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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  Luxury for a Great Price - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By Chris - December 30 - 8:36 pm

  With the GM discount, this Saab was delivered with every option for just over 34k. Leather, xm radio, heated/electric seats w/ memory, moonroof, 6 disc changer, onstar, xenon headlights, garage door opener, side airbags, cruise, 18 inch wheels, tow hitch, bose 300 watt stereo, power mirrors/locks, rear amd passenger climate controls, plus more all included! Rides great, handles great for an SUV, rough on gas! The V6 has plenty of power, but go with the V8 if you are going to tow.

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  Another great SAAB story - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Chet - December 29 - 2:53 am

  This was my 2nd great SAAB. First was a superb driving, reliable, safe 2003 9-3 sedan (e.g..36 mpg at 80 mph on New Mex I40 at 105 degrees Fahrenheit. This SAAB 9-5 wagon has been problem free for almost all of its 100,000 miles. It has been all over the USA, full of "stuff", and still averages 34 mpg on the highway and 23 in town. Of course, I maintain its recommended maintenance schedule, dont you? Heres hoping the new owners of SAAB dont screw it up.

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  First Saab - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Stack4 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Well I just recently jumped out and bought a fully loaded 9-3 aero. I love the thing it is so much fun to drive. Its true what people say once you test drive one youll usualy buy one. I did. Others are also right about the complements and pleasant stares you get. Not many of these great cars are out and about. One problem I have had is that my tire pressure gauge sensor went out. But i assume it shouldnt be a problem and they will fix it once I can bring myself to drop it off at the dealer.

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  The road less traveled - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By waltwins - December 27 - 10:00 am

  Second Saab Ive owned. Very practical, fun to drive, reliable and safe. Will probably buy another one when the time comes.

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  Love the Saab! - 2007 Saab 9-5
  By Esconced - December 25 - 11:06 pm

  Havent had the car long but it sure is impressive so far. I am so tired of the heavy feeling in many vehicles and I love the way this car combines power with a light feeling. This car doesnt need a long runway. It is difficult to find a vehicle that is fun to drive around town but also is a pleasure as a touring sedan. This car appears to be good at both. I will have a better idea when I take a 1600 mile road trip in a couple of weeks.

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  Mercedes to Saab - 2008 Saab 9-7X
  By JT from NC - December 23 - 10:30 pm

  Drove 9-7X from FL to NC and it handled beautifully. Not quite the E320 Mercedes ride but more than adequate. Great interior comfort and distinctive exterior. The Bose sound and the add ons to basic vehicle make for a nice package. Pricey and wish mileage was better 15-18/gal. Certainly didnt see many on the road so a unique. So far so good.

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  FUN FUN FUN - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By hotrodMN - December 23 - 3:20 am

  I am a proud owner of a 2000 9-5 Aero sedan. I was looking for something fun to drive, had great curb appeal, seats 5 and wasnt what everyone else drove. I found my car online from a private party 900 miles from MN. This car averaged 29mpg from VA to MN. Lots of low and nid range torque. 60-80mph is a blink of an eye. This car is the best performance for the money. All I can say is that it puts a smile on my face every morning! FUN FUN FUN!!!

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  Fun four door - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By CSA900 - December 22 - 11:20 am

  Great vehicle around town, lots of FUN in sport mode. This car has amazing torque, feels even faster than it is. Great stereo, excellent air conditioner. 32 mpg on the highway, but only 19 around town in sport mode with your foot in it!

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  So far so good - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By MJ - December 22 - 10:00 am

  One year old now and no service issues. Rides great. The 6 cyl. turbo engine is deceiving. It accelarates well from 0 - 30, and really well when you put it in "Sport" mode. But the real power is in the 30 - 50, or even 50 - 75 range. This car flies! It has tremendous passing power. The car is as smooth & stable at 90MPH as it is at 25MPH. No "turbo-lag". This car is smooth, powerful, comfortable. There may be more powerfull cars, or more comfortable cars, or even more reliable cars, but when you add it all up, this car gets high marks across the board.

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  So far so good - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By mj - December 22 - 10:00 am

  One year old now and no service issues. Rides great. The 6 cyl. turbo engine is deceiving. It accelarates well from 0 - 30, and really well when you put it in "Sport" mode. But the real power is in the 30 - 50, or even 50 - 75 range. This car flies! It has tremendous passing power. The car is as smooth & stable at 90MPH as it is at 25MPH. No "turbo-lag". This car is smooth, powerful, comfortable. There may be more powerfull cars, or more comfortable cars, or even more reliable cars, but when you add it all up, this car gets high marks across the board.