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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  2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible, wow! - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Russ, Largo, Fl - August 28 - 5:26 am

  Move over Mercedes CLK 320 convertible. Ive owned one and the Saab is 12k less with far more features, standard features and the most awesome driving experience you will ever have hands down. This vehicle is the very best mixture of luxury and sport Ive ever encountered. Its handling is crisp, yet comfortable and eager to please. Its as if the driver is one with the car. Very simply, you put gas in it and the car takes care of itself. It monitors all essential functions, has XM radio, OnStar, remote top down, additional lighting, superior guages, 3 comfort zones and so much more. Leases included all maintenance and bumper to bumper warranty. This is positively one sweet machine.

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  Fun to Drive - 2007 Saab 9-5
  By Eric Burt - August 27 - 2:16 pm

  I decided to buy this car (a 2007 w/ 45,000 miles)- over the 2007 Honda Accord & 2007 Toyota Camry -after test driving all three. This car is the best ride of all three - by a long shot. Its the most fun Ive ever had driving a vehicle - it has great power - 260 HP w/ turbo- and a smooth, quiet ride. Better ride than my wifes Mercedes- Benz ML 340. Long live SAAB !

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  Whats with the silly cruse control? - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Jamesa - August 27 - 2:00 am

  My pet peeve is the cruse control that is sooo awkward to use. Fortunately I dont use it too often. Drive the car in sport mode for a real kick in the pants. Forget the standard transmission its really a waste of time in this car. Save the manual shifting for your 93 convertable.

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  Fast - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By ss5jeter - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I have always owned a SAAb and of all the SAABs i have had this is the best. This car is fast, handles well, and has alot of standard features. If I were ti but another car it would be a SAAB.

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  Just Got It - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By BruceB73 - August 26 - 10:00 am

  I got my 9-5 about a week ago now. First SAAB Ive had and I love it. Iv had MB, BMW, Lexus. This is as good as them all for a lot less. The performance is really great. I compared it to a BMW 325 & 525, Audi A4 3.0, Volvo S60 T5 and Volkswagen Passat W8. If youre in the market for a sports sedan, you have to try this car. Not to mention that right now they are practically giving them away

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  Great car, great price - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Michelle - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Saab 9-5 Aero is a great car with style and performance. It produces 250 hp and holds the road like it is on the rails (ESP) is highly recomended. Whe it comes to performance it really kills BMW 530(225 hp), Audi(A6 3.) and MB C320 or even E320. It it more fun to drive then all the cars mentioned above. Interior is not the best when it compared to the rest in the same catagory. Audi A6 is a clear leader but then Audi lacks the sporty stylying of 9-5. My wife drives BMW 530 and I just traded in my A6(2.7T) with Aero and loving it more then the A6. Aero is young and gives a sporty feel. I hope you give a chance to Saab Aero and go for it.

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  Very Enjoyable - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Michigan - August 24 - 9:56 pm

  Bought it used for the purpose of a new salesmans car. I easily put 50,000 miles on in one year and never had anything major go wrong. Tires, synthetic oil, blah blah blah. The point? No problems. I had been warned by many about a Saabs reliability. This obviously proved untrue. The zero to whatever as many reviews have testified to is nothing to write home about. Its better than most I would say, but passing power with the auto-stick transmission is a blast. The trunk is huge, backseats are small and the overall comfort for the driver is sufficient. Good tires go a long way and I tinted all of the side and rear windows which dramatically improves overall car appearance (I think).

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  Amazing car for the price! - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By clg - August 24 - 9:50 am

  The 2006 Saab 9-5 is a WHOLE lot of car for its price and an amazing sports sedan/highway cruiser. Most optional features that get quite expensive on other cars come standard on the 9-5 including seat/mirror memory buttons, dual power seats, heated front & rear seats, in-dash 6 cd changer. Comfy and easy to use interior that is great for traveling even long distances with 4 people. Great performance - its scary how much pull this engine has. Floor it to 80 mph and it feels like the 9-5 isnt even breathing hard, plus you feel like youre only traveling about 55 mph! Yes, theres a bit of torque steer if you floor it but, hey, I think that makes the car a bit more exciting to drive :)

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  Most fun Ive ever had in a sedan - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Bill C - August 21 - 5:00 pm

  This car encapsulates everything I want: style, speed, value, and dependability. I have a 44 mile round-trip work commute and I (almost) look forward to it.

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  awesome car - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By kelb - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car new and loved it from day one. Very smooth and quick - especially highway driving. Great handling and low noise at 100 MPH (so I hear). Roomy interior easily matches more expensive cars such as BMW 5 series. Masquerades as a stylish family sedan, but absolute road rocket at heart.