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:

• 

  Review of my 04 - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Bret B. - March 6 - 1:23 am

  I am very satisfied my Saab 9-3 Linear.It gets unbelievable gas milage, better than the 21/30 suggests.Ive actually been getting 33-36 on the road.The engine is very smooth and quiet.My wife has an 01" 9-5 and you can really feel the sporty nature of the 9-3 when comparing the two. Oh yeah, Very comfortable seats.

• 

  Was thrilled at first. - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By John - February 24 - 7:50 pm

  I bought this car 10/04 with 39,000 miles on it. I got if for a good price and was thrilled. In five months of ownership, Ive spent $3,500 in repairs. BEWARE, all Saabs esp. for models years 99-01 have an inherent problem with their electronic distributors. They fail regularly and cost $450+ per distributor to replace (theres 2 on the V6). Its a great car and fun to drive, but OOH THE COST TO FIX! You shouldnt have to carry a spare distributor in the trunk as many Saab owners have taken to doing.

• 

  Disappointed and waiting... - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Dissappointed ,,, - February 22 - 5:10 pm

  First off a very nice car to drive top up or down. However I have had a recurring air bag malfunction error message displayed on the info center. I have taken to dealership on five different occassions. Dealership directed me to contact Saab and has recommended that vehicle be return to manufacturer however I am still waiting. Car purchased in August 05 and as of today it has been in dealership for repair for over 50 days. Saab has agreed exchange vehicle for 2006 which has a lower price and they dont feel that I need to be compensated for the difference or aggravation. No policy to satisfy the customer. Great ride when I have it...

• 

  turbos rule - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By red65olds - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought this certified used Saab from local dealer, who replaced turbo at 42K under warranty. Since then the car has driven like a dream. Drive around town in the "sport" mode for great launches and the feel of a much more powerful car--and dont pay for it at the gas pump. I test drove a used Acura TL a while back, just out of curiosity, and it felt a bit numb. Got back into the Saab and it was like driving a Euro hotrod. I feel involved when I drive this car. I might have qualms about some of the interior fittings, and the suspension is sometimes creaky in the cold, but when this car is right, it is very right.

• 

  Regrets, my last Saab - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By Egmontgirl - February 6 - 5:40 pm

  This is my second Saab and regretfully my last. The first (1995 conv) had massive battery/electrical/conv. problems and this one needed a new engine. This model has a newly found defect that Saab calls "engine sludge." They are covering this problem under the warranty but beware it decreases performance until you take it in or until it strands you on the highway. I have finally decided that it doesnt make sense for me to pay the upgrade for a performance vehicle when the performance deteriorates. Alas, it is all under warranty but the fact that it needed a new engine is going to really hurt my resale value. Ive loved these cars eventhough they proved to not be worth the luxury pricetag.

• 

  Owned Better - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Owned Better - January 10 - 11:30 pm

  The build quality is quite poor. Rattles and noises first in the doors, then the B pillar, and now the dash. They keep accumulating and the dealer just cant get them fixed. Mechanically, the brakes are noisy and the engine has required tweaking to prevent stalling. The center dash mounted computer also has its own agenda. It doesnt keep time or settings correctly.

• 

  great fun in a functional package - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By turrrbo - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought used at 78,000 miles. No major problems though small things tend to go wrong sometimes - nothing serious though. Still, definitely excellent value because of depreciation. Smooth ride, some body roll but handling is excellent and steering well-weighted. Turbo is awesome on the highway! Huge trunk. Heated seats wonderful in winter. Love the steering wheel audio controls. Four speed auto shifts smoothly, includes sport and winter modes. Nifty details like cornering lights illuminate turns with blinkers engaged. Overall great car: nimble, powerful, and upscale.