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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  No Regrets! - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Scott M - July 9 - 8:13 am

  Ive had my 9-3 for 2 years now...overall very pleased -- perfect combo of sporty and practical; fairly comfortable for long trips, punchy fun when you want to zip around some backroads...Turbo makes it seem quicker than it probably is, steering is crisp; cuts through winter roads fine with aftermarket Goodyears on it; cool (albeit quirky) body style. Great mpg (28-30). Pretty reliable -- 2-3 minor repairs under warranty.

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  Fun lively ride - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Speedy - July 6 - 9:36 pm

  I have no complaints about car, turbo acceleration is flawless, overtaking is amazing and I have only 2.0t!!! Just overall sexy!! My only problem is airbag light, but I will get that fixed.

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  Im totally a snaab now. - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Sean - July 6 - 12:06 am

  I bought this car used with 43,000 miles on it. I did a lot of research into Saabs, Volvos, and VWs before I decided to purchase this car, and believe I made a very good decision. I have had absolutely no problems with the car other than normal wear and tear issues (new front brakes/pads, new tires) and it has totally exceeded my expectations. It handles great in all types of weather and has only gotten stuck in the snow once. I have never felt safer in a car, and even though its kind of a little guy, I feel like I have a substantial car around me when I drive. I would recommend Saab to anyone as long as you get a good dealership to take it to for service.

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  Jack of all trades... - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By Stan18 - July 5 - 9:13 pm

  Safe, fast, reliable, high utility (big trunk and enough interior space for 4 adults). Handles nice. Great gas mileage. Outstanding car for the real world. Ignore the critics (they dont live in the real world, and they dont like FWD.). I just re-leased my 3rd one (never owned a Saab prior to my first 9-5)... need I say more?At the prices you can negotiate (way below MSRP), they offfer great value.

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  Aero Go - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Spencer27 - July 4 - 10:00 am

  The Aero is a "Beast" to say the least, I looked at the BMW 5 Series, Cadillac CTS and CTS-V, Accura TL, and they did not stack up. Saab Aero is in a class alone when considering value to dollar ROI. Handling is clean and crisp, fuel ecomony is running nearly 24 MPG (highway/city). 17" rims are very nice. Overall impression is, "where has Saab been?" We know Saab is owned by GM, but this group is a sleeper. Dont get it confused, sleep on the Saab and you are likely to get snake bitten!

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  Great car - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By mplieber - July 2 - 8:56 am

  My 2004 Saab 9-3 convertible has been wonderful. Fun to drive, with an amazing acceleration on a 4-cylinder turbo engine. When going out with the family, we use the back seats which seat adults comfortably, although a bit cramped, but this beats a 2-seater any day. Reliability has been good, and the car has been well maintained. Only complaint is occasional problems with the electrical system: windows, convertible top, radio, ignition. None has been fatal but I have experienced 2 incidents where car would not start. Note: I have the automatic, not manual, model.

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  Like the car very much but... - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By kb - July 2 - 5:06 am

  Second SAAB purchased. First a 1995 900s. I like it so much I thought I will buy another. The 1999 95 is a sweet machine!!! Fast, comfortable, safe, quiet with a lot of storage and it looks good sitting in the garage which is usually where it is cause it hardly ever runs. Before 100,000 miles 2 turbos, water pump, alternator, crank sensor, battery, engine temp sensor, transmission safety switch. Check engine goes on and off so does transmission light. Nobody knows why. I researched web taken to repair centers. I am a certified mechanic. It is stuck out front of the house useless as usual. Spent over $3000 in last 20,000mi and still broke again.

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  I love it... - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By lumberr - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I looked at both the 530 BMW and the 3.2tl S-Type Acura.....there is NO COMPARISON. Ive never owned a SAAB before, but can see why it has a cult following!!!

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  We both love this car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By bmccoy - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Those who have rated the car poorly in this forum must really like the old hatchback style, but thats why I never owned one before. This car is beautiful both inside and out. Some said its cheap and GM ruined it, but if you read the automative journals, this is the best car Saab ever produced. The linear model is fast enough for me. It accerlates quickly and gets up to speed in seconds. Handling is this cars best attribute. It simply carves up twisty back roads. The interior is laid out very well. There are a ton of features and the profiler system is great. Put simply, this car is terrific. I have never gotten up early on a weekend just to go for a drive!!

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  What a Shame! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By citizen1130 - July 1 - 7:06 am

  I own a 2003 Saab 93 Arc and I must admit, the drive and performance are awesome. That being said, I wouldnt get another one even if they paid me to do it. I bought this car with at little less than 31000 miles and its been HELL ever since. Among the problems, to name just a few; power steering failure (while I was driving!), blower motor failure, wiper motor failure, hand brake stuck in the upright position and SIM module failure (which cost about $1000 to replace). Ive owned many cars in my life from beat-up Chevys to Bimmers and Ive never, ever had so many critical safety issues with any of them. Especially at so low mileage. Its the most UNRELIABLE vehicle on the road.