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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  What a bargain - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By ws - November 19 - 2:20 pm

  You cannot find a better combination of price, features and performance. No appreciable turbo lag, responsive handling good visibility and comfortable seats. Workmanship and quality of materials are good; dont know what Edmunds was describing - maybe we got lucky. We are getting over 25 mpg in mixed driving. We could not be happier with this car.

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  Stealth Wagon - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Rob Lichtefeld - November 19 - 10:00 am

  I had previously owned a 9000 Aero and really wanted a large hatchback when I replaced it. However, no one is manufacturing one now. So, I looked at Audi, BMW, MB, and Saab wagons. Finding a wagon with a stick is very difficult here in the US. Both my wife and I prefer manual transmissions. The Saab Aero wagon is the most fun to drive of all of the wagons in this category. Most of the time, I never notice that I am driving a wagon. Other than the rear visibility is better than on sedans.

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  Entertaining Platformed Vehicle - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By ghack - November 12 - 11:23 am

  Considerable sportier handling than its other shared platform vehicles. Any issues that have occurred, dealership has the utmost professionalism in correcting the problem with few questions asked

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  Dont buy one! - 1996 Saab 900
  By tillerysl - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Just wanted to put this out there for anyone thinking of getting a 96 900S. Ive had SO many problems with mine. I bought it used less than 2 years ago, with about 96k miles. Since then, I have poured money into keeping it running. This car averages breaking about every month, more recently every 2 weeks. There are so many mysterious warning lights that illuminate all the time. My first car was an 85 900 Turbo, and I didnt have half the problems I had with the 96. They were obviously MUCH better made before the GM buyout. Buyer BEWARE!!

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  Been great - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By dkp - November 10 - 4:56 am

  Today I hit 120,000 on my Saab. My repairs have totaled less than $1000; brakes, temp gauge sensor, mass airflow sensor. Love: acceleration, fuel economy, handling in snow/ice, cargo room. Dislike: rear passenger room, cupholders, pedal placement (too close together for my clodhoppers). Also dislike having to move the front seats up to fold the rear seats flat.

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  Nice! - 1996 Saab 900
  By grudolf - November 6 - 2:00 am

  This car handles wonderfully. We purcased the non-turbo 900s to hopefully provide increased reliability. So far have been very pleased. The car has a few annoying rattles coming from the dash but that is the only complaint as far as build quality. Love the fact that it is a safe car, with excellent hauling capabilities. The car is stable and quiet at 85 mph, but the ride is a bit rough at around-town speeds. Overall we are extremely pleased with this cars blend of fun, comfort, and practicality.

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  Third Saab is a Charm - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Colonel - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Car is a beautiful cosmic blue 5 speed Aero wagon. Had to wait three months to take delivery, but has been worth the wait. Although not as tight a thoroughbred as my 1988 SPG or 1989 SPG it still is a excellant family performance vehicle. Car accelerates effortlessly without turbo lag. Car easily hits rev limiter if not carful and can hit 70 mph is second gear. Still have not approached 5 gear rev limit of car. Suspension is softer than Im used to, but it does make for a very enjoyable touring vehicle. Acceleration from 30 to 100 mph can be dangerous due to the amount of torque available from this light vehicle.

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  saab builds good cars - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By trollhatten - November 6 - 2:00 am

  This is the 4th Saab I have owned. Unlike most American and imported cars, built for somebody who is tall. Excellent performance, impeccable reliability, easy to park, good fuel mileage. What more do you want?

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  Sixth and best Saab - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By Len Avant - November 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car to drive. Very intuitive on the highway and 21 MPG around town for 185 horses is better than the 92 900S 140 horse non-turbo it replaced. Very torquey and if you punch it in first or second gear the torque will jerk the steering wheel. Not uncontrollably but not exactly a smooth delivery either. Seats are well positioned and supportive.

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  Sticking By It! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Rhonda - November 5 - 10:00 am

  OK, so the driver door of my Aero Sedan may have a prickly little habit of coming loose and nearly falling off unless I tighten the bolts every few weeks, but Im chalking it up to charm. Really. Ive owned Acuras up until buying this Saab, and sure those will get you where you want to go, but they just dont have the same kick and flair of this car. I truly love driving it and that counts for something in the trend of mundane cars and dull driving experiences.