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 lives - 2010 Saab 9-3
  By socom18d - July 29 - 12:33 am

  Second Saab, chose over Audi and BMW. Vehicle handles great and does everything well for thousands less than equal competition.The wife had to have manual transmission, only reasonable competition was Subaru but she did not like the design.

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  A surprisingly good car - 2007 Saab 9-5
  By JC - July 26 - 8:26 pm

  People who drive a BMW, Audi, or Mercedes will probably not be amazed by the Saab 9-5. No, it doesnt have a high-tech computer in it that merely complicates simple tasks, and no it doesnt have "active steering" or anything like that. But its a hugely comfortable and powerful car that will haul a ton of stuff in the wagon model. It is actually comfortable for five people, and is well built and attractive in an odd way. Most importantly, its far cheaper than the German and Japanese opposition. Its a car youll want to keep in the family for years. Think of it as an old Volvo wagon, but far more stylish and cool.

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  A Car for All Seasons - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By SharonSAABophile - July 22 - 11:53 am

  Even though its a Subaru underneath, SAAB has made it look great, classier than the Subaru equivalent, and the handling and performance in this snowy New England winter has been a gift from the gods. The versatility and flexibityof the sport wagon style is a great asset since SAAB no longer makes hatchbacks. The warranty and scheduled maintenance program is excellent in this price class. Beats the Subaru. People may call it a "Saabaru". The 9-2X is fun to drive, powerful,safe, smooth and a terrific value.

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  Love it!!! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Kerri - July 20 - 6:00 am

  Absolutely love my 9-3 Aero! Its fun to drive, has a lot of power and love the look!

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  Great entry-luxury - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By John - July 15 - 7:13 am

  This is a fantastic vehicle. Well-designed, fun to drive and distinctive. I love driving something few others do. Definitely opt for the premium package - well worth the money. And if you live in a cold climate, the heated seats are a must.

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  2000 Saab 9-5 Wagon - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By DriverEd - July 14 - 2:00 am

  This car can do it all. It can haul just about anything and it handles like a sport sedan. The turbo engine spools early, so theres no lag and the highway passing power is better than many v6s that Ive driven. The interior is luxurious and the driver ergonomics is like a cockpit. Interior quality is top notch and overall reliability has so far been great. No regrets.

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  Like it so far - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Jay Kanabar - July 13 - 7:53 pm

  Excellent car. I have a 9-3 as well and compared with that I feel that the steering and control is far superior.

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  saab 9-5 - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By gt324 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  no problems what so ever transmission is really smooth when you put it in sport mode it really scoots

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  4-door Saab Viggen 2002 - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Glossyaussie - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car in January, 2002. Cannot stop driving it. Great over long distances (100 mph feels like 55), great over windy mountain roads, great in stop and go L.A. traffic, and good in the snow. Have yet to go to the Viggen Flight Academy--cant wait to know how to make the car really perform. Saab service has been wonderful. Best feature: Have only seen one other Viggen in Orange County, CA.

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  This SAAB 9-5 is a pleasure to drive - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By SaabStory - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I never owned a SAAB before, but I certainly am impressed with this vehicle. It handles very nicely. I found myself taking drives for fun on Sunday mornings at sunrise just to buzz around for enjoyment. On nice weekends, I would drive to a new place just for an excuse to hammer around some curves and blast tunes with the sunroof open. Now I know this sounds like B.S. but its true. This car may not be a true thoroughbred, but for the money its probably the best that Ill be driving with a family of four for my "other" times behind the wheel.