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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  Yes, GM ruined Saab - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By The Mules - March 29 - 2:36 am

  Look at all of the poor reviews previously submitted and you basically have my review. I purchased my 3rd Saab, a 2004 9-3 Linear and what a disappointment. I knew GM had more input in this 9-3 than the previous models, but I still bought one. Thats how loyal I was to Saab. Boy, was that a mistake. Ive lost count of the number of times shes been in the shop; brakes, radio, transmission, rattles, doors unlocking by themselves, SID going blank, key replaced, etc., etc... I wish I could tell everyone who is considering a GM...er, Saab to NOT DO IT! Stay away. Dont let the image of the old Saab cloud your decision. PS: Saab no longer makes fighter planes - havent for some time now.

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  I Laughed, I cried, It Moved Me - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By jzeilinger - March 27 - 9:10 pm

  This has to be the craziest love/hate relationship Ive ever had with a car. One day I hated it, the next day I loved it. This car has a ton of power for a 4-banger and it was a total hoot to drive. It handled corners extremely well with very little body lean, was incredibly quick, roomy, huge trunk, responsive, and got very good gas mileage for a car of this size. I enjoyed this car tremendously. This was my 2nd 9-5 so that tells you something about my love for car. The Aero is pavement hungry & the conservative sport sedan look is very deceptive - cop magnet, be careful!

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  our saab rocks - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By dr. j - March 27 - 10:00 am

  We needed a wagon to haul our 2 unruly basset hounds and our stuff. Suvs were not an option as they seem unsafe and a puffed up vestige of 90s consumerism. We test drove subaru, volvo, audi and bmw. As previous saab owners, we werent going to look at saab due to the lack of an AWD option. The minute we sat in this wagon, and then drove it, the search was over.

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  Saab Ownership - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By cedric long - March 25 - 2:30 pm

  Second Saab this year (other 9-3 convertible). Excellent build quality, very responsive handling, and power delivery of Aero exceeds expectations. Seats are very supportive. Financially, a very attractive package that delivers all of the features of my previous BMW 530i but at a much more realistic price. Not a mainstream vehicle but value certainly exceeds other competitors when you take into account attractive lease options.

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  Performance, Comfort, and Fun to Drive!! - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By GeeWhiz - March 24 - 11:13 pm

  Sink into these comfortable seats, turn the key in the console - hit the sport mode put into gear and take off - you will feel why they say Saab born form jets. All this and excellent fuel economy, especially on the open road. Since Ive only owned a short time - my personal experience with reliability is incomplete, sounds like following the maintenance schedule is key. I fell in love with this car during the test drive.

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  solid and very fast - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By piod - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Strong acceleration without feel of turbo delay, very roomy cargo area, very fuel officient on highway, not so good in the city. Very solid and luxurious interior, unique ventilated seats. Excellent sound system. A little bit odd outside, but all together I am very glad to owe one.

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  brand new. - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By ronr - March 21 - 10:00 am

  great details. only question is reliability. drives like a dream.

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  If You are Looking for A Different SUV - 2008 Saab 9-7X
  By Joseph - March 20 - 4:56 pm

  You will not see many SAAB 9-7X on the road. That can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on your point of view. With two weeks I have had my vehicle in the shop twice. Hmm. I have a wait and see attitude. What will be the next thing that have me back at the shop.

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  2008 9-3 2.0t Sport Sedan - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By magnetic1 - March 19 - 1:23 pm

  The styling is great (int and ext) and elegant. After many test drives, there is nothing with more punch/dollar. Performance is impressive for 4cyl turbo. Peak torque and hp at low rpms means accessible speed. Youre flying before you know it. Some turbo lag, but prep to ~2500 rpm and its a rocket. Too much body roll on corners, but grip on the road seems unaffected. Mine is AT, but the MT is a joy. Youve got to drive it even if not buying. Love the brakes...lots of expression. As always with Saab, the controls become intuitive. Radio and climate arent impressive. Some interior items feel cheap. Not bad for the money though. Like the gauges and SID in front. Love the car. No regrets.

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  Fun Driving Experience - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Scott - March 19 - 6:00 am

  I purchased my Saab used about 6 months ago. Style is to each his own, but I love the appearance and the feel of owning this car. It has way too many safety and other features to list, but most are very useful. The real winner for me is the joy I get when I drive. The car makes me feel very stable and comfortable. I feel in control. It has what I like to call smooth power. It handles well, and it is just a pleasure to drive. The six speed manual is way fun as well. I had one problem with the drivers window, fixed under waranty. I also have an oil leak which will be looked at tomorrow.