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:
Showing 701 through 710 of 2,450.00-
Great Saab - 2004 Saab 9-5
By BTB - April 3 - 2:00 amVery enjoyable to drive. Quick pick up in power.
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I love it - 2004 Saab 9-5
By abbydabby2 - April 3 - 2:00 amas in clothing i hate seeing myself coming and going...i love that there are very few on the road!!!
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A real Saab Story - 2004 Saab 9-3
By monpuss - April 3 - 2:00 amA Head turning Rag Top with real get up and go. Looks good, drives great, and with the top down, cant be beat.
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just perfect - 2000 Saab 9-5
By grasshopper333 - March 30 - 4:03 amThis is a great car for the money. It drives so well my husband has scrapped the idea of getting a vette next year and will be buying a Saab. The wagon has all space you could want and all the comfort. I test drove competitors. Nothing touches the Saab.
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best - 2005 Saab 9-2X
By racer gti - March 29 - 10:00 amthis car is classy and it needs no new component and it feel good to know you are in one
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SAAB(MW) - 2003 Saab 9-5
By AJUNA - March 27 - 10:00 amI had a 3 months of Saab-free interval after selling my 90 Saab 900S, and simply HAD to test drive a 9-5. And this car is simply a Swedish equivalent of a BMW!!! The design inside-out is first rate, and the ride and handling have reached that perfect balance of sure-footedness and comfort. This is a very much improved, much refined in comparison to the older Saabs. In fact, I look forward to drive this car every morning as much as I enjoy my Prosche!!
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A Total Disappointment! - 2004 Saab 9-3
By Saabing weekly - March 23 - 12:40 pmI cant wait to get rid of this car. It has been a nightmare. Lets see... transmission, engine, and computer problems to name a few. Then theres the water leakage, cheap interior materials that break,defiant trunk lid, volume controls that dont work, and seat upholstry that comes off. What about the door locks that open on their own and the incompetent/hostile/indifferent dealer/corporate network? I am so regretful that I purchased this car. I cant believe that it is considered a luxury car. It clearly not in the same quality realm as its European neighbors.
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Work horse - 1996 Saab 900
By lou - March 19 - 5:23 pmI have purchased this car from a private seller in Feb of 2008 for 2400.00, had 150000 miles on it, all I can say is this was the best used car I ever bought, I fill the tank and get about 425 miles at about 15 gallons, do the math, great on gas. I drive to work 75 miles round trip and the only thing I need to replace is the tires. My friends always say the car is so quiet when I idle at a red light. I am on the market for another one for my son.
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Lovin It - 2003 Saab 9-3
By saab93ss - March 15 - 2:00 amHad the car about 3 months now and love it more and more each passing day. It is great fun to drive, terrific handling and response. What a beast for a 4 cyl engine, it is giving me about 23 mpg city driving!!
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Great Wagon - 2007 Saab 9-3
By craig r - March 11 - 4:26 pmI have waited to file a review of our Sport-Combi until we had accumulated some miles. We recently took a 1,000 mile road trip which has prompted us to say great car!! The engine and transmission are the strongest points. Terrific acceleration, effortless cruising, and 30 mpg at 80 mph. Sporty yet compliant ride over rough surfaces, along with precise steering and effective brakes. The seats are very comfortable over long distances. Very little wind noise at speed. Sports car perfomance with the utility of a wagon. Lots of cargo capacity with the rear seat folded down. We have used it during house construction to haul granite shelves, bagged trash, furniture, and other bulky items.