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:

• 

  Turbo 4 cyl, love it! - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Italianpony09 - April 21 - 12:40 pm

  Bought this car to replace my 90 F-150 as a daily driver. Good mpg considering the performance and size of the car. First day my serpentine belt slipped off, dealer had head gasket replaced from before I purchased it and missed that the crank seal was leaking oil too. Alarm batteries are going dead, pulled the fuse to prevent it from going off erratically. A few common problems for 9-5s, but to be expected for a 9 yr old car. Overall I am very pleased with the 9-5, cant wait to be able to purchase a new one. Hope that GM is able to sell Saab back to a Swedish company and not drop the brand altogether, I would be very sad. Its a pretty smart car for a 2001! Gotta love the swedes!

• 

  i love my car! - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By jardin107 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I love my saab! It has surprising oomph and handles so much more responsively than my 2 previous SUVs, I cannot imagine ever owning one again. The trunk is roomy, the sound system terrific, and my bottom doesnt stay frozen for long in the mornings! I am not a "car fanatic" but I must say, I have never been so pleased with an automobile in my life. Thank you Saab.

• 

  very nice. - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By DC51 - April 18 - 12:33 am

  Recently purchased the Linear 97x. Ive owned 5 SUVs since 1990 and this is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. The Saab looks great and after 1 month of ownership I have yet to see another one on the road. Handles like a european sedan and comes fully loaded ! XM, On-Star, premium leather, DVD, side impact air bags, all standard. Rides great, looks great and comes loaded. Look forward to next 100,000 miles.

• 

  Great!! - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By sjr - April 17 - 7:43 am

  I made this purchase after doing a good deal of research. The 2005 incentive pushed me toward the Saab over the BMW 325 and Acura TL I was looking at. It turned out to be a great choice regardless. This is one of the best drives I have ever had. I highly recommend the 5-speed manual if you can find one and dont mind stick shift. While the car is still new to me (3000 miles), I am very happy with it. The turbo really has some go! A smooth ride with great interior features including an input jack for any iPod fans. Highly recommended.

• 

  Great new Saab 9-3 - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By newsaab - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I traded my old 1997 900S Turbo for a 2003 9-3 last week and I am very happy with this car. I did my homework on this car and compared to a handful of other (Audi A4, BMW 320, Subura Legacy GT, Honda Accord). After driving them all and comparing value for money, the Saab 9-3 came in 1st place. The new 9-3 is a great car overall. Compared to my old Saab, they have improved the car in almost every way. I cant notice any turbo lag. My car has the upgraded sport tire package - looks great and really hugs the road. I love the fact that the 9-3 is unique out there in a sea of Acura, BMW and Audi vehicles.

• 

  Will blow you away - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Mike from NY - April 14 - 10:00 am

  All of my friends have owned Saabs in the past. Ive driven the old 9-3, the 02 9-5, the Audi A4 and the 330i. None of these cars can match the excitement of driving the 9-3 Vector. Sexy design, awesome handling, tremendous mileage and incredibly enhanced pickup and speed, this car is nothing but fun to drive. The car will blow anything else in its class out of the water. Good looks..awesome ride...head turner...its value far exceeds its price...you cant go wrong with the Vector. Truly amazing work by Saab.

• 

  Very Happy to have it - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Suvorov - April 8 - 10:00 am

  My first SAAB, definitely not the last. As I get the GM discount the options were the 93 and the Caddy CTS. The 93 is clearly the better choice. The drive from Columbus OH to northern Michigan was the most fun Ive ever had on a 6 hour drive. The 2 lane blacktops in MI are a blast with this car. I dont see any turbo lag and the 6 speed is the way to go. There is enough acceleration to push you back into your seat. The fit and finish are exceptional. Im hooked!

• 

  2006 Saab 9-3 - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By dcoggins - March 26 - 8:06 pm

  This is my third Saab and it is absolutely a wonderful driving experience. Coming from a former Indy race car fan, Im vividly reminded of the race... the engine sound & speed of the cars. It has that certain sound reminiscent of that great noise. It feels lots more powerful than my other 9-3s due to turn-on-a-dime cornering, hold on the road fast speed, the inside quiet, speakers (woofer in the trunk). I had to watch my speed with the prior car. Now I absolutely have to watch it. So fast so quickly!!! I love it the best of the other Saabs. My only wish is to have this performance placed inside a smaller but the remarkable Saab body style of the 80s. That was THE CAR!!!

• 

  Best Value in 5-door sport compact - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Suub - March 24 - 8:16 am

  This 5-door Saab/Suub/Saabaru (pick your poison) is a step up from the great Impreza WRX wagon. More precise and comfortable handling, better body design, increased noise reduction, and overall better good looks differentiate this vehicle greatly from the Subaru. Its price is a bit on the steep side, but its worth every penny. If the performance isnt quite up to snuff, you can always add aftermarket power toys to blow away the competition! I love this car, and Ive owned and test-driven several 5- doors. This is by far the best of the bunch! Too bad theyre practically sold out of the 05s. Buy an 06--you wont regret it!

• 

  golden beige - 1996 Saab 900
  By larrya812 - March 22 - 10:00 am

  No problems, nothing nada...still going strong., love Saabs just wish they had not done away with the hatchback. This is our second, and we have a 2002 thats great too.