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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  Solid Car - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By swinnie - November 17 - 2:00 am

  I had concerns when purchasing the vehicle that it may be under powered. i have been pleasantly suprised with the performance and extremely impressed with the gas mileage. Im averaging 28.5 miles to the gallon with an automatic model

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  Stands out in the crowd - 2011 Saab 9-4X
  By jxm0265 - November 11 - 4:37 pm

  Perfect for a family of four. Looks great, drives solid, stereo is fantastic - internal harddrive (no bluetooth though). Easy to get in and drive - features of those about 12 thousand more.

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  Great car, but beware of the cupholder! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Brendan Larson - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Like almost everyone else, I test drove A4s, BMW 3s, G35s, etc. and really didnt even consider the SAAB until I happened to pass a dealership and saw a 9-3 Vector. Great car, beautiful styling, good performance and fuel economy, but BE CAREFUL with the dash- mounted cup holder. I accidentally clipped it with my briefcase and it cost me $200 to get it fixed.

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  I Really Like It - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By crwindy - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I replaced a Passat V6 GLX wagon with this used Saab. I couldnt be happier. The overall quality and solidity of this wagon makes the VW seem like an old minibus. The engine is so powerful and smooth; the ride so good and the handling is very good especially for a wagon. The interior is very comfortable and the seats are great. I get 30 MPG on the highway and 26-27 overall. This car is certainly worth a look. P.S. I have the 5 speed.

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  9-3 Linear Launch Pkg really shines - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By bond11 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Bought a Laser Red Linear with Launch Package (17" wheels, CD Changer, Roof, Electric Seats, Auto), it is a beautiful car to look at when it nice and clean and with the 17" 5 spoke wheels it really looks sporty - great handling for reasonably priced car, upscale and euro looking interior, over 3500 miles on it so far no problems, minor rattle in the door which the dealer fixed right away, they installed the on-star a month after we took delivery and gave us 2 years free service, transaction was smooth and I pair 28K out the door We like the car just needs a little more HP Overall very pleased with our red hot 9-3

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  Great vehicle - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By jct - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding driving car and at the price unbeatable! Six speed is the way to go (very smooth shifting), great pickup and impressive passing zone.

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  2006 Saab 9-5 - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By Saab #3 - October 30 - 11:40 pm

  Love driving this car... it is my 3rd saab and they all have been quality, unique cars. I still have not seen another one on the highway... its good not to own the cookie-cutter vehicles all the time. Only negative note is why cant saab make a car with a couple of useable drink-holders?

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  Great choice - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Socker - October 30 - 6:33 pm

  Was looking at BMW 3-series when I came across the new 9-3 aero...so glad I did! Amazing car to drive...so smooth and quiet on the road, with plenty of space inside for hauling people and things. Ive always had a liking of "unique" cars, and the Saab 9-3 is definitely a unique car. Its all the luxury and performance of a BMW or Audi, at a slightly lower price, and you can bet you wont see another one at every stop light!

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  Love the Car, Hate the Corporation - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By AJ in California - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Saab and I love the car -- especially the convertible which is sooo much fun to drive with the top down. Only drawback to owning the car: dealing with Saab Corporation! The car may have alot of "soul" but Saab Corporation clearly does NOT given my experience. This is one second time Saab owner who still loves Saab cars but am sorely disappointed by the company who clearly operates on "rules and regulations" (their exact words to me on the phone). Obviously, "profit" and not customer satisfaction reigns surpreme at Saab Corporation!

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  2004 9-5 aero wagon - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Dan T - October 23 - 5:40 pm

  I was put-off by an older 9000 I owned before but was impressed the moment I got behind the wheel. Purchased this instead of a BMW wagon because of better interior space, much better mileage and impressive power.