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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  900 se convertible trip - 1996 Saab 900
  By bundies - May 8 - 10:46 am

  I purchased my 1996 conv. in Divide Colorado to travel home. This was our 4th Saab. We drove south threw New Mexico, Texas,Louisiana, Arkansas, Mo. Ky. Va. And Pa. to Delaware. At times I cruised at 95-100 mph in 100 degree weather. The stability and handling at speed is better then my 2004 9-5. weve owned since new. Total repairs on the trip was 1 instrument light reostat in Sante Fe. since returning home Ive replaced 1 Coil pack and the top has quit working. This is a great car for 1 or 2 people doing long distance touring. My daughter hit a concrete barrier at 70 after being run off the road in our 99 9-5. I will only trust my daughter to a Saab. Great cars with personality.

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  Great VALUE - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By drfabulous - May 7 - 5:36 pm

  Still love this car, even after 130k miles. Looks and drives like it did back in 2005, easy on gas (average high 20s), and has NEVER had a major issue. Like others have said, its a car that is unique and requires a little more work to repair, but if youre handy and willing to do research, its simple. Case in point- fixed my power steering leak for $10 in under an hour with nothing but common hand tools when a shop wanted $600, and Im by no means a mechanic. Bottom line- its fun to drive, good gas mileage, nice enough to drive to meet with clients, and people always look at it going "Ive never been in a SAAB".

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  Good Package for money - 2008 Saab 9-7X
  By Happy customer - May 3 - 4:53 am

  SUV is appointed very nicely, good value for the money. Dont listen to experts GM makes nice cars, the Saab is in line with GMs Cadillac vehicles. As far as mpg the crossovers dont do much better but the Saab has lots of room. We pay $1.50 for bottled water but complain about 14mpg. Buy a Prius if that is your concern. Overall great vehicle.

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  Very Impressed - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By scotland9820 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a car that had great looks, was unique and relatively rare, 4 doors, and great fuel economy. This Saab was perfect. You dont see them all over the road, They have sleek lines, a very european interior, and overall I am very impressed with the way it drives, handles, rides, etc. This is a great car!

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  Ur Money ... U Decide, I want a Refund! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By StillSAABing - May 2 - 10:00 am

  My 2003 9.3 2.0t is a great looking, fun car to drive with excellent dealer service BUT, this car has more annoying rattles, noises, and little gotchas than any other car I have owned. I expect more from a $30K car. (I have owned Infiniti, Nissan, Chrysler, pre-GM SAAB, and others). The base stereo system sounds terrible. I added an aftermarket amp and 6x9 speakers which make the system sound much better but now I am being told it causes problems with SAABs Infotainment system. The dealership has been excellent, since I have been there a couple of days every month since I bought this car.

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  Awesome car - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By saabfan - May 1 - 7:03 am

  Only three weeks with the car, but loving every minute. Once you take this car home, youll think of any excuse to take it out for a drive.

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  Great Euro Drive - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Ken E. - April 30 - 8:00 am

  For the money, this is the car especially with the smooth shifting 6-speed manual. Vehicle isnt quick off the line but plenty fast and stable at high speeds. Much improved interior for 2007, great build, awesome paint color w/ Titan Gray Metallic. Much better car in terms of fun to drive than the lower end Bimmers/Audis. Pretty good gas mileage so far at over 25 mpg mostly city.

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  A fun car to drive! - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By RRuiz - April 25 - 10:00 am

  This car is just too much fun. I love it ability to accelerate from a high speed to an even higher speed!! :o) Im going to get a lot of speeding tickets with this baby!

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  Wagon? yes, but its a sports car, too - 2007 Saab 9-5
  By annm - April 23 - 12:36 am

  Could not love driving a car more than this! The manual transmission is fun to drive. The Aero is agile & responsive. While there are cars on the highway that are attractive style-wise, I bought the Aero wagon because I wanted a manual. Not too many manuals out there in cars this size. And not too many wagons.

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  Beautiful Car - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By nediamnori - April 21 - 7:23 am

  Pictures do not do this car justice. I love the fact they dont look the same as most vehicles. So what if they look like a "SAAB". Thats what I want. You can spend the same on a used Pontiac but I gurantee most SAABs are kept up way better because the owners LOVE them so much. I love cleaning and caring for it. The little quirks u may find "annoying" I love. What cars have a cup holder(s) like a Saab 9-5 ? The trunk is huge. Its a common sense great vehicle. 5 stars