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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  New to Saab - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By Ken - September 27 - 1:20 am

  Awesome. Drive this against Audi, BMW, Lexus etc. If its for you, there will be no comparison. Once I drove it, had to have it. Never thought I would even look at Saab.

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  Its a nice car. - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By New 93 Owner - September 25 - 2:00 am

  It’s a nice little car. SAAB offers real nice deals. Many reviewers who talk bad about this car have not researched much. GM may have financially helped SAAB, but it is not the GM that designs and builds the car. It’s SAAB. Lexus are much better cars? Lexus are excellent boring cars that do not have personality. ES300? Isn’t it Camry? Do they know how much ES300 is sold for in Japan? It’s mid-sized family and nowhere near luxury. I agree this SAAB is not luxury, but at least it is quick and fun. The ReAxs system works pretty good on corners. Well, test-drive it. It is not that bad.

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  Marvellous Saab - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Murf - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Saab has delivered a serious competitor to BMWs and Audis at an EXTREMELY competitive price - the 93 sports sedan is fast, safe, and packed with standard features that would cost $000s in similar European cars. Handling, agility and stylish looks are major pull factors. I test drove every car in its class and then some and for the money, there is no question that this is the leader of the pack.

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  Take a drive! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By TheLittlestElf71 - September 25 - 2:00 am

  The car is amazing. I bought it last year and it runs perfectly. Comfortable, reliable, and for those of you who would never consider a Saab in the past, you may want to start looking :).

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  Underrated and Unappreciated - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By jonathan7482 - September 23 - 12:00 pm

  A great all around car, so fun to drive. It seems like you dont even have to think to drive this car. It is humane and a breeze in the city, and can really rip it up on the open road. If it disappears, the 9-3 will go down forever as an underrated, unappreciated, and underpriced car.

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  Saab 93 2-9 months out of the lot - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By tofutel - September 13 - 12:46 pm

  After 2 months, the shift knob gets sticky. Sticky shifting gets worst when in cold weather but very smooth when outside temperature is warm or when car gets a good 5 minute warm up. This is still a fairly new car! Ive had this car for 9 months now. Since then, I had brought the car back for service repair on the electronics on the window, the static on the speakers, sticky moonroof, and a flat tire. Other than that, car drives very good. there is power when you need it.

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  What DOESNT it do well?? - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By Horseman13 - September 11 - 5:26 am

  WOW, my first adventure into Saabdom. I had wanted one since 1983, but for whatever reason I allowed others to make me think the car wasnt "practical". What a moron I was. Lots of room, lots of trunk, lots of performance, great music(Harmon Cardon), Lots of MPG, LOTS OF FUN!!! I am convinced, however that taking your Saab to a dealership is your ticket to expensive operation and unreliablility. I now have three Saabs and ONLY either do any work myself or take it to a local independant mechanic I trust.

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  Keeps on ticking!. - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By double75 - September 11 - 3:00 am

  I have a 2005 Saab 92x Linear Automatic. I bought it way back when they had the GM employee discount for everybody. So I bought it instead of the Subaru Impreza.the mileage is over 266,000 miles and she keeps on ticking. I makes sure she is dealer tuned every year and I change the oil every 5,000 miles. Ive had the rear struts changed. Right as I type this i have her in the shop. I busted three Lug Studs on the left driver rear hub while driving. While i was checking the proper torque on the other lugs, I busted another stud on the front left hub. The dealer busted two studs about two months ago on the back right rear tire during service. The car has been good to me and my family.

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  Punk EATER - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By My 2nd 9-5 - September 10 - 6:06 pm

  This is my 2nd 9-5, decided to go for the power and get an Aero-GLAD I did. Ive been driving a 99 9-5 for the past 6 years for business & the 2 vehicles are as opposite as it gets, I cant stand getting behind the wheel of my 99 any more. Theres no comparison-PLUSH seats, quieter ride, better looks, and Ohhhhh that pavement hungry engine! I cant begin to count the number of friends who own all those overpriced German cars who take a ride in mine get out saying, "WOW!" Need I say more? The athletic handling and passing ability this car has is unreal. I keep my driving status quo but on occassion I have to show obnoxious drivers whos boss. BMW & VW punks look dazed at the stoplight!

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  The Love Affair Continues! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Michael B. - September 10 - 11:16 am

  I sold Saab in the early to mid 90s and that is when I developed a love for these cars...all I had to do was drive one. The love affair definitely continues with this car. From the quirky center console ignition (thanks for keeping it!) to the outstanding performance, to the polished sophisticated look of the hard boot... its all good. What a great car!