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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  a huge step forward - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By soll - January 1 - 10:16 am

  I had a 2001 9-3 SE. everything wrong with that car (and there was a lot) has been fixed. Night and day. A rare example of Detroit actually improving on a European car. As a devoted Audi fan, I selected the 9-3 over the A4 Cabriolet and havent regretted it for a minute. Kudos to GM.

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  Saab 9-5 Aero - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By John C. - January 1 - 9:03 am

  Have had my 9-5 about 7 months. Although there have been a few things that needed attention, I love the car. It has a dual personality: practical family hauler (I have 3 kids and do the school drop-off in the mornings... backpacks, musical instruments, computers, sports equipment, it all goes in the trunk), gets close to 35 mpg on the highway, but at the same time is a highly entertaining performance sedan. Great seats, great stereo, but interior ergonomics are not great. I think its one of the best looking 4 door cars on the road. Try to find one that has some factory warranty left on it.

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  Good Vehicle for Price - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By AK Driver - January 1 - 4:03 am

  I purchased this vehicle for my wife to transport the kids around. It is very comfortable and roomy for a smaller SUV. The engine does very well for an I6, but fuel mileage could be better (I guess you can have one or the other more power less mileage or more mileage less power). Bought it used and a good investment so far. Had a slight alignment issue, once fixed have had no problems. One frustrating thing is it is very hard to get accessories for this vehicle. Overall good vehicle for the price.

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  What a gem of a car. - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Wallerich - December 30 - 5:26 pm

  Ive had over 14 Saabs in the past 20 years, but this Aero takes the cake. Put some Goodyear F1 tires on it, and theres no car on the road that can surpass the ride, cornering, and mileage for less money. No other car is more fun to put through its paces as the Aero. This car has been flawless and 100% reliable. Perhaps the stereo could be a touch better, but at 130mph, Im not focusing on the music. 2 yrs ago a guy blew a light at 65 mph and creamed me. I was going 40. I walked away. Thanks to GM for not screwing up a classic, and keeping the price reasonable. Yahoo.

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  Drive it... - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By new92xowner - December 28 - 10:00 am

  I read many reviews about the 9-2x prior to purchase. The best thing I can tell you is that if you are considering this against a Subaru-drive both and then decide. There is no comparison. Ride quality, sound levels, safety features are well worth the price. Is it a real Saab? My Nissan Xterra was made by a Japanese company with a French majority in Smyrna Tennessee. My inlaws PT cruiser was produced in Mexico by an American company owned by a German one. Automaking is a global enterprise. GM took a great car and made it better. Whats to complain about?

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  Best Car EVER!!! - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By Princess_With_A_Saab - December 27 - 9:53 pm

  This is my first car. My mom wanted me to have a Saab because thats all my whole family drives and I wanted something like a sports car because theyre cute...but now that I have my car I love it so much...I was in an accident with a Saab 2 years ago and if we werent in that car we probably wouldnt have made it its such a great car I love my Saab!!!

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  Great used car, no regrets - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Greg C - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this 2001 9-5 used and love it! I think this car is the best value out there for a used, low mileage car. Ive driven it 4500 miles with no problems.I like the fact that you dont see a lot of them on the road. (Have you noticed how many BMWs are on the road! Everybody and their brother has one!)I highly recommend buying buying a low mileage 2001 9-5. I think the 1999s have to many problems, that was the first year.

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  Nice Car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Don Bemmer - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car for the money. Much better car then either the Audi or BMW.

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  Used 2003 9-3 Convertible - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By disasterdawg - December 22 - 11:41 am

  Bought this car with 89,xxx miles on it, AUTOMATIC I knew it needed a few cosmetic items and tires, but was a value for $4400. Solid car that is fun to drive. The AC blows so cold I had to turn it down on a 90+ degree day. Items are simple to fix like the DIC and fluid for the covnertible top. Lots of parts on eBay and videos on YouTube to help. Is quick and responsive. The Sweeds know nothing of cup holders though. The car will throw trouble codes every day. Buy a scanner when you buy a Saab. Nothing to worry about, most are harmless warnings and can be fixed without huge money. The DIC (coil pack) is the common failure for most codes, new is $500

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  Better Than my Volvo - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By FormerVolvoGuy - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought this to be a cheap "around town" car and it has turned into a farovate! Fun to drive and very well built...I hope GM doesnt destroy Saab the way Ford has trashed Volvo. After 9 Volvos, Im a new Saab fan!