Ode To Saab: Premium Swedish Brand

The following is an older review of the Saab line, first published in 2008 and presented herein as a tribute to the Swedish automotive brand.

The European premium car market is dominated by several brands including Mercedes, BMW, Audi, and Volvo. Further behind the pack is Saab, a Swedish automaker now owned by General Motors, but with a marketing distinction all of its own.

Founded in 1947, Saab has a history of automotive innovation which includes the very first implementation of headrests as standard equipment, the introduction of headlamp washers and wipers, the first passenger air filter, and a host of other engineering and safety initiatives. This heritage of emphasizing quality, passenger safety, and leading edge technology has served Saab well and is very much evident in the brand’s three lines of vehicles today.

The Name Of The Game

In keeping with Saab nomenclature, every model is preceded by a 9 and followed by a second number and in some cases ending with a letter. The 9-3 (nine-three) is Saab’s entry-level model while the 9-5 and 9-7X serve as the brand’s executive and sport utility models respectively. The first two models are produced at an assembly plant in Sweden while the recently discontinued, but still available 9-7X was built in the US. That model is being replaced by the 9-4X, a small crossover vehicle which is expected to arrive stateside in early 2010.

Saab 9-3: From Entry Level Luxury To Full Performance Model

As the most popular Saab, the 9-3 embodies four vehicles in eight variations including Sport Sedan, Convertible, SportCombi (wagon), and the high performance Turbo X. Passenger seating is for five or four in the convertible. The base 2.0T Sport Sedan offers a 2.0L turbo-charged I4 engine as standard equipment or buyers can choose the Aero performance package featuring a 2.8L turbo V6. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard with five or six speed automatic transmissions optional. All wheel drive is optional, while front wheel drive is standard.

All variations of the 9-3 offer a remarkable amount of safety and security equipment including OnStar emergency and navigation services, traction control, electronic stability control, anti-locking brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, adaptive front passenger airbags, side impact airbags, head curtain protection, and more. For the ultimate 9-3 experience, Saab now offers the Turbo X, a performance sedan designed to compete against the likes of the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4. This full time all wheel drive limited edition model features enhanced steering and handling, black leather seating, and one distinction that would have made Henry Ford proud: the Turbo X is available only in metallic black.

Saab 9-5: The Classical Saab Executive Model

First introduced in 1998, the 9-5 has received some minor changes since, with an all-new model in the production pipeline. For now, customers will find their executive car equipped with a 2.3L I4 engine, producing 260 horsepower that comes equipped with a five speed manual gearbox. That combination produces 28 mpg on the highway, just one mpg less than the base 9-3 model.

Passenger space is generous in the 9-5 with seating that offers superior comfort and ample support. Expansive windows and a well organized dash gives the driver unfettered command of the cabin while the capable engine offers just the right blend of power and fuel economy. For slightly improved performance, the Saab 9-5 Aero package offers increases in horsepower and torque, while providing appearance enhancements including two-tone seating, custom wheels, and metallic trim.

Saab 9-7X: An American SUV With A Swedish Touch

2009 marks the final year for the 9-7X SUV, the sole Saab model built in the US. Sharing the same platform as the GMC Envoy and Chevrolet TrailBlazer, its General Motors stable mates, the 9-7X is the most luxurious of the three sport utility vehicles. A 4.2L V6 engine is standard, while 5.3L or 6.0L V8s are optional. This SUV holds five passengers and offers all wheel drive standard.

A shifting market from truck based sport utility vehicles to lighter and more fuel efficient car based crossover models means that the 9-7X will be replaced by the 9-4X, sharing its platform with the Cadillac SRX. The 9-4X will be powered by a 2.0 turbo-charged four, offer all wheel drive standard, while providing class leading fuel economy, and all of the usual Saab amenities in a state of the art cabin.

Model Prices And Saab’s Future

Prices for the 9-3 series run from $29-46,000 depending on model variation and equipment selected; $38-40,000 for the 9-5; and $43-50,000 for the 9-7X. To bolster sales, Saab is continuing to offer generous bonus cash or financing incentives, which serve to provide significant savings off of the sticker price. All Saab models offer a 4 year or 50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty as well as five year or 100,000 mile powertrain coverage.

Recent investments in new products and manufacturing facilities by General Motors has assured Saab owners that the automaker is committed to strengthening its Swedish brand while continuing to provide a product that is unique and thoroughly enjoyable to drive and own. For buyers looking for an upscale European product, Saab offers a balanced blend of price, quality, and fuel economy worth your consideration.

Photo Credit: GM Corp.