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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  2003 Linear - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Mike Schurr - March 10 - 10:00 am

  I have owned every car imaginable from BMWs to VWs and have never before owned a Saab. I was drawn to the cars looks and ammenities. The overall performance is better than expected from a 175 hp turbo 4 cyl and handling is excellent for a front driver. I really enjoy the car and suggest that anyone looking for a sport sedar consider this car. I recently attended the Saab sponsored Proving Ground where the 9-3 is pitted against, a BMW 325, M-B C230, Audi A-4, and a Volvo S70. After driving the Linear, Arc and Vector as well as a 9-2 convertible I was impressed at how well it stood up to the other vehicles.

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  Never Again - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Dan A. - March 5 - 5:06 am

  Where do I begin? My "latest" issue is that although the electrical system is working, the car wont start! The Saab mechanic informs me that it "may" be the started, but maybe not. He can replace it for $700+, but if its not the problem, Im out the money! The leather seats are worn out. The fan for the a/c stays on for an extra 15 minutes after I shut off the car. The car rattles way too much. The seals on the back window are coming off. Oh, and the motor for the passenger seat is gone and now starting to go on the drivers side as well. They inform me that the motor is over $700! I can easily say that I will not buy a Saab OR a GM auto ever again. Havent met many happy Saab owners lately.

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  No BMW - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By bayviewwilliams - March 4 - 5:23 am

  My 9-5 was swift, not fast. Exceptionally comfortable. Interior packaging was great, trunk space awesome, even good gas mileage. But GM really let Saab go, and the performance, build quality or materials cannot hold a candle to contemporary BMWs.

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  Love the 9 3 Convertible - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By sosogo5 - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Second 9 3 convertible Ive owned and just love it. Have had it all out in the twisties with the top down and its great fun. Always have people asking about it. Great car. Have had some minor trouble with the new one getting steering to track straight, both otherwise a great, tight , comfortable car.

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  Solid Car - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By bah - February 22 - 3:13 am

  Very nice car, frustrating issue with in dash display module indications that appears to be a factory issue. Excellent handling in ice and snow/rain. Very solid fit and finish. Gets a little expensive out of warranty.

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  RUN!!!!! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By beth - February 22 - 2:00 am

  DO NOT buy!, bought mine with 27,000 miles, when the car hit 40,000 it was down hill!, rattling under the hood, cup holder broke, radio dislpay broke, panel behind the drivers seat broke, compressor broke, forget about check engine light, ALWAYS on despite paying hundreds of dollars to replace stupic sensor, last 8 months i;ve shelled out $3000, and as we speak, was towed from work to dealer for not starting, not battery either! ive had it!, when it comes back im driving it onto HONDAS lot and prepared to take a hit. PIECE of crap, DONT DO IT!!!!! unless your rich and have $ to literally to throw away!

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  Saab 9-3 2004 model - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By simonsatx - February 20 - 2:00 am

  This is actually my first car purchased on my own since entering college and I think it was one I will not regret. I test drove other vehicles in this price range and Saab had to be the best in my opinion. Even performed better than those with 6 cylinders. This automobile is definitely worth the time to be considered. The dealership I bought the car (Ken Batchelor)from in San Antonio made the car buying experience even better. I hope all Saab dalerships caer to the customer the way these guys do.

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  one saab story after the next - 1996 Saab 900
  By saabstory - February 15 - 10:00 am

  This car had one problem after the next. I replaced the mechanical seat, ignition, clutch cable, window motor, heat blower,cd player, tires repeatedly, etc. etc. The repairs were endless. I just traded it thank god, it was bottom less pit. The air was out and the car was not wanting to be put in reverse. I finally gave up...

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  Saab 9-3 in Atlanta - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By b6542 - February 15 - 10:00 am

  This car has met or exceded all expectations. I definitely would recommend the manual shift over the auto. Great Milage !

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  Exceeds expectations, "expert" opinions - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By NJ Bald - February 9 - 10:20 am

  At 16,000 miles and 18 months, the car has been trouble free and all maintentance has been covered for free (one oil change). This car is more reliable than the Toyota and Honda I previously owned. Car handles very well, and although the controls are a little complicated, figured out how to use the car after a couple of days of ownership. This has become my favorite car and willing to replace with a new one in 10 years when this one needs replacing.