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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  Fly Saab Air! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Kevin - June 28 - 10:20 pm

  A hidden gem discovered at an auto show while looking at competing convertibles! Fun to drive with top up or down, as car handles very well, slicing from lane to lane, and the 2.0T Turbo seems to have more than the 210 hp as hp and torgue is right where you need it, especially 50-70 MPH when passing. Great styling especially with top down which quickly shows its design as a convertible, not a coupe with roof cut off. And excellent value too, with options and features, out the door price makes this a better value than a BMW or Audi. If you are considering these convertibles, do yourself a favor and at least drive the Saab too!

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  first sight fell in love, still loving strong - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By whasaab - June 23 - 4:09 pm

  At first, I was very hesitant about buying this car because I read many unsatisfying reviews on Saab. However, bought 2003 9-3 vector in Feb 2013 under 6k, looked new inside and out, one owner and no accident. Checked with Saab if the car had any mechanical service done. All the recalls had been taken care of and no other mechanical issues. After 8 months putting over 10k still feels like a new car. But make sure you use premium gas and full synthetic oil. Not using premium grade gas will give you check engine light. But dont panic, it will go away if you put premium. My $6k saab looks better and runs better than brand new camrys or accords .. love this car.

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  Fun to drive - more power than expected - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By sonicsunspot - June 20 - 10:00 am

  I was not looking for a Saab when I fell in love with this car. I was looking to get into a Mercedes C240 or a BMW 325, but the salesman mentioned the Saab was worth a test drive. I said "what the hell" and the next thing I know I was putting money down on the Saab to hold it. This car is really a joy to drive and I was really surprised with the power from a 4 cylinder. Plus I saved $10K. Saab is a very under-rated car.

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  Still Great after 3,000 miles - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By dpbeach - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Very pleased with performance and comfort. Only problem has been sluggish starts when engine is cold. Havent had time to take it back to dealer to check on this problem.

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  love it - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By johnsaab 2358 - June 20 - 10:00 am

  no problems love it to death. good for my wife / kid. needs more head room

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  Great car, fun to drive!!! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Chris Higgens - June 16 - 4:43 am

  I bought this car for a great price. So far I love everything about it, the style, handling, acceleration, and all the attention you get from driving such a classy car. I really have no complaints as of now and I would definitely recommend this car to a friend. Also its a very safe car!

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  My Saab Review - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Dougie - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. No problems with it since new except for the pin in the convertible top snapped but was replaced under warranty. I would recommend this car ro anybody looking for a great convertible.

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  2009 9-3 - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By Bill Adams - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Bought my Saab in Dec. 09 and got a steal of a deal. Took it on its first long trip last month 1,800 miles. Fuel economy was excellent (31.8-32.4) on regular gas with cruise at 80 mph. This car drives like a dream however the front seats really need work, our 2010 Jetta has superior seat comfort. This is well made car with a great engine and handling. Although this is my first Saab it may not be the last.

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  SAAB Strikes Gold In 2008 - 2011 Models - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Kohlbee - June 13 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 5 SAABs - a 1983 900, 1989 900 S, 1990 900 S convertible and 1997 900 S convertible. The 2008 has zero remaining interior parts from its original designs, aside from the headlight and windshield washer logos printed on the corresponding controls. The 2008 thus far has had zero issues or electrical problems that were found in previous models. The quirkiness is thankfully still part of SAABs design; its ignition, is located in the middle console, similar to the original floor concept. The Swedish flavor is still present, as is its outstanding and unusual exterior design. I would recommend SAAB redesign the rear to = original SAAB concept, versus its current generic square format.

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  Shows its age - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By LAC - June 10 - 1:50 am

  My friends in Europe told me not to buy it and I now know why. Shows its cheap European GM Cavalier frame through poor handling with too much understeer and being very cluncky to drive. Poor build quality and has been unreliable. While reasonably quick, it does require at least 91 octane gas to avoid engine issues but I knew this is a requirement with all turbos. Air conditioning failed, switches on dash failed, LED display failing piece by piece, I could go on. I hope the new model is a better car - it needs to be!