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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  2006 SAAB SUV REVIEW - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By william mitchell - June 20 - 12:13 am

  The car handles great. At 70 miles an hour youre doing over 2500rpm. I like the stiff ride but not shocking.

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  Amazing Value - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By CARtx478 - June 15 - 11:50 am

  I bought my first Saab two weeks ago and couldnt be more impressed with a car in this price range. After a year-long search I found a low mileage black Aero model with a parchment interior. Its quick (especially at highway speeds) and has a firm, but comfortable ride quality. I absolutely love the 9-3s styling and relative anonymity on the road.

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  Great Saab! - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Saabie - June 15 - 1:13 am

  Car handles much better than previous models. Dealer incentives make this a tremendous lease / purchase.

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  Excellent value, fun to drive sport/lux - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By J - June 14 - 8:40 am

  I love how this car drives. Very sporty and fun yet not hash. 2.0T has good power even with automatic. Excellent styling!

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  Great Car - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Tommy M - June 14 - 2:00 am

  The 9-5 has me sold on Saab. Fun to drive, safe and reliable are my imperatives since I am in the car so much. At highway speed, this little turbin can roar. First gear is a little short or Id give this straight tens.

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  Better than a subaru? Time will tell. - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By jp-stl - June 11 - 7:10 am

  We purchased a 2008 93 for my wife two years ago so when it was time for my new vehicle I was comparing Legacy vs 93. The 93 was on a steep price cut due to GM selling Saab. Paid 22K. It has features which would have cost 7K on the Subaru. Now we have matching cars which should be good from a maint. standpoint since I will do it after the 3-yrs is up. My old Subaru was reliable. I hope this 93 will be, also.

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  Oh the Humanutty - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By Ipse Dixit - June 9 - 8:13 pm

  This is Saab #3 for me. I had a 97 900 SE T, and a 2001 9-5 SE V6 T. The 97 was awesome, but I was unimpressed by the 2001 V6. My 2001 was in the shop when I spied the 2000 silver wagon. The little 4-banger put the V6 to shame on my test drive. I was shocked to find out it was a 4-cyl! I absolutley love the way this car handles. There is the old 0-15 mph lag w/ the AC on, but Im a highway driver. I have a set of Winter wheels that I use for my excursions in snow and ice. I have put many SUV drivers to shame in severe snow storms. If only they knew it was about the tires. The Saab experience has been great with the following exceptions: 5+ broken fog lights, burnt out bulbs, DIC.

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  Best car for the value - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Surprised Saab Owner - June 9 - 6:46 pm

  After looking at similar class cars nothing beat the value of the 93 Aero. Cheaper than the competition with little difference between featured and performance. Fun to drive. It is terrible in the snow, I was expecting better from a front wheel drive car.

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  Very pleased with purchase - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By pixie777 - June 8 - 8:26 pm

  Ive only had my Saab 9-3 for a week but I absolutely love it! I think that people are negative about Saabs because not very many people own them. It comes equipped with many standard features that you pay handsomely for with the BMW 325i - which I test drove also. Its comfortable, the drive is very smooth and I love the exterior design of it. I was looking for a compact sedan with that special "something." My friends and family love it. If you are considering a Saab, please test drive one. You will not be disappointed!

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  Repairs and you better hare your records - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By danielrpatrick - June 8 - 10:00 am

  All i have to say is you better keep all your receipts or you will be in trouble. I just got off an hour long converstation with SAAB. They are not going to fix a clogged oil pump, because I dont have the reciept for everyone oil change. I asked so what happens if the motor blows up are you going to stand behind me: they said nope based on the fact that i dont have all the paperwork. Save it all that is my advice. Im going to pick it up and trade it in on a bmw.