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 in Class except for Spare Tire Kit - 2010 Saab 9-5
  By eyedeals - February 17 - 6:07 am

  Ive been driving Saabs sin 1985,my first being an SPG Aero. To me, Saabs have always been extremely under-rated except by those that drive them. More room, more power, more reliability, more amenities than anything in or around its class for less. The 2010 9-5 Aero is by far the best Saab Ive owned.

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  Happy Decision - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By believer - February 16 - 2:00 am

  After an extensive search , I am extremelly pleased with my purchase. The BMW 330xi- out significant price tag. It came down to an Audi A4 Quattro or a Saab 93/95. The Audi 1.8Turbo -a bit underpowered, it begged for standard transmition. Lacked convenience features standard on this category cars. The pumping seat adjustor was a bit odd. The Saab 95 is extremmelly smooth and does not suffer from lack of power with its automatic transmition. Very aggresive prices for leftover 2002 Saabs secured the 95 for less than the Audi A4.

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  Eleanor will be missed... - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By dssquare85 - February 13 - 10:00 pm

  I purchased my Aero used with 30,000K on her. I immediately fell in love and still miss her to this day. I had Eleanor for almost 3 years. She gave me no problems and put nothing but smiles on my face while I owned her. It was worth the expensive insurance, premium fuel and lackluster mpg. Unfortunately, the engine decided to blow at 57,000K with regularly scheduled maintenance. Thousands of dollars later it just wasnt the same and was forced to trade her in. I gave Subaru another chance and traded Eleanor in for 11 Legacy in May 2011.

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  saab2xaero - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By risacco - February 10 - 10:13 pm

  Terrific bargain at gm employee price. Fun to drive, steering is best of any car I have ever owned, all wheel drive means no front wheel spin or hop on hard acceleration. Awesome acceleration in 2nd gear when turbo spooled up. Hatchback is very useful. Like having a high performance car that looks tame.

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  900SE Turbo - 1996 Saab 900
  By onejohny - February 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is fast, confortable, fun to drive, can haul a lot, gets decent mileage, excellent on long trips. Excellent car in cold climates (heated seats) but make sure you put on winter tires. If you have to own one car that will do everything well this is it. This car will hit you with some high repair bills if youre not careful. Getting an extended waranty paid off on this car as the power seat and climate control both failed and were covered. If poperly maintained it is an excellent car, but dont expect the operating costs of a Honda.

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  Saab 2001 - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By Phylclar - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding value for the price- all th efeatures of a luxury car with superior performance to boot.

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  Just misses being great - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By lasaabguy - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Excellent highway car with smooth ride and passing power. Manual is slow off the line around town. You are behind everyone else leaving the light as the turbo spools up, but a lot of power once you are rolling. Very comfortable seating and quiet at speed. Good room. Super build quality - zero problems in 2 years.

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  Great car!! - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By dlflyboy - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up my Aero, Ive been looking at these for some time now and finally decided to get one (reluctant to go back to a car from my SUV). I have everything but the auto trans and vented seats (too noisy). So, far Im very pleased with the ride and handling. What a joy to drive and great gas mileage.

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  Saab 2.0T, the new sports car for N.E. - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By SAABSNOB - January 31 - 10:00 am

  The new Saab 2.0T eats the road. In New England, we need a car that can handle the in-climate weather, narrow roads and steep hills. FWD or AWD vehicles are a necessity. So, buying a "sport" vehicle is a really tough choice. RWD is what "sport" is all about, right? No longer. Curves, hills, rain - forget it. The 6M tranny is smooth and accurate. FAST. Do the research and drive the cars - BMW 3, AUDI A4, INFINITY G35 - the Saab Arc (or Vector) is the best ride/bang for the buck.

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  saab is great - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Steve - January 30 - 1:36 am

  Love to drive, fight over it with the wife