SAAB- an unforgettable name in the car industry- may be a part of history now, but its legacy as a unique car brand lives in the minds of classic car lovers.
It was among the car brands that did things differently. Whether through innovative design or unparalleled engineering, SAAB gave the best cars to autophiles to cherish for a lifetime. No one can deny the impact of this short-lived car brand on the community.
The company went out of business in 2014 after unsuccessfully searching for a buyer for several years. However, their downfall was not due to poor-quality vehicles.
In fact, Saab was known for the opposite – they were notorious for over-engineering their cars. This approach frustrated investors but also created an incredibly loyal customer base who appreciated the exceptional value of Saab vehicles.
SAAB’s Greatest Hits
This article will explore the Saab world with the 6 finest SAABs ever made. These amazing cars, born and raised in Trollhättan, Sweden, embody the finest in motorcar design, innovative turbocharged engineering, and relentless dedication to motorcar safety.
SAAB 92 (1949-1956)
Starting with the firstborn of this Swedish automotive brand- SAAB 92. As parents have a special place for their firstborn, so does SAAB 92 hold a special place in the eyes of gearheads as it receives special attention during its early years of release.
The brand started its efforts to make a small, affordable car with its four prototypes as the market was flooded with motorcycles, large bangers, and trucks. The project was then known as Project 92 or X9248- which then released its learning as Saab 92 in 1949.
One peculiarity of the 92 was its two-cylinder, two-stroke engine, which produced 25 horsepower on gas and oil. With a three-speed gearbox, it reached 50 mph. The 92’s sales marked the Swedish brand’s success, where SAAB produced 2,298 units until 1952 as 92A and 5,000 units of the revised 92B.
One of the interesting facts about the SAAB 92 is its engineers’ prior experience designing cars. A team of 16 designers worked on it. None had experience designing cars, and only two had a driving license. With this team, fabricating something like Ursaab was an accomplishment and worth celebrating.
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SAAB 99 Turbo (1978–1984)
The Saab 99 Turbo was a turning point for the Swedish car manufacturer, transforming its image. Throughout its development, the car received continuous improvements, including a larger engine and fuel injection, which created the sporty EMS model. But in 1978, Saab truly made its mark with the 99 Turbo, boasting 145 horsepower.
This car was an early pioneer of turbocharging technology. The 99 Turbo was quick but had some turbo lag, and it arrived at a perfect moment as many people were looking to switch from larger, less efficient cars during the second energy crisis of 1979. The Saab 99 Turbo offered impressive speed while promising better fuel economy compared to other cars with more cylinders.
Priced significantly higher than other Saab 99 models (the basic L model had 100 hp and cost much less), the Turbo was a flagship offering. In the United States, where 40 percent of these cars were sold, dealers had a catchy way of describing its value: “For $9,998, the 99 Turbo is not cheap – but it is faster than anything cheaper and cheaper than anything faster!”
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SAAB 900 (1978 – 1998)
The SAAB 900 is another one of those classic cars that will never feel outdated. 900 was built more practical than its predecessor 90– a host of low-pressure turbo models for better fuel efficiency, and more modern with an achingly cool convertible style body. This resulted in SAAB 900 becoming the most sold SAAB of all time, with over 900,000 models produced. It’s undoubtedly among the coolest cars built by Saab.
Throughout its lifetime, the 900 was continually updated to keep up with emerging automotive technologies, which helped maintain its popularity. While the Turbo models often get more attention, the naturally aspirated versions were impressive in their own right.
It featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and could reach a top speed of 135mph with its engine power. Some thought it was a misfit for the compact executive car during its era as the engine was installed backward. Others believe the opposite; however, in the end, it’s all about personal choices.
SAAB 9-3 Viggen (1999-2002)
Produced in collaboration with Tom Walkinshaw Racing, it was a challenge – a challenge to transform the plain 9-3 into something extraordinary – a car that would be remembered. Between 1999 and 2002, they succeeded in creating the Saab 9-3 Viggen. While not appealing to everyone, it became the most extreme Saab ever produced.
It was powered by a robust 2.3-liter high-output turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing up to 230 hp in total, becoming one of the fastest cars at that time.
True to Saab’s practical nature, many Viggens became reliable daily drivers. The liftback coupe was particularly popular, with 1,641 of the 2,954 US-imported models being this variant.
The Viggen embodies the “if you know, you know” appeal, making it one of the coolest forgotten European sports cars of the early 2000s. Its sleeper car status – looking like an ordinary family vehicle while packing significant performance – suggests it may become a future classic. The car’s ability to blend in while secretly being a performance machine is surely part of its unique charm.
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SAAB 9000 Aero (1993-1997)
With the SAAB 9-3 Viggen being the top inspiration – SAAB introduced the 9000 Aero in 1993, yet another powerful, timeless, luxury sports car. A true sleeper sedan, the Aero is among the fastest and coolest SAABs to exist.
The Aero’s 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine received significant upgrades, including a larger water-cooled turbocharger and a recalibrated Trionic engine management system.
Its Automatic Performance Control (APC) could adjust boost pressure based on fuel quality, with premium fuel recommended for optimal performance. The result? An impressive 225 hp at 5,500 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque at 1,950 rpm.
The car’s performance was extraordinary. Saab’s advertising boldly claimed that the 5-speed 9000 Aero could accelerate from 50 to 75 mph faster than high-end sports cars like the Ferrari Testarossa and BMW M5.
Saab Aero-X Concept (2006)
I will finish this read on a bit of a curve ball with the futuristic prototype that was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in 2006. It just didn’t go for large-scale production, though. The Saab Aero X was never intended for production, it was a classic show car – a pure concept vehicle designed to generate public excitement and inspire the company’s staff.
Elements of its design would later appear in future Saab models, particularly the upcoming 2009 9-5. This new model would adopt the Aero X’s distinctive nose, curved hood crease, and similar body lines. The design team even planned to use black A-pillars to echo the concept car’s unique canopy look.
Beyond its visual drama, the design made a serious point about automotive design. Unlike many cars with vision-blocking A-pillars, the Aero X offered a revolutionary 180-degree panoramic view. The Aero X was more than just a car – it was a statement about design potential, technological imagination, and Saab’s unique design philosophy.
Best SAAB Cars – FAQs
- Why is Saab so Special?
Saab merged innovative engineering with Scandinavian design philosophy in a distinct manner, making cars with remarkable safety and aircraft-inspired handling.
Their unorthodox approach to car making cultivated a fan base that enjoys their eccentricity and engineering integrity despite the brand being discontinued.
- What is the most sold Saab?
The Saab 900 is the most sold Saab model. Over 908,817 units were produced from 1978 to 1998, making it Saab's best-selling model in over 50 years of car production
- Why Did Saab Go Out of Business?
The two-decade ownership by General Motors can be seen as a reason for the SAAB failure. Saab didn't want to make different types of cars, like compact models and small SUVs, which could have made them more money.
Saab kept making the same kinds of cars repeatedly, hoping things would improve, but things didn't go as planned, and SAAB failed to look for new customers.
- Which SAAB is the Fastest?
The Saab 9-3 Viggen is widely regarded as the fastest production Saab ever made. With its 2.3-liter turbocharged engine producing 225 horsepower (later versions reaching 230 hp), it could accelerate from 0-60 mph in about 6.4 seconds and reach a top speed of around 155 mph.
- Which is the Most Iconic SAAB ever made?
The Saab 900 Turbo stands as the most iconic Saab ever made, embodying the brand's aircraft-inspired design, innovative engineering, and quirky Scandinavian character that cultivated its passionate following.
