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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  Single Moms styling - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Ruby Begonia - December 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven Saabs for many years. I love this car however I may have to give it up. My 15 year old is 62" and his leg dont fit very well anymore, especially with his sister and all their gear. Please, please dont tell me to get a minivan.

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  The truth about under rated vehicle - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By NNovesky - December 2 - 10:00 am

  This is a fine car, exceeding expectations in all areas. One small issue is the turbo lag in lower gears only accentuated by the dramatic pickup found as you proceed into 3d, 4th, 5th and 6th gears. Thats right, 6th gear. The 6th gear is a very nice addition for highway driving. Unfortunately 80-90 mph feels like 60mph!! Handling is outstanding and, for my purposes (some moderate distance highways driving, country roads in rural NE and pleasure trips) better than G35 and similar cars. A+ vehicle.

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  Saab Now, Save Greater - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By JCinDC - December 1 - 7:03 pm

  Grew up around the 70s New Englander Saabophiles vs the "Saab Now Cry Later" crowd...their battles on quirkiness and reliability vs individuality and snow- going were legendary. Never much favored a side nor desired to own one, as not a hatchback fan. But caught the redesigned 2008 2.0T on the beltway, and now have taken the plunge. Got a loaded model sans the better stereo and bigger wheels - couldnt get those options with immediate availabilty in the smokey beige color. Just broke 2500 miles of daily commuting and two long road trips. If not for some easily correctable annoyances and a little more zip off the line, this car could be a Best Buy and crush the competition at this price point.

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  Sports car with a patio! - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By bRAD - November 30 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a sports car and I wanted a car to haul around all my stuff like camping gear and mountain bikes. Ive only got room for 1 car and this is it. Itll outrun most other cars- and you can take 4 friends and all their gear with you! Fuel economy is great as long as you stay out of the turbo but it performs so great youll always be going fast. Great car for going long distances in a hurry. With incentives and low sales this car is a hidden gem. Youll get this car for far less than the "competition" and you can spend the money you save on upgrades from Hirsch Performance- then youll have a wagon with 310hp and 325ft-lbs of torque!

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  TRULY WONDERFUL VALUE - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By TIM in Miami - November 29 - 7:43 am

  Saab really made a great SUV. I feel it compares favorably to the XC 90, the X5, and the Touareg (all fine SUVs). The 9-7X offers the same features, with 18 inch wheels and more horsepower for at least $5K less than the others similarly equipped.

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  Great car at a great price - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By awjones - November 27 - 5:46 am

  This truly is a great car at a great price. Compared this vehicle to bmw 3 series, audi a4. There is no comparison. Great interior, very comfortable (Im 64", plenty of front legroom). Nice stereo, with xm, nicely designed console. The 2.0T provides a lot of pickup, especially at high speeds. Very smooth ride, handles well, good fuel economy (runs any grade fuel except racing), xenon headlights are great for night driving. Handles well in heavy rain. All kinds of goodies in this car.

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  Rippen Griffen 9-2X Aero - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Rippen Griffin - November 25 - 4:16 pm

  Best car I have ever owned! Plenty of interior room for a small family, and the rear seats fold flat for more hauling room. Super reliable - over 108k miles, and no service repairs! My car has been modified, to produce ~100 hp over stock hp, and is still a reliable daily driver.

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  Fun Fun Fun - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By fast fredi - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Fun, Fun, Fun. This Saab is much more elegant. The 88 Saab design was far ahead of any other car that was on the road at the time. Saab again has developed a car far beyond anything else on the road. This time they improved the ride, much smoother, very little turbo lag, and good fuel economy. The top comes down with the touch of one button. But there is always a draw back to Saab, If you are going on a long trip, take another car or dont take any clothes with you. Trunk space is a big factor if you travel alot. If the top is down, You can put a pack of gum and a pair of shoes. but all in all UI love my new SAAB.

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  Worth a look - - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By Tierney - November 18 - 6:20 am

  A really superb re-work of the GMC Envoy with much more up-market look and feel. Saabs efforts to stylize the vehicle differently from its cousins was beautifully executed. In the end, having owned a BMW X5, an ML-320 and various mid to high end cars, Im entirely pleased with the 97x.

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  08 9-3 Aero Sportcombi XWD - Great car! - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By simul8guy - November 17 - 12:36 pm

  Contrary to some of the criticisms in the Edmunds model review, this car is a great looking performer thats very satisfying to drive. Its amazing how quickly you get to 70 without pushing the go pedal very far. Great ride on the highway, this car is a cruiser! Ive been getting doubletakes in this car that Id never get in most of the other non-descript cookie cutter designs out there. The Sportcombi is very versatile without the typical station wagon look (I think it looks better than the sedan). With the incentives currently available on the 08 model this car should definitely be on your short list.