Saab is the car for people who think differently. Born from a Swedish fighter jet manufacturer, they built cars with aircraft logic: aerodynamic shapes, curved windshields, and ergonomic quirks. Famous for popularizing the turbocharger and prioritizing safety above all else, Saab remains a cult favorite even after its heartbreaking bankruptcy.
Explore the current production vehicles.
The quintessential Saab. The classic 900 is an icon of quirky design and turbocharged performance, with its clamshell hood, wraparound windshield, and center-mounted ignition. It’s an intellectual's hot rod and the enduring soul of the brand.
The modern evolution of the Saab spirit. The 9-3, especially in its Viggen and Aero forms, was a potent sport sedan, convertible, and wagon that brought Saab's turbocharged performance and unique character to a new generation of drivers.
The sophisticated and comfortable executive sedan. The 9-5 was a master of safe, high-speed touring, known for innovative features like ventilated seats and the 'Night Panel.' The final 2010-11 generation was a stunningly beautiful glimpse of a brilliant future.
The 'Saabaru.' The 9-2X was a unique collaboration, a re-engineered and more luxurious version of the Subaru Impreza WRX wagon. The Aero model, with its turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, was a true Swedish-Japanese rally legend.
The 'Trollblazer.' The 9-7X was a luxurious, trail-ready SUV based on the GMT360 platform. It was the only vehicle in the family to feature Saab's signature center-mounted ignition and the rare Aero model packed a 6.0L LS2 V8 engine.
The unicorn. The 9-4X was a brilliant and beautiful luxury crossover that was only produced for a few months before the company's demise. Based on the Cadillac SRX platform, it is one of the rarest and most sought-after modern cars in the world.
The surprising executive express. The 9000 was a large, fast, and incredibly versatile liftback and sedan that shared a platform with the Alfa Romeo 164. The Aero model was a legendary 'sleeper' that could outrun supercars of its day.
Saab's quirky and lightweight fiberglass sports car. The Sonett was a funky, front-wheel-drive two-seater with a unique character, powered by a tiny-but-mighty V4 engine in its later generations. A true expression of Saab's unconventional thinking.
The car that pioneered the turbocharged future. The Saab 99 was a tough and intelligent sedan, but the 99 Turbo model was a revelation. It was the first car to make turbocharging accessible and reliable, creating the template for all Saabs to come.
The tough little teardrop that dominated the rally stage. With its aerodynamic shape and unique two-stroke (and later V4) engine, the 96 was a giant-killer in the world of motorsport, cementing Saab's reputation for rugged durability and innovation.
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Saab (Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget) was founded in 1937 to build bombers for the Swedish Air Force. When WWII ended, they had a factory full of aircraft engineers with nothing to do. So, they decided to build a car.
The result was the Ursaab (Original Saab). It looked like a wing section on wheels. It was tested in wind tunnels before wind tunnels were common for cars. This DNA never left; until the very end, driving a Saab felt like piloting a cockpit.
Saab didn't do things to be weird; they did them to be better.
The Ignition: Why is the key between the front seats? To save your knees in a crash and to lock the transmission in reverse (anti-theft).
The Night Panel: A button that turns off every light on the dashboard except the speedometer, reducing eye strain at night. Straight from a fighter jet.
Before the Saab 99 Turbo (1978), turbochargers were for race cars or temperamental exotics. Saab changed that. They tuned the turbo for torque, not just top speed. It gave a sensible family sedan the ability to overtake trucks effortlessly. The "whoosh" of a Saab turbo is a sound that defined a generation.
In 2000, General Motors took full ownership. It was a clash of cultures. GM wanted cheap, rebadged cars. Saab engineers refused to compromise.
When GM told them to use the Opel Vectra platform for the 9-3, Saab engineers re-engineered the suspension, navigation, and safety systems behind GM's back, spending millions they weren't supposed to. It made the cars better, but it made the accountants furious.
We also got strange hybrids like the "Saabaru" (9-2X, a Subaru Impreza with a Saab face) and the "Trollblazer" (9-7X, a Chevy Trailblazer).
Sweden has a lot of moose. Moose are heavy. Saab built their A-pillars (the windshield frame) to withstand the impact of a 1,000 lb animal hitting the glass. In rollover accidents, Saabs were famously some of the only cars where the roof wouldn't crush.
If you want to join the cult:
Saab is dead, but for the architects, professors, and individualists who drive them, the spirit is still flying.
As of 2026, Saab Automobile remains defunct as a manufacturer of new passenger cars. While the Saab AB aerospace company is thriving and Hedin Parts (formerly Orio) continues to supply original components, there are no plans for a revival of the automotive brand.
However, the spirit of Saab lives on through projects like the Emily GT, developed by former Saab engineers in Trollhättan. For American enthusiasts, the focus in 2026 remains on preserving existing 9-3 and 9-5 models and importing rare European variants that have reached the 25-year eligibility threshold.
Finding Saab Original parts in the United States is well-supported in 2026. Hedin Parts acts as the exclusive global distributor, ensuring that genuine components like Direct Ignition Cassettes (DIC) and specialized sensors remain in production.
US owners can source these parts through a network of authorized service centers and reputable online retailers such as eEuroparts and FCP Euro. Additionally, because later Saab models shared the GM Epsilon platform, many mechanical engine and suspension parts are cross-compatible with various Chevrolet and Buick models, simplifying maintenance for American drivers.
The year 2026 is a major milestone for Saab collectors as 2001 model year vehicles reach the 25-year import rule threshold. Key models that can now be legally imported without meeting modern federal safety standards include:
Eligibility is determined by the exact manufacture month found on the door jamb plate, not the model year.
While the Saab 9-3 is known for its durability, aging units in 2026 require attention to specific areas to remain reliable:
The Saab 9-5 Aero remains a cult favorite in the US for its "sleeper" performance and incredible seat comfort. In 2026, it is considered an excellent value for enthusiasts who can perform their own maintenance. The 2010â2011 "NG" (New Generation) 9-5 is particularly rare, with only a few thousand units in the USA, making it a future classic.
Prospective buyers should check for functioning "DriveSense" adaptive suspension and ensure the Aisin AF40 automatic transmission has been serviced, as these components are more complex to repair than those on older Saabs.
Specialized Saab service is still available across the USA through a dedicated network of independent "Saab Specialists." Organizations like the Saab Club of North America maintain directories of shops that have retained the proprietary Tech II diagnostic tools required for electronic programming.
Major metro areas like New England, the Pacific Northwest, and the Mid-Atlantic have the highest concentration of these shops. In 2026, many of these centers have also become hubs for EV conversions of classic 900 and 9-3 models, blending Swedish heritage with modern sustainability.
The hydraulic tops on Saab 9-3 and 900 convertibles are generally robust, but by 2026, the hydraulic cylinders and hoses may require rebuilding. Leaks are typically caused by aging seals or clogged "shearing" drains near the rear quarter panels.
For US owners in sunnier climates, the top material itself can become brittle. Using a high-quality fabric protectant and keeping the 5th-bow latch adjusted will prevent most water ingress issues. Parts for the hydraulic system are still readily available through specialized hobbyist suppliers.
The Tech II is the authentic factory diagnostic scanner used by Saab and GM. It is essential for "marrying" new electronic modules (like a replacement ECU or SID) to the car's immobilizer system. While many independent shops own these, many US enthusiasts in 2026 purchase "clone" Tech II units to perform their own diagnostics and programming, allowing for deeper maintenance of their vehicles at home.
Insurance rates for classic Saabs (like the 900 Turbo) are often quite low through specialty providers like Hagerty or Grundy, provided they are not used as primary daily drivers. For 2000s-era 9-3s and 9-5s, standard insurance is affordable, though collision coverage may be limited due to the low market value of the cars compared to the cost of sourcing body panels and Swedish-specific trim in the event of an accident.
The 2026 Saab Owners Convention (SOC), typically held in July, serves as the primary gathering for the North American community. It is a vital event for networking with parts suppliers, seeing rare survivors like the 9-4X SUV, and participating in tech sessions. For many owners, it is the best place to source hard-to-find trim pieces and stay updated on the latest software tuning for the Trionic engine management system.