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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  Electrical Problems - beware - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Disgruntled Saab Man - January 23 - 9:06 am

  I had heard Saab was reliable and the new models did have pazazz and class. Wrong. Uncomfortable seats, and from the first I had problems with electrical. After setting for 3-4 days, the battery was completely dead. Then it would be fine for a month or so; then repeat the problem. The dealer was clueless. They replaced the battery and the alternator, which I told them was not the problem. I had a Jeep once with same problem. It was a wiring problem that drained the system. But, they knew best. Finally they offered me an insulting trade down to a used VW with outrageous payments. I took it to Carmax and got a Honda. Carmax is where I now buy all of my cars (Hondas). Great place.

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  swedish built?? - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By chuckgolf - January 13 - 10:00 am

  did not meet my expectations... turbo has a lag, not as much power as i thought...built way too low to the ground... sporty look without the sporty performance... winter driving is fair...but look out for that snow.... cracked bumper a few times driving through it..

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  Buying Saab was the worst decision of my - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Nataliya - December 25 - 11:20 pm

  I can say now confidently that buying Saab from GM was the worst decision we made with my husband so far in our lives! The car design is simply put flawed, the car is constantly breaking and each morning you are praying that your 3-year old nice looking car will start. I had 6 battery problems – each time it is something new around the battery: faulty switch, wires, corrosion, alternator, throttle motor is draining it... 5 issues with coolant system, my AC was passing smoke into the cabin since antifreeze was leaking into AC system, ESP failure, faulty gas cap, etc. Not mentioning constantly peeling exterior, cracking knobs on the dashboard, leaking washer nozzles and tank...

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  Love/Hate Relationship! - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By Nickolek - December 21 - 1:50 pm

  I am the the 2nd owner of this vehicle and have always had it regularly serviced. I love this car... When it runs, it runs well, when its doesnt, it really leaves you stuck! Financially and literally on the side of the road. I have tow truck drives on speed-dial. No joke. It all started with the timing belt and went down hill from there, oil sludge blew the engine, a bad ABS modulator that disables the ABS braking system. 2, yes 2 alternators, computer systems, crank sensor, alarm system, and LED display to name a few. My dashboard is a constant display of warning lights and the costs of my repairs are well over $6200. Well over what the car is worth now. I love this car, but it has broken me.

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  Disappointing Experience - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Seb1 - December 7 - 10:00 am

  While this car is unique and generally fun to drive. SAAB did not get it all right by any stretch. Very annoying turbo lag makes normal city driving tedious. Interior finish is poor. Cup holders dont work. Nobs and controls tend to come off. Visibility is not good. Suspension is very soft for a car that pretends to be high performance. Would not recommend this car. But dont take my word for it look at the depreciation that these cars suffer! We bought ours for $28k in 1998 it is now worth $11k as per Blue Book in private party transaction. In any case take advantage of the lease offers.

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  too many problems - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By jaime caruso - October 1 - 2:00 am

  always at the dealer with problems, excessive computer problems, fuel pump problems. not reliable. Been at the dealer 11 times in one year with problems.The car is only one year old. I will never buy a saab again.Contacted manufacturer and they will not help me at all.

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  Fire Hazard - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By CityClown - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I love the unique look of the Saab. The dealer sales experience was wonderful. Thats the good part. The reality is the dealer service is horrible, they treat you like a child. The car is not reliable, as it has left me stranded 3 times in a year. The last issue in July as a potential fire hazard. Over 1/4 tank of gas poured out of the gas tank (broken fuel line bracket to the tank). One spark and my family could have been dead. Bet you have never had a Fire Dept. Engine come out to certify your cars safety, well I have. Dealer was very nonchalant about the issue. Saab Legal is also not accepting any responsibility to re- purchase this lemon.

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  My family wants to like it, but.... - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By imissmysubie - September 29 - 10:00 am

  2.3 Linear Automatic, NYC We leased the car in late May. In mid- July it started gushing transmission fluid. Roadside assistance took 2 days to pick up the car. Sat on dealer lot for 5 days before someone looked at it. By that time, transmission fluid leaked into ignition system. Took another 2 days to fix. We were supposed to get a Saab as a loaner car; we got a Ford Focus instead. My parents (we share the payments) drove it to Atlanta. They averaged 66 mph and 32 mpg. Thumping noise started coming from Air conditioning. This morning, it began to leak transmission fluid again.

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  Chevy in disguise - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By Maverick - September 27 - 7:23 am

  Nice SUV and fully loaded with only the sunroof/rear dvd player option (must choose between the two for no additional charge). Basically a Chevy Trailblazer in disguise here until the 9-6X arrives next year. Lots of GM parts in the interior, makes you wonder about the long term reliablity. The positive is that you usually wont see yourself coming and going while driving down the street.

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  2003 Saab 9-3 Arc - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By OpusTwo - August 4 - 5:03 am

  I always wanted a Saab, so I bought the 2003 9-3. BAD MISTAKE!! It has been in the shop 36 times in 3 years!! It always has something wrong with it. Saab will do nothing for me. They have the worst customer service I have ever dealt with. The say my car does not qualify for a buyback? If 36 times in the shop does not qualify, WHAT DOES? Never again. Dont buy one!!