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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  Great Car and Value - 2007 Saab 9-5
  By msimpson - June 27 - 3:56 am

  I went from a large SUV to the 2007 9-5 Aero Sport Wagon roughly four weeks ago. Great decision on my part. I thoroughly checked out all the so-called competition and I felt the Saab wagon 9-5 won hands down. The lower cost vehicles just didnt compare and the higher cost vehicles didnt have anywhere near enough added value in order to justify the substantial extra cost. One might say that all wheel drive is a must, but I find the front wheel drive is just fine and you benefit from added gas mileage as well. Im extremely pleased with the car overall. I dont live at the gas station anymore. Comfort is great and it handles like a sports car. The cargo area is bigger than anything in its class.

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  first time saab owner - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By new2saab - June 27 - 2:00 am

  WOW-I drove every competitor and was amazed at the SAAB.

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  BEST ALL AROUND CONVERTIBLE - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By JOHNG.. - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I LOOKED AT EVERY CONVERTIBLE ON THE MARKET. THIS WAS FAR AND AWAY THE MOST WELL-ROUNDED CAR OUT THERE. PERFORMANCE BACK SEAT ROOM, TRUNK ROOM, LOOKS, PRICE.... IT HAS IT ALL...

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  Outstanding Car!!! - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By SaabGuy - June 19 - 10:00 am

  This car is a dream to drive. Ive driven the I35, G35, 330, and the A4, and the 9-5 Aero blows them all away. The ride is smooth, yet the power is there when you need it! Id recommend everyone test drive one if youre considering a sport/luxury car.

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  Efficient - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Geremy - June 16 - 8:43 am

  I have had the car 6 months now and I am very pleased. I came out of a BMW so I have high standards. This car is perfect execution of efficent Swedish design. There is nothing fake about this car, it is pure form and function. The minimalist interior is actually a breath of fresh air for me, especially when every other car is clamoring to confort you like your living room. Buyers need to keep in mind that the Swedes are not trying to sell image, luxury, or top performance. This car is constantly compared to BMWs, Audis, and Mercedes, but I think the car is more comparable to a Camry or an Accord. I bought mine for the same price as a Camry. No problems to date.

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  Didnt settle for less - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By BILL .P - June 15 - 7:13 am

  Having gotten my fill of Mercedes (c and e class) I decided to try something different. Looked at the BMW and Audi and then test drove the Aero. Boy am I glad I did. I got the six speed, wow this car can move! And not only in a straight line either. It corners great, steering is very responsive, great visibility, great brakes and the lower front end makes you feel like your part of the road. The reputation this car has for safety was the deciding factor for me. A car that can make me grin like this and have such a great safety record is just what the doctor ordered. By all means if your looking for a sports sedan thatÂ’s fun to drive test drive the Aero, you wont regret it.

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  First time Saab man - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By apb - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Good, solid road car. Good handling and stability in all road conditions. 5 speed is fun to drive, but the turbo makes the whole car, it gets you to 80 in no time at all. Best interior feature is the cargo space. You would not believe how much stuff you can put into this hatchback!

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  Sold on SAAB! - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Bill - June 8 - 10:03 pm

  I have had the SAAB 93 Linear with manual transmission for about six months and I love it. The pick-up is great! The ride is so smooth that crusing at 85-95 is like driving 55. I have to remember to check the speedometer or it would easily break 100. Considered buying a comparable Volvo, but the handling on the SAAB to the Volvo was so dramatic that Volvo was eliminated on the first test drive.

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  Outstanding Vehicle - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By wfoote - June 6 - 2:00 am

  The 2002 model has a much better tuned suspension and is a pleasure to drive in all conditions. The gear shift is much improved over previous years. The HK stereo is also outstanding. We got the wood steering wheel and gear shift added and they look great.

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  Best car I ever owned - 1996 Saab 900
  By danb - June 3 - 3:10 am

  I bought my car new it was a demo model with 3490miles on it. As of 4/17/08 I have 148,000 on this car. The car has been garage kept and only driven from April to Early October. I get approx 24mpg city and as high of 31mpg highway. The best advice i can give people to maintian this car is oil changes every 3000miles, trans fluid chages every 7500.( The trans was not one of their best) I change plugs every year. Recently I have had to change the transmission module. ( Sent it out for rebuild $120 and reinstalled.