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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  Love my Swede Racer!!! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Aero Power - February 8 - 6:16 pm

  I purchased this car in March 2008 after many months of research. I wanted something upscale but not the same thing everyone else had (G35, 3- series, A4, etc). I found myself leaning toward the Swedes so it was down to the 9-3 or the Volvo S40. I drove the S40 and the turbo lag was scary so I drove the 9-3 and was sold. The only problems Ive had were the coolant reservoir needing to be replaced (under warranty) and my ignition switch failed after a few drops of coffee spilled in it. The dealership replaced it free as a courtesy but said the next one is my expense ($700). Everyone loves my car and they say its perfect for me! I hope Koenigsegg can help Saab survive!

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  Outstanding car - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By chalkpie - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Just got an *outrageous* deal on an 03 9-5 Aero with the touring package. It was a leftover and I bought it directly from the dealer (they held the title) with 100 miles on the odometer and plastic still on the seats. This car has met and exceeded all of my expectations significantly. This car is a perfect cross between a luxury sedan and a European sports sedan. It is very unique all the way down to the pop-out cupholder. I could not ask for more power in a car - this machine always has *plenty* on reserve thanks to the fantastic turbo. This car is also *comfortable* and very roomy. The auto transmission is very smooth and works like a charm.

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  Love my 2008 Saab - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Robert - February 5 - 3:40 pm

  Overall a really good car. Personally, I feel that the 2.0T is the best deal vs. the 2.8. I opted for all options except nav and auto transmission. The premium leather gives the sport seats that arent otherwise available on the 2.0T. This feature alone nearly makes it worth the extra $$$. The leather quality is very nice (especially the French stitching!!). The manual transmission is notchy but nonetheless fun to drive. I must admit that I never really liked Saabs before, however this redesign really makes the car look wonderful. The taillight surrounds take getting used to but otherwise a really good car. FYI: upgraded sound system is simply average so I assume the base sound is terrible.

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  9-3 Linear: Fun and Practical - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By GolferJim - January 31 - 2:00 am

  My first Saab; Im very pleased so far. The 175hp turbo and automatic are very flexible. Gas mileage (27+ mpg) has been better than I had hoped for with the Auto. Handling is xlnt; not M3 great, but better than the Acura TL we had. Some of the SID functions are awkward, but most controls are good. The 150wt stereo needs help, 6-CD changer is good. I have gotten a number of "thumbs up" from people looking at the car for the first time. Its sharp in silver. The exterior fit and finish are as good as any. The interior materials look good, but not quite A4-good. The heated seats are very comfortable. I also consideded an Audi A4 and Mazda 6s.

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  great car great deal - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By kdd - January 30 - 10:40 pm

  Best car I have ever owned. Fast, nimble, unique, beautiful design. NO problems. And such a deal. Cheaper than a loaded Civic. Whats not to love?

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  Great little car - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By ron - January 30 - 2:40 pm

  The 2008 Sport Combi is the 6th Saab I have owned and I have never had a bad one yet. Do they have some weird features? You bet but do those weird features make sense. Yep. I just drove the 08 9-3 476 miles yesterday in 100 degree heat with the Cruise set at 78 mph and the car averaged over 32 mpg. Tight, plenty of power, fun to drive. I just do not get why auto writers never give Saab the time of day. Saab is roaring back with the new ownership and they have some super cars forthcoming. If you are thinking of purchasing a near luxury car you owe it yourself to test drive a Saab vehicle. Very reliable and safe autos.

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  Entry-level luxury, real sport & utility - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Aerocraft67 - January 30 - 1:40 am

  I upgraded from a Chevy Cavalier, so I am very happy with this vehicle. Imperfections are legitimate trade-offs. It feels large for the engine size. From a stop, the transmission and turbo feel confused unless you throttle very gently or heavily. Acceleration improves at high speeds (passing), and overall high-speed performance is excellent. This is a great highway car, but less nimble in dense traffic and tight spots. Otherwise handles well and feels safe, especially with stability control. The seats are very comfortable, and the controls are nice. Storage areas are inefficient. Underappreciated feature: towing capacity. Excellent value. Refined, safe, comfortable, practical, and economical

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  People still turn their heads... - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By RP - January 26 - 8:53 pm

  I am enjoying my 9-7x even though the prices at the pump make me question my decision sometimes. People are constantly looking to see what I am driving and honestly I like that. The styling is unique and the V8 is fun too. I havent had any problems to date and the SUV has been a pleasure to drive. I only wish that the 2005 model had the fuel economy of the newer V8s with displacement on demand (or whatever GM calls it).

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  I LOVE MY 96 SAAB 900 SE TURBO - 1996 Saab 900
  By Sean P. Hilgendorf - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I PURCHASED MY FIRST SAAB IN 1990, A 1984 900 SE, AND I HAVE NEVER REGRETTED THE SAAB CHOICE. THE REPAIR COSTS ARE INFLATED, BUT THE STYLE AND FUN TO DRIVE FACTORS ARE UNMATCHED. MY CURRENT 96 SAAB 900 SE TURBO HAS GREAT POWER, A COMFORTABLE CABIN, AND GREAT OPTIONS. DONT UNDERESTIMATE THE IMPROTANCE OF THE HEATED SEATS AND THE AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROLL OPTIONS. FOR THE MONEY NO OTHER CAR ON THE ROAD HAS THE UNIQUE STYLE AND CURB APPEAL AS THE LATER MODEL SAABS. I FEAR THAT GM WILL DESTROY THE SAAB MYSTIQUE BUT FIND COMFORT IN THE KNOWLEDGE THAT OLDER SAABS WILL BE GRACING THE ROADWAYS FOR MANY YEARS TO COME.

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  First time Saab owner - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By theaba - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Test-drove and eventually leased this car because of GM financing and its standard safety features. The car is a blast to drive. It is a great value if you stay at the base level. It is relatively light weight. So, it really handles very well and the acceleration is quite adequate. The interior is very well done with leather seats. The five speed auto trans is very smooth and responsive. The car looks beautiful to me! After 900 miles, a warning appeared about auto transmission. It was a false alarm probably caused by a bad sensor signal. The second and current problem is related to the malfunctioning of OnStar.