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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  Joyful car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Eurozone - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Had it for about a month now, I still enjoy every trip in this car. It looks really good from the front and side, and alright from the back. The interior is very cozy with good quality materials. The seats are superbly comfortable, the controls and gauges are quite good. The stereo is good but the bass is a bit weak (no subwoofer). Great handling gives amazing feeling of control, the car feels very light and nimble. Great breaks, nice shifter and pretty good power from the engine. Turbo a bit lazy at low end, but gives very good response afterwards.

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  SAAB 9-3 linear w/launch package - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Mambo - April 27 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SAAB, and I was thinking about the BMW 325i as the other alternative. After driving the SAAB, I liked it a lot more than the BMW, and it was $7k less, and it gets much better gas mileage. I am truly enjoying the car and I have got a lot of complements, especially from BMW owners. I cant say enough good things about the car.

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  Best Car Ever!!!! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Orangeman - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Have owned it for a week + Love it! It was the best decision I ever made buying this car. I test drove BMW325 XI (all wheel drive) Jaguar Xtype- This car is so much better looking and more fun to drive.

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  One Month with Vector - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By SaabVector - April 27 - 10:00 am

  I picked up my Vector last month, it is my first Saab and I it is great. I did a ton of research, narrowed my selection down to the Vector and the G35. After driving each car I knew that the Saab was the clear choice. Amazing acceleration, looks great, and is a blast to drive.

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  Best in its Price range - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Saabdriver6 - April 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car and truly outperforms in terms of quality all other cars in its pricerange. You really have to drive a Saab to fully understand what a great vehicle it is.

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  Great car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By jcworrel - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Saab is still making improvments on a great car. Ive always liked Saabs since I owned my first 1987 Saab 900S. I am still impressed with the overall quality of the car and the great handling. To say that GM has ruined Saab is a very misinformed statement. Test drive one and see for yourself. Also, to say that it drives on a Grand Am platform is also inaccurate. More accurately, the Grand Am will be fortunate enough to ride on a Saab platform. Lucky for Pontiac since this car handles superbly and Grand Ams handling leave much to be desired. I would know since thats what I traded in for this Saab.

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  Ill Really Miss this Car - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By RBG - April 25 - 5:50 am

  Purchased new and drove it for 10 years and 187,000 miles. I expect it had another 100,000 miles in it. It ended service prematurely after it was rear ended. The vehicle did its job and all occupants walked away with no or very minor injuries. Thanks engineers and assemblers! Ill really miss this car. It did so many things well-a good blend of design, performance, build quality, economy and utility. And it was FUN to drive everyday. Others correctly point out proper routine maintenance is required. Its not necessarily expensive. Like all vehicles Saabs have quirks and some common part failures. To me they were either endearing or minor annoyances. Im looking for another one.

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  Great Car - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Joe Ausanio - April 19 - 7:43 pm

  I have always been a Honda owner, i went to drive this car cause my friend said worked at the dealership..I remember Saabs as boxy looking doofy cars...I get a lot of compliments on this car.. Its lines are better than the BMW 3 series and the Mercedes Benz series.....It has performed better than i expected and the turbo engine is plenty fast enough....This car rocks

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  Swedish Meatball - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Wmstrahan - April 17 - 4:00 pm

  Great car until many things begin to go wrong. The car is constantly throwing up trouble lights and things are breaking. Will never buy another Saab (we have two 9-5s) but I hope my friends do so I can ride in them.

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  best saab ever built - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By hapster - April 16 - 10:00 am

  found myself over steering for the first few miles.once i got it,it was all there.and watch the brakes.they are awesome.