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 92-x - 2006 Saab 9-2X
  By davidreaume - October 14 - 4:40 pm

  Both my wife and I love this car. The utility and fun to drive is unsurpassed.

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  Gotta Love the 9-5 - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Domer90 - October 14 - 2:50 pm

  This is my 3rd Saab and I love each new one better than the last. The interior is very large and the styling is simple yet functional. You can sit in the car and in under a minute know where everything is, and how to use it. The turbo is great especially with a 4- cyl. It handles great in and out of traffic and takes an on/off-ramp at 70 (not that anyone would do that) like it is stuck to the road. Winter mode makes snow travel easy and safe. the trunk is gigantic, especially with split fold down rear seat. As you can see I love this car.

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  my steel grey baby - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By rgloriamay - October 11 - 10:23 am

  went from 2002 se 9-3 to 9-5 arc. love the solid feel and handling. i think it is a very pretty car and this is my fourth saab. i feel very safe in it. only draw back is premium gas and am getting only about 16 mpg in city driving.

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  I made the right choice - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Jeff - October 10 - 6:36 pm

  I looked into the Accord EX V6 as well as the Acura TL w/Nav before choosing the 9-3 Aero. While I am not happy with the navigation system (and did not spend the money for it), the car is an absolute blast to drive, meets or exceeds ALL of my expectations and is everything I wanted. I got this as a replacement for my RX-8 after having our second child and I was worried I would be disappointed. Was I wrong! It corners amazingly, has immediate pickup, is well laid out inside, and comes with a bevy of standard features that you pay extra for in Volvo, BMW, Infinit, and others. Everyone seems to have an Acura or BMW but FEW have a Saab.

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  1st Saab - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By windogru - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding first Saab. It is a real joy owning a unique one of a kind car-- it is not a car every one wants but that is their problem.

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  5000 MIles - Better Than Expected - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Jyerka - October 6 - 11:06 pm

  I have driven this car enough to know that I am very happy with my choice. The car looks sharp, it handles great, and is well engineered. I had previously heard that the suspension is too soft and that the turbo doesnt feel right. Im fairly picky, and I think the suspension is perfect for casual or "aggressive" driving. The turbo seems fine to me, though this is my first car with turbo. The cargo area is very useful - I needed this for work, and it holds plenty. The folding seats, cargo cover, and nets are logically set up and functional.

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  Great Car!!!! - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By tpower - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a 9-5 Aero Sedan for over 2 years and found it to be an excellent car. Great all around blend of functionality and fun to drive. Excellent performance, great gas mileage, and very comfortable. I recently drove for 475 miles straight in one day, with no fatigue (love those heated and ventilated seats. I am looking forward to my next one.

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  Practical, Reliable, Rally-Bred Monster - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Scott - October 1 - 8:13 am

  Last year I went used shopping for a practical AWD compact for city use and occasional road trips. To my surprise, this turbo Saabaru (which, yes, has an automatic) was the best of the lot by far. Plodding around in town its as docile as any other auto-compact, yet the turbo means it doesnt run out of steam on the highway (Im looking at you, SX4/Fit). But its not all practicality: being a WRX, its ready to play whenever. Put the tach above 3500 and it hisses, growls, and rips a hole in time. Show it some curves and it annihilates them (its front heavy, but theres so much grip it almost doesnt matter). Best of all, you can go back to driving casually once youre done abusing the tarmac.

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  Great car - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By sally west - September 29 - 4:23 pm

  Bought the 2000 Saab used and I have not had any issues or problems. Great driving in the snow, smooth ride and reliable performance.

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  A Pleasant Surprise - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Mboya - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I was recently in the market for a new car and primarily limited my search to the well known top performers: Acura, BMW and Lexus. After thinking I had narrowed my search, I came across the Saab 9-5 and never looked anywhere else. It is truly an amazing automobile. I have the 2.3t (manual transmission) which has more luxury features then any of the aforementioned vehicles in its class, its got great acceleration and with On-Starm, you cant go wrong. Most people I know had never seen one, but now everywhere I go, it captivates on-lookers.