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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  Nothing else is even close - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By senko555 - January 30 - 1:33 am

  I am a used car dealer and like cars a lot but cannot compare anything else with my Saab. Bought used one with 60k and now at 120k cost of my repairs are $0. When driving cars like accords or Camry from auctions I just cannot understand way people like them so much. Will never own any other brand for sure. I am sorry to hear that other people have some problems. Just change oil every 8k and transmission oil at 90k with coils and be happy that own one of best cars around. There is no timing belt to worry about either (timing chain) good for life time of vehicle. Still original battery after 7 years and 120k. Last year one Saab was retired because of over 1,000,000 miles. I hope this will be helpful.

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  03 9-3, 4th Saab in 20 yrs - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By rgc2200 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Best built, handling Saab ever. How was torque steer and turbo lag finally eliminated? Very cool looking in 16"launch/touring + 5 speed manual. Not a rocket, but plenty fast, and will keep you out of trouble. Larger then expected inside, head room galore (im 64") and with ease of seat fold down/ski pass through, dont miss the hatch back. Unsure why they arent selling! Waiting for 2nd key, onstar installation and fixing one minor defect (source button on steering wheel upside down). after 3 weeks, I love the car and value, and unique look. I happily pass scores of A-4s and 3 series bmws each morning!

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  Im in love - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By odie6789 - January 27 - 2:26 am

  Bought my first Saab, and I cant believe what I was missing! This machine just cruises. I keep jackets in the trunk so I can keep the top down, even when it gets cool out. After about 3 weeks though, I brought it back to the dealer and had him reprogram the computer to defeat the daytime running lights (betcha didnt know they could do that, huh?). Now, off means off and on means on when the vehicle is on. I was even brave enough to put a Bubba cup in the dash cup holder. One gripe, I am having issues with the car reporting bulb failures that arent there. Multiple trips to the dealer has not fixed this problem yet.

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  The road less traveled - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By ChrisN - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I always admired Saabs for their unique appearance. You dont see too many of them on the road so they always stood out and caught my eye. After several test drives and reading lots of reviews, I finally bit the bullet and drove out of the dealer with a 2002 9-3 SE last January. Ive had the car just over a year now and have never regretted my decision, I love this car.

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  Sporty Fun - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By TL09 - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle. Very fun to drive. Handles extremely well.

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  premium-class SAAB!!! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By CBK - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Best handling car Ive ever driven, beats its German competitors. A true premium entry level luxury sedan.

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  Rattle here, buzz there, but... - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By jgoebel - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent car; bigger than the allroad and less expensive, and less better performing than the Volvo XC. My only problems have been rattles and buzzes from the stickshift and door. Both where taken car of by the dealer. On a whole, its great.

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  Give it its due - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By scalpel1000 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  The Saab 9-5 Linear wagon is the best car that I have owned. Its performance in and around the city along with its entrance ramp power make it fun to drive. The 185hp is not excessive and provides a good medium between ultimate performance and gas consumption. Buying this car has made me a Saab fan and I would purchase one again.

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  Saab 95 Aero Wagon - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Ownerh - January 13 - 10:00 am

  We have been so impressed with our ownership of this first Saab that we bought a used Saab for our sons first car. The dealerships customer care and service has truely been outstanding. I have owned several vehicles through the years and the most I have ordered I can only state so far this has been the best.

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  Swedish surprise - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Fritz 2 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Everything from purchasing to driving has been a unexpected surprise! The dealer, Just Saab, would be rated a 12 on a 10 scale, pleasant, knowlegeable, and the building is squeeky clean! And the car, what a thrill to own! Fit and finish is execellent, creature comforts are many, performance is great. The Saab 9-3 SE gives a lot of bang for the bucks! I would definately suggest this execellent auto to any one looking for a fun and beautifully built vehicle. Keep up the good work!