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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  9-3 Saab 6 years later I still love it! - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Heather Walker - June 4 - 12:26 pm

  I bought my Saab used, it was a certified Saab with 30k miles. I have driven it all over the east coast, from Wisconsin to FL. I also drive it everyday to work. Fun and reliable, what more can you ask for from a car?

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  Compromise - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Bob K - June 3 - 12:40 pm

  Lets face it, if you are only buying one car it is a series of compromises to get what best suits your needs. Sure you would like to have a M3 when you feel sporty and a 350 E Class for your date on Saturday night. Although the Saab 9-3 might not rate best in class for any one category it does well in a lot of them. I have had mine for about a month and am delighted with it in every detail. It is a dream on the highway cruising at just over 2,000 rpm in 6th gear, rolling beautifully and extremely quiet. I had a Saturn Aura prior to the Saab and find it worlds more enjoyable. I recommend using 93 octane as I get 27.5 overall. Could do better if you use restraint with the turbo.

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  Long-time Saab Lover - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Brad L - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Picked up my 2002 9-3 SE two weeks ago, and have been having a blast! Opted for the 5-speed with premioum pkg and heated seats. The 3-year lease cannot be touched by Audi, BMW, or VW. This baby is deceptive--mild-mannered on the outside, but it can scoot!!

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  A Lot Of Car/Wagon - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By RBomber - May 30 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Saab and by far our favorite. Previous cars were a "96 Mercedes E300 and "97 Q45 and I prefer the Saab. They are finally getting it right in Troll Land.

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  great car for price - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By bear - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car just got back from a road trip put 500 miles on the car and i was quite impressed with the driving.Great gas mileage and very comfortable to drive not to spongee.. just right probably not the most performance car but overall great.Had a 900 before this car but the 9-5 is much better.

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  Great car for the city - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Mike - May 29 - 3:43 am

  I think its a great car for the city. Easy to drive and get into tight parking spaces. I love the handling and enjoy the AWD. Only taken it on one longer trip, and was an great to drive on windy mountain roads, although the seats are the most comfortable long term. I like thats is markedly different than the subaru, which are way too common in northern virginia.

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  The Saab 9.3 is a blast - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By calgordon - May 26 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Saab and I am impressed. The handling is precise. The car can be pushed into tight corners fast with complete confidence and predictability. The exterior design is pleasing carrying a sense of motion even when parked. The interior materials are a bit disappointing. The plastic fascia on the instrument panel looks cheap. However the seats and door panels are simple and pleasing. But, I bought the car for the engineering and handling, and boy am I happy with what they put into this car. My wife ends up driving it the most. I want one of my own!

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  Excellent 2004 Arc - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By samthomas - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I own a new 2004 9-5 Arc 2.3T with about 5,500 miles. The only problem was a rattle in one of the doors, fixed under warranty. The overall design is very good, and strikes a good balance between "sport" and "luxury." The car is loaded with thoughtful features, from the high- pressure headlight washers to the huge trunk. The turbocharged motor and 5-speed auto tranny work well together. Instruments are well laid-out and readable. Cabin is spacious and comfortable, but driver- oriented. Car handles well; suspension is forgiving, but tuned more towards comfort than performance. This is not a car you can fling around.

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  Mine all Mine - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Chirpbird - May 20 - 7:33 pm

  Very fun car to drive, and whats not to like about a convertible on Denvers sunshiney days? Driving in the light snow that Denver gets is another matter. Skids and slides a lot. Dont know if its because I have performance tires or because it just cant handle snow.

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  The forgotten wagon that is fantastic - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Steven Kafka - May 15 - 10:00 am

  It is like driving a Porsche station wagon.