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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  What a Kick A** Car - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By mwalker16 - May 30 - 10:15 pm

  Ok so this is my first car and holy crap is it fast! My friends love it and i love having the ability to past people on the freeway easily. I can overpower cars with v8 motors and this thing is a rocket! On the bad..... It does have small issues from now and then. yes the wipers, blower motor and rear window stoped working they were all simple fixes and it was worth it to me. IF YOU WANT TO NEVER HAVE ISSUES BUT DRIVE A BORING SLOW CAR GET A TOYOTA. This car will also save ur life in a wreck it is very solid. This thing is mean and for a car with nearly 150,000 miles it feels brand new. Thank you saab for an amazing first car I will for sure own one for the rest of my life.

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  Wonderful SUV - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By mt_man - May 29 - 1:40 pm

  This car has been great and I wouldnt trade it for anything. The car looks great inside and out (from the front). The ride it terrific and the handling is great for an SUV.

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  Fun Fun fun - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By Legin - May 28 - 9:23 pm

  I have had nothing but good experiences with my Saab, sure, a few minor things have worn out, but you have to expect some maintenance. Its fantastically fun to drive and if you can stay off the turbo it is possible to get over 31 mpg on the highway.

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  Watch Out - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By vmn - May 27 - 5:43 pm

  The car is unbelievably fun to drive. Unfortunately it has been at the dealership numerous number of times in the first year. 10 times for at least 2 days at a time. Parking brake, infotainment, and 2 transmissions are only the begining. Transmission still not fixed. worse 6-speed i have ever driven. Grinds going into 2nd and 3rd gear. I cant keep taking the car to the dealer everytime i have a problem. Saab still working to fix my transmission problem. It start at 3000 miles. I wonder why the new 2005 saab 93 has a 5-speed in it?

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  Verdict Still Out - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By JOHN - May 26 - 6:56 am

  Bought certified used with 36,000 miles on it. Less than 5,000 miles later needed new oil pump, new water pump (covered by warranty) and replaced the brake light bulbs twice. Very comfortable car and relatively fun to drive. Does have slight but noticable turbo lag, but car is nimble. Gimmicky cupholder is useless. Very little storage space in cabin for things like coins, etc. I like the car but early indications of reliability give me pause.

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  Great looks, fun to drive - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By plasticmoz - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Probably the best looking sports sedan out there for my money. Very classy interior design and comfortable ride. Few minor build quality issues which is expected with a first year model. The high-pressure turbo engine (2.0L) is very nippy and accelerates very well especially through the high gears. I added the sports body kit to my Arc and would recommend it (or just get the Vector) as it really completes the look of the car, together with the low profile tires (available with the sports pkg. on the Arc/Linear). Recommended for those shopping for a SS around 30K and who are looking for something different.

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  Extraordinarily fun car - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By jkkf1991 - May 17 - 3:30 pm

  I too have owned several BMWs and this SAAB needs to offer no apologies for anything by comparison. Truly a fun car to drive. Superb acceleration, handling, sound system, styling, and comfort.

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  The Silver Bullet - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By JMD94 - May 11 - 3:33 pm

  I caught WRX fever about 4 months ago and had been trying to figure out a way to buy one, but then, I stumbled upon reviews at Edmunds and then saw the GM discount and took the "You only live once" attitude. I love this car. I got a great deal on it, but more importantly, the 92x has reminded how much fun driving can be. Its only been a month, but so far, nothing but fun. Its a real head turner too, you just dont see many where I live in Bethesda, MD. The car hugs the road. My experience so far is that the 92x has a split personality. Drive conservatively, downshift and you can get good gas mileage. Hit 3000 rpm and Grandmas not going to miss bingo afterall, it feels like an F15!

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  perfect saab - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By len - May 11 - 10:00 am

  From the day I bought it, now 34,000 miles nothing has gone wrong. Living in New Hampshire the driving is tough. Snow, mountains, this 9-5 Aero wagon handles it all never gets bogged down in deep snow. My Porsche used to die in the winter and my wife picked me up at the bottom of the steep hill in her Saab

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  Happy 2nd Saab driver - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By QWK SWD from Md - May 11 - 3:36 am

  "Smooth" is how my 26 yr. old son describes the drive. Excellent metallic paint, even after 5 yrs. Interior stylish yet reserved, high quality but a bit snug for 4 on board. 31mpg on the highway. Distinctive; you dont get lost among the Japanese nameplates on the road. Well built, very reliable. It doesnt break. An 06 9-5 next?