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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  Saab repair - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Mark - March 17 - 7:03 pm

  10K miles summary: - coolant reservoir broken - ABS pump replaced - air bypass valve replaced - software that control windows updated - HID leveling system replaced The car cannot survive a week without having to spend another week at the dealership. we made more miles on the courtesy cars than on our 9-3.

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  best Saab Ive owned - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By Will Wright - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned 3 other Saabs, this is built the best and most solid and easily the most reliable of all. I miss the odd quirkiness of the older models, but this is great for driving long distances. Set cruise at 73 and get 33 mpg, even in mountains. Nice enough to entertain clients. Huge trunk. Can also fit 3 car seats across the back seat!

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  good car - 1996 Saab 900
  By scott Graber - March 8 - 11:06 pm

  Very pleased with vehicle. I bought it with 98,000 miles. Ive since put 35,000 of my own on it with only a few minor and one moderate repair(s). I do much of the work myself and find it pretty easy to deal with.

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  Long live my SAAB - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By B - March 8 - 4:30 am

  Love the car. Fun to drive. More than enough power that you could ask for. stylish inside and out. Warranty has been great

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  2000 Saab 9-5 - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By jnod204 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Overall, it is an excellent driving experience for an excellent value.

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  Best of the Best - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By RobertB - March 4 - 1:40 pm

  This car is wonderful. The car fits me like a glove, handles well in snow and ice, sound system is great. The trunk space surprised me on how much it can hold. Ive owned many cars over the past 25 years and this Saab convertible is my favorite car of them all.

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  Fabulous - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Casey C. - March 2 - 9:30 pm

  I just love this car. Its the most comfortable and responsive car Ive owned since my BMW 5 series about 10 years ago. Ive owned many cars of many different shapes and sizes and am happy to get in it every morning and every evening. If youre considering an Aero and you can get a good price, grab it. You wont be sorry.

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  Viggen - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By From BMW to SAAB - March 2 - 10:00 am

  This is my forst SAAB after driving several BMWs (All 3 series). The viggen shows a far better built an finish than the BMW. Viggen however, is not as tamed as the BMW. It requires driver attention. This car can deliver a lots of performance - but make sure that your driving is also up to the task. +

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  What are you waiting for? - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Jerry - February 27 - 8:56 am

  Just took delivery of a 2007 60th Anniversary edition 9-3 2.0T on a trade for my 03 9-3 Linear. Got the 4 cyl instead of the 6 cyl Aero because my driving needs dont warrant the bigger engine. The 4 cyl is plenty of power and pickup. Saab has this car totally dialed in now and it is amazing. Pricewise a terrific value, safe and refined. There is no reason this should not be the leading entry level luxury sedan on the market. Far more interesting and fun to drive than the Asian counterparts, and a far better buy than the other Europeans. Drive it, look at how its built, and get one while they last.

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  Just a Nice Car - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Bob - February 26 - 3:23 pm

  My 9-3 has been very reliable with the only problem a couple of burned out headlight bulbs. The car is quick, quiet, comfortable, safe, nioe looking and extremely fuel efficient. My complaint is the handling. This is NOT the sport sedan Saab makes it out to be. The steering is too light, the suspension is too soft, the car leans excessively in turns and loses traction over any road irregularities. There is plenty of torque steer as well. "Born from Jets", I dont think so.