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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  The Real Deal - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By educated consumer - January 13 - 10:00 am

  After thorough research, I have concluded this car to be best in class based on price, safety, driveability and engineering. Compaired to Audi, Volvo, BMW, Infinity and Lexus, the 9-3 from the ground up is engineered as a serious drivers car. When you are able to walk out of the dealership paying only $30,000 for a loaded linear there is no comparison. Show me another car with 10 air bags, and this level of safety features on this price point. If you thrive on overpaying for a statis mobile, be my guest. If you are an educated consumer, go for the Saab.

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  9-3 Arc - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By fyc - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This car is so much fun to drive. I look forward to merging on to highways because the power band is exactly where it should be. That range between 20-80 is exhilirating. The steering on the car is impeccable. It cuts through turns at high speeds with ease. The interior appointments are rich and comfortable. The gadgets are cool. Bottom line is that youll have your friends drooling and asking you where you got it and how much you got it for. Its a really unique car in its class. Why be like everyone else?

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  What more could you want? - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Johnny G. - January 13 - 5:30 am

  This car is tough to beat. It is so fun to drive, even with the automatic. The torque just keeps coming, even when doing 70mph or more! Add to this the fact that it has more room, is more practical, and safer than almost anything out there in the price range. I cant say enough great things about this car.

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  Very pleased at this point - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Always wanted one - January 11 - 5:13 am

  I got a leftover 05 Arc with auto, heated seats and s-roof. So far is the car of my dreams. Plenty of power, comfort and quiet on the road. Wonderful hwy driver. On interstate trip of 213 mi. at 70 to 80+ mph I got 34+ mpg. Mixed is 25/26 and mostly town and short trips is 22/24.

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  luvsaabin - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By tahcan - December 31 - 2:00 am

  this wagon rocks!! i needed a vehicle which can carry my tools everywhere i go but i did not want to drive a truck anymore. this car gets me every where i want to go, great space, easy for the dogs etc. major happy with the performance and gas mileage.

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  First time Saab Owner. Amazing Car! - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Yuryi - December 29 - 5:16 pm

  This is my first Saab ever. Enjoyed every minute of it. Does everything you want it to do but with 30-35 mpg. I am sad to have sold it. It sold the next day after putting it in the paper. I will definitely be looking to buy another one

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  9-3 Arc 5-speed manual - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By csample - December 26 - 10:00 am

  The manual transmission with the high boost turbo gives you plenty of power at usuable rpm ranges with very little turbo lag. Ive driven several of the Japanese and German competitors (A4, BMW, TSX, etc.). While the handling characteristics dont quite match the german sports sedans, they are still very good and result in a fun car to drive. This car will never be as common as those vehicles either. The interior is quite plush, with all of the expected amenities in this price range. Overall, I love the car.

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  I live in Buffalo and my saab is great! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Susan G - December 26 - 10:00 am

  With gas prices going up I appreciate the choice I made going with a saab convertible even more. The car is solid, fast and performs great, with snow tires, in the snow. The car is reliable and the gray exterior with tan interior is a killer combination. The sports package is a must. Never got more looks or compliments on any car before.

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  Great buy for the money - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By DED - December 25 - 2:06 am

  My first Saab. All the bells and whistles of a luxury car and then some-- for many, many $1000s less than the Euro or Japanese luxury cars. Great ride with plenty of power. This unique 4 cylinder gives great gas mileage (34 MPG at 65-70 mph) and has the power to move out at interstate passing speeds. Dont have to pay top dollars for a great car. Styling is classy and you dont see many Saab 9-5s on the road. A great car which I highly recommend.

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  One Sweet Swede - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By NineFiveAero - December 24 - 4:43 pm

  You would have to be pretty hard pressed to find a better sport sedan for what these cars bring used. Saab has tuned the Aero with usable power. Tons of torque and very responsive. Goes to show you that you dont need a big, heavy, gas guzzling V8 to have power. These cars are true "sleepers". A timeless design and high quality interior materials, especially the beautifully sculpted sport seats wrapped in high quality leather. The performance, equipment, and styling are impossible to beat at this price point, plus, Saabs are still relatively exclusive. It will definitely stand out in the packs of 5-series BMWs. These cars deserve much more credit than they get.