There used to be Saab culture. Now it is dying brand. Way overpriced for the content. And thats the biggest con of Saab.

Saab is a manufacturer of great "all-around" cars.

Saab was the first company to mass market turbochargers for everyday cars in 1978. As a result they have perfected the technology over the last 30 years. The turbocharged engines of today provide outstanding "real world" power in a reliable package with better than average fuel economy. You get V6 power from a lighter, less thirsty inline 4. You won't win many drag races, but when it comes to passing/overtaking in the 40-85mph range, there is nothing that compares. The old Saab 9000 Aeros of the 1990s used to advertise a faster 50-70mph time than a Ferrari Testarossa.

My 9-5 is an absolute blast to drive -- the turbo rush is wonderful fun. Saabs are among the best handling front wheel drive cars on the planet. This drivetrain is also sure-footed in snow and rain, if your local climate is so inclined.

The Swedes make some of the safest cars on the road. The 9-3 and 9-5 are perennial 5-star/top safety picks in crash testing -- this includes the 9-3 convertible! In addition to the numerous airbags, they are equipped with an award-winning SAHR (Saab active head restraint) which moves the headrest forward in a rear end collision to aid in the prevention of whiplash. The ignition placement is also a safety feature. By placing the key on the center console, it removes the risk of sharp, jagged, metal keys from injuring one's knee in the event of an accident.

Saab has a traditional ethos of form following function. In my opinion the cars have uncommon, understated good looks. However, people grow to love their utility very quickly.

Lastly, the interior is ergonomic and comfortable. While the "Born From Jets" tagline from advertisements is a bit cliche, there is a true cockpit feel. The controls are focused toward the driver to reduce the time/effort needed to makes adjustments, and therefore keeping your eyes on the road as much as possible. And I could not comment on a Saab interior without mentioning the comfort of the seats. The seat bolstering is ideal for long drives that will keep you relaxed and refreshed after several hours on the road. I used to get back pain from my other cars -- not in a Saab. They are possibly the most comfortable car seats I have experienced in a vehicle under US$60,000.

There was an old saying that "people who test drive a Saab usually buy one". I did -- three times.

Good luck!

PS Check out this wonderful international Saab blog written by an enthusiast. It covers everything from new model developments, old model nostalgia, and absolutely everything in between. http://www.trollhattansaab.net/

Common Pros: One of the most fun cars to drive. Media says key in center of two seats: quirky. I and any friend that that has actually driven in car say: Cool. Nobody has it, and in today's me-too world, set the car apart. Again, cool. (is a Porsche left hand key ignition slot quirky and not cool?) Forget journalists, think real drivers (who get swayed by media). Drive it, feel it, decide. Turbo rush, unbeatable. That "let's take off feeling", who has it? Cool dash (not too many buttons) but justifying the aircraft feel (anyone been in an airplane cockpit?) The brand stands for all it it, aircraft inspired, born from jets (whatever) but truly an exciting, everyday, safe and unique car. The commute is fun again.

Cons:
Too much media obsessed with "quirky". Enough. People get it and remember the hatchback. Realistically what is quirky today? Mags, awesome on a production car. Cup holder: Wow, who makes something like that, and why do we need cup holders able to hold 2 gallon cups? Sensible is the name of the game. As for interior quality, ok dash made of plastic and pre-Bose speakers not up to par, but those seats, wow....On the Aero model, makes me want to take them inside the house. Think most comfortable movie experience. Why pay for a couch.

+ best seats in the world!
+ top safety
+ overall build quality
+ cost vs equipment (lots of bangs for the bucks)
+ handling in all conditions
+ turbo power which makes for low fuel consumption

- few dealerships
- weird pricing with incentives (a GM thingy?)
- all the question from friends about "that strange car" :-)

Saab has always embodied that undefinable 'I don't know why I love this car, but I know I do' feeling. As a Saab driver for over 18 years, I wouldn't want to drive anything else. I love the way it makes me feel compared to other makes, which are simply cars. A Saab is a Saab, not just a car. A Saab will never be a me-too car. A Saab is a car you cherish.

We have both a 2000 9-5SE Estate (from new) with the smallest-bar-one engine, the 2.3lpt, but even that will surprise many with its speed and acceleration. We also have a classic 1992 900SE lpt (bought in 96 at 59k) which is like no other car in existence. It is, as some would say, a bit quirky, but it's a great every-day car with bags of character and individuality and can carry people and tons of stuff with ease.

As far as running costs are concerned, they've been very low (you can use reasonably priced genuine Saab parts or other parts which are easy to get hold of). I've serviced the 900 myself for eight years and it's been bullet-proof having just passed 111k. It is also amazingly easy to work on. The 9-5 at 64k has been just as good. The only problem I've suffered is a failing ignition cassette which was changed FOC immediately (even after eight years). No other major faults or problems whatsoever.

Both cars are great to drive, but have very different engine characteristics. The 900's engine loves revs and needs to be revved to get the best out of it, whereas the 9-5's 2.3lpt is tuned for an effortless drive with bags of low-down torque. Both make for a great drive, be it a short drive around the corner or 300 miles plus. The 9-5 is the most amazing car on long journeys and you feel as good when you step out of the car as when you stepped into it.

The comfort. Not sure what I can say that hasn't already been said. Saabs have the best and most comfortable seats in the world! No question. Even my old 1982 900 was so comfortable that after driving 350 miles in one go, with no stops, we jumped out of the car as if it had been a 5 minute drive around the corner. And I'm 2m, 6ft 7in! Our current 900 and 9-5 are even better, so work it out for yourself. Once, whilst on a driving holiday I had to drive 400 miles (in our current 900) having just pulled a muscle in my back. The only time I was comfortable was when sitting in the driver's seat.

Handling is safe and sure-footed, whatever the conditions may be. The 900 is, I would have to say, more fun to drive than the 9-5, but that's mainly because it's a fair bit lighter and a bit more 'chuckable' as a result. The 9-5 is also fun, but that's mainly because of its amazing torquey engine. I do love turbos.

I will finish off by asking how many of you still feel excited at the prospect of driving a car that is eight or even twelve years old? Can't think of many cars that can do that, apart from out Saabs.

Please correct the warranty info. The bumper-to-bumper warranty is 4 yrs, 50,000 miles. And don't forget the 5 yr, 100,000 mile drive train warranty.
Other than that, the comments above, cover pretty much all I've got to say. I've been driving Saabs since 1967 (stroker) which makes me a very happy man (when driving).
PS: I love pulling long, steep hills in 5th gear (5-speed), even accelerating, while V6 cars are slowing and down-shifting:-)

I'm an ex-Saab owner three times: two 900S and a 9000S. All three were fun to drive, but were plagued by electronic bugaboos. I now drive Hondas because of their reliability, improved safety and solid resale value. Count me as just another Honda convert!

After an encounter with a stallion head-on in another brand, my Saab 9-3 Aero was purchased for safety features including steel reinforcement and curtain airbags. There is nothing like the comfort of Saab seats, but why would a sports vehicle of this caliber have a manual seat option, instead of electric seats as standard? It's true Saab has smooth handling and the acceleration of the turbo is this car's best feature.

Several nice interior features, but external - not so much. The front spoiler has been replaced 3 times due to low ride scraping standard parking curbs and for not staying attached to body. The attachment is poorly designed and houses electrical wiring, a danger when the spoiler comes lose and is dragging asphalt.

The engine, yes the entire engine, has been replaced once due to poor design. The intake for turbo engine is on under/right side which is also the gutter side with deepest drainage. Less than a foot of water on the right side road bed flooded out the engine.

Remote entry keys are flawed and both have been replaced at least 5 times total. It's no fun being locked out of your car (in the rain) with your remote key in your hand! The minuses outweight the plusses. When my lease is up, I'm outta here.

After an encounter with a stallion head-on in another brand, my Saab 9-3 Aero was purchased for safety features including steel reinforcement and curtain airbags. There is nothing like the comfort of Saab seats, but why would a sports vehicle of this caliber have a manual seat option, instead of electric seats as standard? It's true Saab has smooth handling and the acceleration of the turbo is this car's best feature.

Several nice interior features, but external - not so much. The front spoiler has been replaced 3 times due to low ride scraping standard parking curbs and for not staying attached to body. The attachment is poorly designed and houses electrical wiring, a danger when the spoiler comes lose and is dragging asphalt.

The engine, yes the entire engine, has been replaced once due to poor design. The intake for turbo engine is on under/right side which is also the gutter side with deepest drainage. Less than a foot of water on the right side road bed flooded out the engine.

Remote entry keys are flawed and both have been replaced at least 5 times total. It's no fun being locked out of your car (in the rain) with your remote key in your hand! The minuses outweight the plusses. When my lease is up, I'm outta here.

You have just made my decision to buy a Saab very easy.

i am looking to purchase a front cover spoiler for my 2007 9-3 saab. Does anyone know the name of this part and were i can get it? thanks

i am looking to purchase a front cover spoiler for my 2007 9-3 saab. Does anyone know the name of this part and were i can get it? thanks

I was seventeen when I purchases my first saab 900SE. I loved the car for it's original features such as the center console ignition and funky head rest. I am now on my second saab due to wrecking the other which still stood proud compared to the damage done to the honda that hit me. I love my saab's and could not imagine driving any thing els. My favorite design is the hatchback that sticks out in the crowd. It's a shame they stopped making that model. So hope I could be of some help to any one considering a saab. I hope you too fall in love with this car.

If anyone is looking to buy a SAAB, here's my input and please read.

I bought my first SAAB 9-5 in 2007. I will state this that I like this SAAB but if I had it all to do over again, I would have taken that money and put it into fixing up my 1999 Ford Taurus.

Reason: This SAAB 9-5 has been in the shop more times than not for some sort of 'mysterious' electrical issue that not even the SAAB dealerships know what is up with it. My car radio stays on even AFTER the car is shut off, the key is removed from the middle console AND with the door open. I had a brand new battery put in but it's not the battery. When it gets the least bit cold out, my car won't start. Luckily, I'm a fortunate individual that owns a 2003 Ford Ranger so I was able to get to my job and not be stranded. My SAAB has been 'down and out' for several months because no one knows what is up with it.

And if that wasn't bad enough ... my husband went to start the SAAB over the warmer weekend and SURPRISE...it started right up...like I had been lying that it wouldn't even turn over. He drove it around the countryside for probably an hour and eventually called me to come with the jumper cables about three miles from home. It wouldn't jump start. He said it acted like it was out of gas, but it wasn't. He took his older larger Ford truck up and since it has a larger battery than my Ranger, the SAAB started. By the time my husband brought the car home, it was burning 'something' out the exhaust. It NEVER smoked like it did this day ... it would spit out a grayish-white cloud....which would indicate something possibly wrong with the head gasket. Nice.

So, along with the 'mysterious' electrical problem that no one seems to know about, now I have a second major problem with the engine.

I will not ever ever buy a SAAB ever again. My best friends' husband has owned a SAAB for a very long time and has put the normal wear and tear maintenance costs into his SAAB. My SAAB would probably best be suited for a junk yard than on the streets. I would love to sell it as is and get enough money to fix the rolled-over Ford Taurus in my back yard. That car NEVER failed me and I've had it since 2000. I felt it was such a safe vehicle that I gave it to my oldest son, who eventually wrecked it on a windy-wet road, rolled it onto its roof, and it slid down an embankment. My son only received a red mark on his right arm. That car was a tank and I could pass people, including trucks, in the middle of winter on snowy roads.

Excuse me for being off topic regarding the SAAB but I'm only being honest. My story may be a rarity, but who wants to take the chance of buying a 'supposed' high end vehicle and then it becomes an unreliable piece-o?

Think long and hard about buying, you'll thank me later. : )

Here's the deal with Saabs: Make sure you have an honest, and knowledgeable mechanic. We have a 1991 900 convertible with 180,000 miles on it, and a 1999 9-3 with just over 100,000. Both have been reliable and trouble free -with the usual belts/hoses/maintenance stuff. We live in a small town in the woods of Northern Minnesota -hundreds of miles from any Saab dealership, or even a dedicated European car repair place. And there have been times when a simple maintenance task, could easily have gone horribly wrong if I hadn't been watching over an ignorant mechanic. I believe that it's just a sign of our times (think of all the tragic medical mistakes that you read about)...but do a bit of research if you have a problem. The cars themselves are no worse than any other brand. But...they are funky, and can lead to being ripped off by the dishonest -or damaged by the ignorant.