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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  Fun, Fast, Safe, Practical - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By MarkJump - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Complete confidence in all driving situations using excellent power, brakes, stability or agility. Have owned this 1999 model for five years--deeply satisified. Post-warranty problems: CD player, throttle body, warped disc rotors. Totally satisfied with home dealers (Deel Saab, Miami & Secor Saab, New London, CT) and also others used away from home. Versatile, thoughtfully designed to the smallest detail, wears well. Ill hope to get another when the new model come sout; looking next for an Aero (more of a good thing)!

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  Took a long time to buy one - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By arline grady - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I am in the market to buy another Saab probably will look at the BMW, Mercedes and a Jag but I know in my heart it will be a another Saab I change every two or 3 years. This will be my 4th. Have had all the others above, but the ride, comfort and dependability in a Saab is the best. I now have a 2001

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  Too Much Fun !! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Saabldy - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is the most fun I have had driving - for the past 50 years! And, I have had a lot of different cars, from Porsche, BMW to VW. Performance on the highway is exceptional. Braking is reassuring. I found it necessary to buy a radar detector!! Great value! Even came with free OnStar.

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  Great Car - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Jeffery Ross - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. Fits a unique personality.

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  My Beautiful SAAB Convertible - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Margaret Long - July 21 - 2:00 am

  The color of my SAAB Convertible is Espresso Brown, which is a metalic brown in the sun, and is beautiful!! Driving is fun and especially in Florida where you experience the warm weather in the winter. It has a lot of room in the rear seat. I have lots of admirers when on the road and in a parking lot!

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  Great car - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Scott - July 21 - 1:13 am

  My first Saab and will (hopefully) not be my last. I have a lower back issue and do not ride in cars very well. However, I can ride long distances in this car in relative comfort. Kick the sport in and it goes!

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  Great Vehicle - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Chris - July 20 - 3:33 pm

  Great car! Little leery of Saab before purchase, but absolutely love the ride.

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  Beautiful and Unique - 2011 Saab 9-5
  By bradmad - July 12 - 7:39 pm

  I have had this car now for 3 weeks and so far it has been a pleasure to drive. I havent see any others on the road, so its nice to drive something unique. Handling is responsive, power is adequate and the interior is both comfortable and stylish. Gas mileage is better than rated as well. Im averaging about 21 in town and have gotten 31 on a recent highway trip of about 100 miles.

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  Saab 92 [WR]x - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By abam - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Anybody out there get the feeling that this is a WRX in other clothing? Have a look at the Subaru Imprezza Wagon. Coincidence that Saab releases a 2.0L, awd *boxer* engine turbocharged wagon made in Japan? The WRX is great, but how is this a SAAB?

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  Top Notch for the Aero - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By malapides - July 9 - 10:13 am

  This vehicle has provided a range of diversity with regards to comfort, performance, efficiency and practicality. I regularly take road trips with bikes on the roof, or gear in the wagon area along with friends. The car gets me there quickly with its powerful turbo engine (I do have the 5-speed), in comfort (the ventilated seats are a must in hot weather) and efficiently (frequently 30-32 mpg highway). I highly encourage anyone buying this car who lives in a snow belt to absolutely buy a second set of wheels/tires for the snow. This makes a huge difference. Overall, I could not be happier with thie vehicle. With 75,000 miles on it, there have been no significant repairs.