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:

• 

  9-3 2.0t sport sedan - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By ralph - January 23 - 11:46 am

  I found the Saab 2.0t sport sedan to be the perfect fit for my needs. I looked at the VW GTI, Passat and Audit A4. The GTI handles like a sports car, but I needed something a bit more mature. The Passat felt like a Buick, not bad, but not what I wanted. I have a lot of respect for the Audi A4, but did not feel it warranted spending another $6K. The Saab 9-3 was perfect! The 2.0 turbo is powerful, responsive and fuel efficient ( 32mpg average). The six speed manual has well spaced gears, and the clutch is very smooth. Overall interior / exterior quality and fit and finish are excellent for the price.

• 

  Run From Saab - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Rotz - January 18 - 12:46 pm

  Here is my SaabStory... I bought his car because my sister had a 1985 900 for 10 years which was bullet proof. Against everyones suggestion, I bought this 9-3 because; 1. It is not BMW 2. Great styling 3. Good performance 4. Good value. Right, Right, Wrong, Wrong. So I am batting 50%. This car has been a nightmare. I bought it with 30K on it. Since then, it has cost me $200 per month in maintenance. Saab and their dealers have been responsive, but only with the phrase "No". Whats gone wrong? Air bag sensors, Electronic Discharge Unit (car doesnt run w/o it), head gasket and turbo and transmission is slipping. There have been a few others. This car looked to be in perfect condition.

• 

  1st time Saab owner - 1996 Saab 900
  By Gene - January 16 - 1:18 pm

  Ive had the car for about a year. I love the turbo performance and tight handling. I had to replace a tonneau cover motor which was really a surprisingly easy to do.

• 

  Gorgeous but unreliable - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By MrStrutt - January 14 - 9:40 am

  I chose the 9-3 convertible from 2006 based on the fact that it was *more* reliable than the 2004 and 2005 models (according to Consumer Reports). However, after barely two months driving it, I have had to take it twice to the dealership -- recent failures include the alternator and the clutch. I know that Saabs werent the most reliable cars out there, but Im still surprised! The beauty is the 50,000-mile warranty which turns into 1) free repairs and 2) free loaners. In the end it only costs me trips to the dealership, plus a few parts here and there. A small price to pay to drive such a beauty!

• 

  Saab 9-5 - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Mike B - January 12 - 10:00 am

  We have what would be termed the 9-5S. However it has all the extras on the SE except the V6 engine. Talked to the Saab mechanics at the dealership before I purchased. They recommended the 2.3 4 cyl engine. Its true Saab engine and more reliable. We have been very pleased in all respects. Did have a board in the computer go bad which left it dead until replaced, On Star worked great to get help.

• 

  Skys Experience - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By skymason - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Great Car in every way.

• 

  Saab 9-3 SE - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Terry Williams - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive already clocked over 6000 miles but it hardly feels like Ive done a thousand. I have had so much fun driving this car, more than any other Ive owned. For Quality,Comfort, performance, Value for money and individuality, there isnt a car that Ive seen or driven lately that can beat it...Love IT, best thing I have ever bought.

• 

  The 9-3 SE is near perfect - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By bpesh - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this new, chose this over the 325 and A4, and never regretted the decision... 205 hp and a functional 5- door. My only complaint is that the interior plastics are GM-cheap and Im concerned the leather may not hold up as well as it did on as my Audi. Ive recently upsized the tires to 215s T/As and wow! the grip. Reliable and fun. And the best dealership experience this side of Lexus.

• 

  Great car for the money! - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Michelle - January 5 - 11:26 am

  All around great car. Gas mileage is higher than expected. I average 26/35 with very good passing power. This is the first Saab I have driven and it impressed me so much that I bought it on the spot.

• 

  Not worth buying, even used - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By tdskip - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Saab has ready gone down hill, you can tell they weve been stretched too thin in trying to keep up with their peers. My 9-3 has the structural integrity of cooked linguine is is fragile. If you ask Saab theyll admit that this model needs lots of maintenance and isnt very robust (tend to bends the front hubs). Roomy and the hatchback is flexible, but not as much as youd think since the rear seats wont fold flat unless the front seats are all the way forward.