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:

• 

  Lemon for sale - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Never buy GM - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Got my new 9-3 last May. I just picked up the car from Shrewsbury SAAB for the third time. Its been towed twice for a dead battery, replaced the battery both times. They reprogramed the computer. When picking up the car, the info system showed a another failure, another day in the shop. Dealer called, problem hopefully fixed, BUT to add insult to injury, now I have a big greasy hand print on my white headliner. Fun to drive but any bump in the road will cause to lose your spleen. Ive owned Lexus and Infinity, I took a chance on SAAB but never again. At least the Japanese dealers treat you and your car with respect!

• 

  nervous saab - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By ohiosaab - March 10 - 12:20 pm

  Have owned 3 years now. Still under warranty. Fun to drive. Great mpg. Clock keeps own time. DTE always wrong. Onstar intermittent. Replaced seatbelts (recall), replaced door handles (color changed year 1). Car drives great, but mechanically quality is iffy.

• 

  More Than I Expected - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By barron von costume - March 7 - 11:13 pm

  I purchased my 2005 9-3 Arc from Enterprise Car Sales. I had read extensive reviews online about how great the car handled, accelerated etc. I was a little shy when I was behind the wheel with the salesman riding shotgun. I could tell right away that this car had a lot more power than I was willing to let out. Once I picked the car up off the lot however, I let it fly. I had perma-smile the second my foot hit the gas - this thing can fly! Once the turbo kicks in my head snapped back a little and I was in love. The features and the customization of the driving experience are also a big reason why I love this car. Overall a great car and a great value ($1500 under KBB value- thx Enterprise!!)

• 

  Great Sleeper! - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Eric - March 4 - 10:26 am

  Just completing 3 years of ownership and still love to drive it. Looked at A4, 3 Series, etc and settled on Saab as the quirky underdog. But for the price (around $30k out the door at the time), much faster than similar priced cars, and none of the BMW snooty/arrogance in the in the image. More often than not, people are surprised by the power, the speed off the line, and the PASSING POWER - love driving this car on highways (great seats, good size, great visibility for a modern car...at least the sedan is, not sure of wagon). Not for those wanting quick respect from other "car people", but lots of fun if you want a practical compromise and still have a blast on an interstate.

• 

  9-5 Aero Sportwagaon Automatic - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Anthony - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Love the car. I am a 31 year old single male and I dive a wagon!. I traded my GMC Jimmy in for the SAAB because I wanted something more luxurious that was sporty, good on gas and could haul my stuff from HomeDepot. I got it all and in a very sexy (at least I think so) package. The car had a few issues when I picked it up but they all were taken car of in a prompt manner by the service department. I would give the service department an excellent rating and the sales department a moderate rating. My sales man was not well informed about the cars features and suggested I try things out to see if they worked. I hope the car proves to be reliable.

• 

  First Saab - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By pcdrj - February 27 - 2:00 am

  This was my first Saab. The car has been very reliable so far at 61000 miles. Performance is Ok. It could definitely use more power. Economy is so-so at about 21 mpg. Handling is too soft. Turning radius is poor. Interior room was pretty. Trunk space and rear seating is good. Front seats are as comfortable as Ive. Console infringed on leg room a bit too much. Interior ergonomics leave a lot to be desired. Needs more/better cup holders. Computer is useless. Climate control worked well but need easier controls. Paint quality was poor and difficult to keep clean. Wheels were impossible to keep clean unless you wash them at least once a week.

• 

  coolest saab ever!!!!!!!!! - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By saablover55 - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this car. It i s the best car Ive ever owned. Dont consider anything else. Go buy this car now if you know whats good for you!!!!!!!!!!

• 

  Great Car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By saabenthuse - February 20 - 11:00 pm

  I had always wanted this car (ever since it hit lots and streets in 2002). I got it as my first car, and Im glad that I wasnt scared off by the bad reviews. There are no doubt problems with the car, but in the end I couldnt deny myself my dream car. Ive seen pictures of the next generation 9-3, and Im not disappointed that I got this one. I recommend either snatching up a current gen. 9-3 while the dealerships are putting them on close-out sale or just opting for the new 9-5 (2006+) which offers a lot of luxury for the money.

• 

  Can a Family Sedan be Fun to Drive Too? - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By DCAR5 - February 20 - 10:00 am

  The 9-5 is a good sedan, maybe even a very good sedan. Depending on what you are looking for in a sedan. If your looking for fun, it is just is not there. The turbo might as well not be there for all of the power is puts out. I had a Saab SPG and that car moved. Even my 10 year old Volvo 960 has more power. However, as a family sedan you just can beat it. Fits a family of five and everything they need for a trip to the beach (and my family need to bring alot along). It looks nice, gets you complements (from the family crowd), but it just doesnt have the power to make it a fun car on the road.

• 

  Love my Saab - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By jg - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Very reliable, comfortable. Great looking. In sport mode its very powerful.