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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  Never Again - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Steve - September 9 - 6:13 am

  Bought this car brand new in 03. Decided on this instead of the BMW 330 Convertible because of price and the BMWs are everywhere. What a mistake! While fun to drive, it has been a maintenance nightmare compared to any other car Ive ever driven. Fuel pump failure (huh?) at 56K, CLUTCH at 70K, A/C compressor at 48K, wheel bearing at 80K, Ignitor Coil at 80K. Compare to my 86 325: original clutch at 150K; my 83 Tercel: original clutch at 150K. I work with a guy that has an 02 9-5 - same problems. No wonder the resale value of Saabs stinks. Stay away from Saab!

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  I Love my car - but - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Joe - September 8 - 12:46 pm

  I now have a 2004 Arc convertible. I love the car but I want it to behave. I traded a 2003 sedan on the conv. I have put 2 transmissions at 45,000 and 49,000 miles in both cars. If it werent for a great service department at the Saab dealer, I would be looking for another make of car. I hope the last tranny will be the last tranny I need.

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  tight control - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By binx - September 7 - 7:33 am

  This car is so responsive my husband wanted to kiss the tires. The pedals and manual shift are so tight the feeling of control is just unbelievable. Less body roll....wow! Spend your time driving!

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  Value Priced, Modest Design - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Jared - September 7 - 3:16 am

  Overall, I have been very happy with my 2006 Saab 9-3. Coming from a late model BMW, the differences were dramatic in ride, handling, computer interface and interior design. I have been more than satisfied in all areas. My primary concern with the car is the road noise inside of the cab, however; putting everything that could be a concern into perspective, road noise is really not a big deal.

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  Its a car - 2008 Saab 9-7X
  By vern in indy - September 3 - 2:10 am

  My overall impression is that Saab did their best to turn a small/mid sized SUV into a car. I’m counting the days until my 27 month lease expires.

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  Todays SPG - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Tom Lease - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle. Captures the heart of my 90 SPG in a modern, high-tech version of the original 900. SAAB owners will love it. Fun driving a car in the "State of Independence."

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  After a year. . .still in love - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Tim W - August 30 - 5:30 am

  I have had my Saab for a full year and over 24000 miles, and it still performs as if I had bought it last month. My regular commute takes me on highways, city streets, and curvy backroads and my Saab handles each with alacrity, even in poor weather conditions. I am attracted to Saab for the trifecta of great performance, ample trunk space, and comfortable passenger room; it is rare to find all three in a single vehicle! As far as reliability issues, I have had only two minor issues in a year: a torn door gasket (which was my own fault) and a faulty sensor on the external temperature guage which did not hamper performance. My dealership fixed both promptly and under warranty.

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  2005 Saab 9-3 Linear - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By 1BDSAAB - August 30 - 4:50 am

  Car drives like it is on rails. Very fast and accelerates quickly. Turns heads everywhere. BMW, Audi, and Mercedes dont compare for the cost.

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  New Saab Owner - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Rod626 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Overall an excellent car, ive had it for 3 months and already put 10k miles on it with no problems.

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  Basic Car 2004 0-3 Linear - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By walter0644 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a basic car with no real extras (sun roof, pwr seat, etc.) that would be fun to drive, with good performance to take the place of the 2000 Volvo S40. The only problem was with a broken door latch which set off the alarm and info panel. Once replaced, everything has worked fine.