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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  Saab 9-2X Fun! - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Alisa - December 24 - 12:30 pm

  I love my Saab 9-2x so much that I have actually tried to convince others to buy it, too! The car has handled well in every situation Ive tried it in, Im hoping it will remain just as good in the snow this winter. It is sporty, yet still a "luxury" car if that makes any sense at all. I wasnt looking for any frills, just a good, solid car. I did, however, end up getting the cold weather package so I have heated windshield wipers and outer mirrors... I cant wait til it is cold enough to use them! This car was in HIGH demand when I bought it this summer, so Ill live with the upgrade. :) I have never owned a Saab before... after owning this car I would gladly go back!

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  Back to Saab - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Black Aero - December 24 - 3:53 am

  After owning 5 Saabs, GM ownership was the end of the line. We went to Audi with a TT and A4 Avant. After 10 years of frustration with Audi products I figured what do I have to lose. Big surprise this is the best Saab I have ever owned. I thought my 92 9000 Aero was a great car and this is better. I have not had it long enough to rate the reliability but when you take price into consideration this has become the favorite of a 5 car family.

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  This car rocks - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Susan Johnson - December 21 - 10:00 am

  We test drove everything and without a doubt the Saab Arc was the most fun to drive.

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  Great car!!! - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By dave - December 19 - 8:20 pm

  My 02 Aero has 95k miles and still drives and looks like new! Saabs do require some extra care in terms of maintenance and do have some glitches, but no serious defects. The car is a blast to drive, handles great, has great steering and all that power and pickup, even at highway speeds!!! Still get great gas mileage. Smooth and quiet ride like no other car with similar performance. The interior is as good and even better than most luxury brands, it has the best seats Ive ever sat in! It is also one of the few cars remaining that has a distinctive look.

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  A Swedish Study In Contrasts - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By G Anderson - December 19 - 2:43 am

  This is my first Saab, which I picked up after many years behind the wheel of various SUVs and a 4x4 truck. Ive raced cars in the past, so it has always seemed incongruous that I was an SUV driver. Ive finally made the jump to a luxury sport sedan, and I could not be happier with the 9-5 Aero. The 9-5 exemplifies the Swedish design philosophy of refined understatement coupled with performance. Excellent road manners with enough stiffness in the ride to remind you that the car is made to handle and perform. The 2.3 ltr Turbo provides an excellent balance of torquey performance and fuel economy, while at the same time making you forget that theres a little 4 banger under the hood.

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  02 9-5 Arc Sedan -- great car & value! - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By redirector - December 14 - 11:13 am

  Shopping Volvos at Auto Show, came across Saab, sat in drivers seat and was smitten. Visited dealer, drove 2001 Aero, was thunderstruck. Soon, 02 Arc arrived, w/ 5sp Auto, upgraded suspension, was hooked. Saab had 02 Preview Promo with dealer cash, good price on trade, took the plunge. After 1500 miles, I love this car, excellent dealer service. Drives great. Handling composed; quiet at speed, 26MPG freeway, and goes from 50 to 100mph in a snap! Safe, incl. 3yrs maint. Worry-free.

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  SPAAB 9-5 Sport-Combi - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By BeefaBoy - December 2 - 5:50 am

  We call this thing the Spaab, its like being at a day spa. Ive been interested in Saabs since the early 80s when I was stationed in Germany, always loved their quirky styling. This is my first and its an incredibly comfortable and capable vehicle. Fantastic acceleration and handling. Very roomy and well designed interior. Theres a bit of acceleration steer when you really jump on it, but this car inspires you to just take it easy and enjoy the ride so not much of that anyway. I have however had it up over 110 MPH and you would never know unless you gazed at the speedometer. I have thought about getting rid of all my other cars and getting another Saab, maybe the 9-3 convertible!

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  Underrated - 2008 Saab 9-5
  By Artic White - November 29 - 4:13 am

  Had the car for 2 months now. Live in a snowy area, and theres just something about solid driving in snow while rear-wheel drive BMWs are sliding all around you. To me, theres something about a saab where it can be a drivers car and a passengers car at the same time. I think thats a unique quality. A blast to drive, but doesnt make my passengers get headaches like in cars with really stiff suspensions.

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  A well-rounded car - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By Steve - November 27 - 7:06 am

  The 2009 9-3 performs well in every category. Excellent handing meaning just the right feedback from steering and feel of the road. The steering wheel is thick with thumb support that adds to the sense of control. A sense of control of the car in every situation - even in snow storms and driving rain. Comfortable seats that are appreciated more on longer driving trips. Easy to reach and understand dashboard - nothing too fancy like most higher end cars. Good views of the road. A safety record unmatched by most cars - check out the insurance loss chart on the IIHS site - Saab is either the safest or the top two or three safest cars on the road. Why? Re-read my comments.

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  11 Months and still loving my 9-3 Linear - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By BrianCA - November 17 - 1:10 am

  Ive had my Linear with the Cold Weather and Touring Packages for 11 months. I love it. The ride is great, it handles like its on rails, and the car turns heads. The auto climate control works very well, and the heated seats are great. I love the auto stick shift. A real thrill to drive. The major problem with this car is the sound system. The base system is simply terrible. I upgraded to the premium system (13 speakers, 350 watts), and it is simply awesome. Saab shouldnt waste time on that terrible base system. Ive had no problems so far, and love this car as much today as the moment I drove it off the lot.