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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  02 Aero wagon is top notch - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By dcaero - March 22 - 10:00 am

  This is an overall great car. After a BMW 5-series wagon -- much costlier -- and this is a worthy contender. Dont pass up the 9-5 -- it remains a very competitive platform.

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  Review after one-year of ownership - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Ryan - March 21 - 7:20 pm

  I am an aggressive city driver (Washington, DC). Overall, an amazing improvement from my 1999 9-3 SE, which was a disaster. The only reason I bought another Saab is because I was deployed with the army for all of 2008 and returned to my hometown (Detroit area) to a completely depressed economy. Bought this car at 12,000 miles in MINT condition for $16,000 out the door. A year later at 25,000 miles, it has not let me down. 100K / 6 years from inception bumper-to-bumper. Failures thus far have been minor. No warranty claims yet, but will drop off soon for a center console arm rest that slides too freely. My #1 gripe is the sub-par sound system and iPod input jack.

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  Rip roarin fun - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Mike - March 21 - 4:43 am

  Its great to see peoples startled expression when theyre in the passenger seat and you step on it! I did the all aluminum exhaust upgrade (lifetime warranty and 8 more bhp). Mileage has been a pleasant surprise, but hey, its a 4 cyl after all. Big car comfort, small car fun and all Ive done after 66 months was replace the battery, finally. I had never owned a Saab before, and relatively speaking I think they are somewhat pricey as new, but they prove to be worth it!

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  More for Less? - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By B.M.F. - March 20 - 10:00 am

  The 03 Aero has proven to be a wonderful car. Its nimble, powerful, comfortable & quiet. The new steering wheel shifting is a nice touch, & the new 5-spd auto always keeps the car in the boost. The Bi- Xenon headlamps are better than all of the Japanese Xenons (better than the Acuras and Lexus GS in particular), & most of the Germans(Mercedes and Audi & BMW)that still use a halogen high beam (Come on guys step up to the plate, youre being left behind!). A world class sedan for not a lot of dough!

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  stealth-mobile - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By nick lawrence - March 13 - 2:00 am

  I actually started out getting a volvo but ended with my saab 9-5--a very safe, very quick, and very high quality and thoughtfully designed car that I anticipate will remain functional and satisfying for years to come. Its a comfy riding luxury car without being a ponderous barge or calling undue attention to oneself as with a BMW or Mercedes. sort of a stealth premium ride.

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  Good value and great looks - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By JDR - March 8 - 6:20 am

  Love this car and its unique look. Best of all are the leather seats! Every single person that sits in this car says he never felt so comfortable. Long rides are a pleasure in this car. The road feel and handling is great. Highway gas mileage is more than acceptable!

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  Excellent Saab! - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Dennis - February 24 - 12:56 pm

  I have had my Saab 9-2X for four monthsnow and it has 6,000 miles. I haventhad a single problem with it and enjoy driving it more every day. Mine is the non-turbocharged Linear but I find there is plenty of power. It is an automatic with the upgraded interior - leather,heated seats, great sound system. Sure its a Subaru underneath but that will only maximize its longevity and Saab did a great job with the exterior and interior design. I highly recommend this car!

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  Great car to drive and own - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Love Saab - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Car has almost 52,000 miles. Bought it when it had 15,000 miles. Rental company had used it first. No major problems. Good lumbar support, heated seats. I can leave everyone else at the light. Got 35 mph on cruise control. Handles well. Fun to drive.

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  Saab AERO price point is tops - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By jimmy22 - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven this car for the summer ow and am still in "like". I couldnt affortd the BMW 5 wagon and the 3 series was too small and cost the same. I truly have to agree that this car much like the Audi A6 is more a high way car rather than a stop light to stop light stormer, but thats where I drive most. If I was living in a major urban center Id take a taxi .

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  Saab makes great cars - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By baco99 - February 19 - 11:23 am

  Our 2003 Saab 9-5 Arc wagon is a superb car to own and drive. Yes, there are a few Saab quirks to get over, but the pleasure of driving it far outweighs any minor nuisances. Ours is equipped with the Sentronic automatic transmission and performs very well. In "Sport" mode the transmission responds very quickly, especially out of 1st gear and is like IRLs "push to pass" button. The interior is quiet and comfortable. The wagon has great cargo room and our 2 dogs love it back there. With a baby on the way, its a very sensible and responsible purchase, with much better gas mileage than our neighbors SUVs. This is our 4th Saab, and well be back to the well again in a few years.