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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  reflections of the 900 - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By saab9000 - January 1 - 10:00 am

  while this car looks large, the interior does not match the promise of size one would expect. the exterior styling seems to be reflective of the early 90s 900 and not the last of the 9000s. the car is comfortable to drive and the seats are heaven but interior storage is very limited.

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  First time buyer of SAAB - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By New Saab Owner - January 1 - 10:00 am

  We traded in a Nissan Maxima for a 2003 Saab Linear, options: Auto Trans, 16" wheels, metallic paint, & heated seats. Its no where as fast as the Maxima but overall my family and I like the 9-3. The seats are very comfortable, the steering is responsive, and the 9-3 just seems to be put together nicely. The 9-3 moves preety good for a turbo four cylinder engine.

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  Amazing - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By itshrd2bcute - December 29 - 11:16 am

  I bought my Saab in June at a reasonable price. About a month after I got it my map sensor went. But otherwise its a great! Car

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  Just Drive it! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By saabowner - December 26 - 10:00 am

  After many weeks of research and driving, I opted for the 9-3 Linear with all available options and received a vehicle which is gorgeous to look at, extremely practical (I have taken it camping twice and easily fit all required items), and thrilling to drive. Add to this a reasonable price tag and flexible purchase options, and the decision was fairly straight - forward. Truly, I am pleased with this vehicle after 4 mos. of ownership and 8000 miles. This is one car I can live with for many years (or at least until the new model comes out!)!

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  This car breaks a lot - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Eliza - December 26 - 7:16 am

  I purchased my SAAB because the test drive was great and the car had great features and design. The turbo engine is a lot of fun, and the interior and exterior are beautiful. After 3 months, while driving in Manhattan, we had our first engine problem. The car was towed to the dealer at no charge and we were given a replacement. After that, the car has been in the shop at least once every 3- 4 months for various problems. Computer problems are the most common, but the most surprising was the complete tearing appart of the clutch, something not even the dealer had seen in 20 year old cars. This is very odd as the car stays in a garage and we drive very slowly around NY streets.

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  Nice Car to Drive; Hard Car to upkeep - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Glad to Move On - December 23 - 4:10 pm

  Enjoyed driving the car, but lots of problems. Bad fuel pump, gas tank level gauge replacement, front suspension problems, very expensive emissions system repairs, both power windows went bad, cable connector to starter motor completely corroded away - I could go on. Tire wear was horrible, no matter what kind of tire I tried or advice I received. I barely got 20K miles out of a set of tires despite 3k rotation. Oh well - glad to move on to my next vehicle - not going to see me in another Saab any time soon - sorry GM. Maybe I just got a bad vehicle.

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  Great driving, exceptional power - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By awasti - December 23 - 10:40 am

  Great for driving. Turbo is very powerful, although kicks in around 35MPH. Car has all the necessary luxuries pre- packages from heated seats to dual power seat adjustment to climate control to on-star gps tracking.

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  Practical and Cool - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Rob - December 21 - 5:13 pm

  I have a fast and practical car which looks unlike everything else. It has had no problems and puts a smile on my face when I accelerate.

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  Love it, love it, love it - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By jbird - December 17 - 3:16 am

  I love my Saab 92X and dont care if its part Suburu. Its the best of both reliability, stability, and style. Perfect for a person with an active life style. Great even with few options, but wish I wouldve gotten leather for easier cleaning.

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  Great purchase - 2006 Saab 9-2X
  By NY owner - December 16 - 10:50 pm

  This is a great car, the handling and performance is excellent, and with the rebates given when the model was going out, it was an amazing purchase. I specially love cornering in twisty roads and the response in steering.