with its performance. I really appreciate my cargo space with the back seats that fold forward. Missing are: locking glove compartment, and mirror controls that light at night.

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  excellent value - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By zxcvb - December 13 - 8:40 pm

  Great car. Was skeptical before I leased it for my wife. The acceleration is great. Cannot feel the turbo kick in - unlike my vw and volvo. Driver comfort is excellent. Great for new york city. Can park and accelerate easily.

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  Saab SE TURBO - 1996 Saab 900
  By cptmcf - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I have a boxster and saab conv turbo...the saab is a great car, I have had no problems with it, like any car it needs to be properly maintained and driven responsibly, If you do that this car will last. I will probably trade both cars in on a new 911 next year.