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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  Great Car, do not forget the spare tire - 2010 Saab 9-5
  By Marcos - September 24 - 10:00 am

  So far so great. My third 95. Make sure you negotiate the spare tire before you purchase the car. I forgot to do so and now my dealer is trying to nail me for almost $600.00 for something that is not worth more than $250.00. Otherwise, much more impressive than earlier models.

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  Excellent All Around SUV - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By Jack&Karen - September 21 - 11:56 pm

  Leased a 9-7X for my wife and she absolutely adores it. We dont have kids so its just the right size. Everything is extremely smooth operating, fit and finish are great and the structure is very rigid. Its hard to believe its based on the Envoy chassis... it really handles great (the Envoy is a great truck but it handles like a truck when you hit the corners). I would recommend this vehicle to anyone that would enjoy a mechanically sophisticated luxury SUV.

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  I smile each time I drive this car! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Haywire - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I couldnt be more happy with this 9-3 convertible! Got an excellent price and love the way it drives and looks. I do feel like an individual on the road...you really dont see too many of them! The safety features are empressive. A lot of attention to detail...smart designing.

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  Blast to drive - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By memphis saab - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I have always wanted a Saab, and finally bought the newly designed 9-3. I could not be happier with the handling, acceleration, comfort, gas mileage and roominess. The main problem has been the computer system. I have had to take it in 4 times in 8 months for computer malfunctions--mostly ONSTAR related. A recall softwear update seems to have fixed this problem, finally. Now my parking brake is hard to release.

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  A New Saab Owner - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By specan48 - September 18 - 10:00 am

  When I decided to get an entry level luxury sedan, I looked at several vehicles, including BMW and Volvo. I chose the Saab just because of the test drive. If you are at all waivering on what type of car and the Saab is a little out of your price range, dont test drive it. Youll have to leave with it, whether you can afford it or not! Im surprised at its speed with so little horsepower.

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  93 arc-porsche on automatic - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By vdeg - September 15 - 10:00 am

  Took it for the 24 hour test drive and bought one immediately. Its my6th Saab and the best one yet. Drive it you;ll love it.

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  Beats SUV Hands Down - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By goblue - September 14 - 2:00 am

  Having come from Arizona to Michigan, Ive been driving SUVs for winter roads since I got here 10 years ago. I decided it was time for a change and researched the market. The Saab wagon was the best looking, most fun to drive, safest and still offered enough interior room to displace the SUV. To my surprise, it also went through the winter weather with ease. I wasnt surprised when I learned the Aspen police all drive Saabs.

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  Love it! - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By iwtbl - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I made myself a Xmas present last year and bought the 9-5 SE V6t. After driving Audi A6 & BMW 5-series, I have to say that Saab has surprised me with the build quality and the overall performance. It has got to be the most comfortable ride of all. Most importantly though, I havent had ANY problems with maintenance. It runs super-smooth and I wouldnt change anything about it.

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  Big Sporty European Cruiser - 2011 Saab 9-5
  By sambub - September 11 - 5:28 am

  My black 9-5 with the Turbo4 premium 18" wheels is just beautiful. Much better looking than the A6 or the new 5 series. And, unlike the A6, 9-5 can be had with a 6 speed manual. Its a big, rock-solid car with lots of sport: firm suspension, good steering. It drives much smaller than it is. On the highway the car is buttoned down and whisper quiet. Saab offers a factory authorized power upgrade that brings torque to 300 ft/lbs. Also, car has tons of tech in cabin and engine has the fancy upgrades: direct injection and twin scroll turbo, so 33 mpg HWY so far. Needless to say I am extremely happy!

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  Love the Saab Sport Combi - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By DonRobinsonRealtor - September 10 - 7:03 am

  I flew up to Cape Cod the day after Christmas from Austin Texas to pick up my car. Left the next day in the rain and fog and drove back to Austin Texas. Drove 20 hours straight the first day I was having so much fun. Hit the Smokey Mountains about 3 in the morning, drove like a dream. I love the ergonomics and simplicity of the car. I am a driver and dont like too much power stuff. So far I am very happy with the car and think it is better than the write ups it gets. I agree with some of the criticism but still think it it much better value than many cars on the market especially if you buy certified used like I did.