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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  Best kept secret - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Robert - June 22 - 3:46 pm

  This by far the best quality car Ive owned so far, including my Acura. It gets amazing MPG (30 avg), great turbo performance. For the price I paid, I could not have bought a base Camry. Build quality is fantastic. This is the safest car (class) in America today, Saabs strong suit and heritage. Not a creak or rattle yet. Could you buy a better car? Probably, but at a substantial premium. This is my 2nd Saab in 4 years and reliability has been excellent. The fit and finish is right up there with Lexus. Absolutely zero torque steer. 40-70 acceleration is like a rocket. You really should consider this car. It is a most compelling value in this market space.

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  Best in its class - 2010 Saab 9-5
  By belarus777 - June 22 - 3:00 am

  Im driving it for 3 weeks and i just love this car. So much softer than bmw series. Acelerates so smooth and fast. Very good change SAAB! Congrats!

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  2008 Saab 9-3 Turbo X - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Saab Fan - June 16 - 8:23 pm

  Just purchased Turbo X sport sedan and really, really love this car. Only had it for a day, but what a blast. Handles like its on rails, power at the lower rpm, not like my previous 98 SE turbo. Very comfortable, but a bit harsh over rough roads. Love the exhaust note! Shifter a bit notchy, but Ive only had it for a day and will get used to it, Im sure. If you like Saabs and want a sports car with all weather capability as a bonus, there is no better car out there.

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  Aero 9-5 - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By aslan1953 - June 13 - 10:00 am

  enjoy the comfort and performance - when I think the honeymoon is over, I find myself driving with a smile on my face again -- I may have become a committted Saab family member from here on with this, my first Saab. as a design professional, I am duly impressed with the thinking that went into this high performance-luxury vehicle.

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  So Far So Good - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Csaab - June 13 - 10:00 am

  So far I have 1300 miles and my Steel Gray Vector has been GREAT!, I love driving this car fast. I get alot of compliments, and questions as to why I purchased a Saab and not a BMW,Lexus or an Audi? So far my only complaint is when you drive on a bad surface you can hear the thud from a pot whole a little too much.

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  wicked fun wagon - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By tahcan - June 11 - 6:16 am

  I traded a G500 mercedes (which was a in the shop 41 days in the 8 months I owned it) on this great wagon which continues to amaze me everytime we stuff it full of stuff and still get in the high 20s on the highway. It is a manual which is a hoot to drive, it is excellent (with snow tires) in the fluffy stuff, handles very well, comfortable for 5 plus the dogs in back. I am not sure why there are not many more of these wagons out there. It kicks the volvo in turning radius by some 9 feet which is a major deal in city driving, bigger then the subaru, and i would not have considered another mercedes after the last one.

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  Functional, fast ,and fun Aero Wagon - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By rlatkin - June 7 - 10:00 am

  A fast sporty car that loves that loves the twisties while carrying two adults, two or three kids and their hockey bags.

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  Saab 9-5 wagon did not disappoint - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By deacane - June 7 - 9:10 am

  Purchased based upon Consumer Reports ratings. I wasnt crazy about the rims on the Arc, but I replaced them with 17-inch rims and Pirelli speed-rated tires, and the wagon is almost perfect. Great car, great performance (7.0 0-60), and 32.5 mpg on the highway. Whats not to love?

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  Great Car - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Joel - June 5 - 8:56 pm

  I had a deposit on a pre-owned 2004 Volvo S60R and with the cash rebate ended up getting a 2007 60th Anniversary edition in Ice Blue Metallic for the same price. This is a great car for the money, it is a fun drive like everyone else says - very peppy and agile, also the six speed manual is very smooth. I am 63" and leg room is great, head room is just good enough as my hair sometime grazes the ceiling so if you are over 63 def make sure you have enough headroom with the sunroof. Overall extremely comfortable and very intuitive dash and stereo controls. I get many compliments on the cars lines and the spoiler on the 60th edition is a very nice touch.

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  Great Car! - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By otto - June 4 - 1:56 pm

  I own a Saab 9-3 Aero XWD 6M. I have owned six BMWs. While BMWs handle more neutrally, the Saab makes more power for much less than a comparable BMW (328/335 xi). I would have to purchase a near fully loaded 335xi to get this much comfort, convenience, and performance at a cost of nearly $13k more. If you pay anywhere near sticker for these cars you are paying way too much. Wait for a GM year end sale. BMWs are priced nearer selling price. Still, I prefer the Saab regardless. BMWs I-drive, run flat tires, and depreciation (net loss) were the final straw with me. I want a car that is fun to drive up to 9/10th, and this Saab delivers. I do not plan on racing this Saab.