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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  Too Much Fun - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By knc - June 9 - 2:00 am

  My Laser Red SAAB 9-3 Vector is an outstanding Sports Sedan, a joy to drive through twisting mountain roads or cruising on the interstate. The car is poised, well balanced, sure footed and nimble, while still delivering a smooth and quiet ride with a sport suspension and 17" wheels. The engine is always happy to rev, but a huge torque band makes high rpms a choice instead of a necessity. The interior is cool, swedish understatement: a designer original for SAAB owners only. Luxury? Yes, but a sleek, modernist luxury, with all the comfort features you could want. The exterior is eye catching, a real head turner with perfect proportions.

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  Value - 2007 Saab 9-5
  By cedric long - June 5 - 8:23 am

  This is my 3rd Saab 9-5 and they continue to impress with strong performance, very reliable, and excellent fuel mileage. Seats are extremely supportive and build quality has been very good. Its always interesting when you read the automotive reviews the Saab 9-5 is rated significantly below the competition. But when you drive the car it proves to be quite comfortable and with 260 HP certainly competitive with todays competition. The turbo is a completely different driving experience and makes the vehicle fun to drive. Fuel mileage at 22 mpg around town and 32+ on the highways makes the 4 cylinder an excellent choice with todays high cost of fuel.

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  Truly Surprised - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Max Andrews - June 5 - 5:56 am

  We werent even going to stop at Saab - Im so glad we did. Twenty years of luxury cars and convertibles, and I havent had this much fun driving since my first Miata. Traded from a Mustang GT Convertible, and ride is 1000% smoother. Wish Id bought one years ago.

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  Fun car has practical side, too - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Dave - June 3 - 6:13 am

  This is the most fun-to-drive car Ive owned. I am also very pleased to be getting just about 30mpg in these days of gas around $2.50/gal. Also, the $5000 rebate on top of employee pricing was unexpectedly generous. Im very happy I bought this car! I feel 10 years younger.

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  not the same Saab story! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By JoeNashville - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 9-3 Arc for about 8 months. Its been the best car Ive ever had! A couple minor glitches with the power window, but whos perfect? Its fast, its reliable, and it rocks for road trips!

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  2003 Saab 93 - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By sideorder - June 1 - 7:00 am

  The engine has performed very well. All electronics and interior design has failed often. Engine Check light due to Gas Cap design triggers often. Traction control fails on and off again. Drivers window came off track. Side mirror adjustments needed replacement. Water Leak issues from Pollen filter design, door leaks due to poor rubber seal and interior door seal. It goes on but this should be enough. Car noise is non stop. Something always rattling.

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  My 5th Saab Is A Real Winner - 2008 Saab 9-5
  By John - May 31 - 11:36 pm

  After owning four Saab 900 through 9-3 convertibles, I thought (actually my kids thought) it was time for a change. Something about no rear legroom. My new 9-5 is a gem and as rare as can be equipped with a smooth shifting five speed manual transmission. Its the perfect combination with the powerful 2.3L turbo. I love to drive this vehicle! I test drove a BMW 5 series and was very unhappy with the feel of the manual transmission and the amount of room inside. For the price I paid, I could not have done better. I smile every time I open the door. If you are looking at a near luxury vehicle - do yourself a favor and test drive the Saab 9-5 sedan or wagon.

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  2000 Saab 9-3 - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By Zach - May 27 - 2:56 am

  I bought my 9-3 SE with 56k, and a year and a half later I have 85k. It turns out that the Cat. converter was mounted too close to the oil pan, thus overheating it, boiling the oil, and causing the infamous sludge problem! Ive had my car in the shop 3 times to have it brought back to life after losing oil pressure while driving - not good. The oil screen clogs with sludge and is expensive to remove and clean. This makes the engine work harder and I had to have the timing chain replaced - it was too slack. My last saab 9000 is now 15 years old and still going, I thought another would be a good buy, but I was VERY wrong. Stay away form the 00 and 01 9-3se

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  Gas Mileage - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By GET IT RIGHT - May 26 - 1:30 am

  The editor or writer has it totally wrong on gas mileage. Around town will be 20 - 24 , and highway is 29 - 32. Your listing of 18 - 23 is really not accurate. I think one of the better cars made. Saab never gets a fair shake from the press or internet outlets. Drive one and form your own opinion. Most people that have one, usually buy another.

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  Dont let others scare you! - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By minimaniac - May 24 - 6:03 pm

  This is a great car! Many say the reliablilty of Saabs isnt up to par, but this is my third and I have yet to have any of the horror stories that many others claim. The turbo is great, the interior is comfortable, and with the top down, its seriously fun. Even the trunk has considerable room, and the seats fold down. The heated seats are great in cold weather, and the sound system is impressive for a stock one. I recommend this to anyone. It looks great and will impress many.