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Saab History
Saab People
The 900/9-3 & 9000/9-5
Saab & The Environment
Turbo SPG/ Viggen
Saab Advice
Saab News
Al's Saab Story
The 2004 Viggen???
All Model Info

Saab History

2003 9-3 Convertible

The name Saab is an acronym for Svenska Aeroplar Aktiebolaget (or, Swedish Airplane Company). During late 1949, the first Saab car rolled off the assembly line in a factory that had just been converted from aircraft manufacturing to car production. Some 40 years later, Saab's production anniversary is marked by a continued dedication toward safety and engineering innovation. This consistency in design philosophy had led to the Swedish products being recognized as the most intelligent cars ever built. The first Saab production model, the 92, was one of the most advanced cars of its period, thanks to its revolutionary aerodynamic shape. (The Chief engineer had previously designed wings for Saab's military aircraft.) Another technical advance that was rare for that time was the car's front-wheel-drive. During the 40 years that have passed, every car produced by Saab has incorporated front-wheel-drive, a feature that provides excellent traction under the vast majority of driving conditions, and in addition, allows for optimum space utilization, thereby increasing passenger comfort and carrying capacity.

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Saab People

Saab owners are great people. They're not dull either, the Boston Globe found that Saab drivers average the fastest speeds on Mass highways. Here are some interesting stats about other Saab drivers:

(Source- The Saab Network subscribers)

Average income of Saab owners is over $100,000.
60% are between the ages of 25 and 44.
76% have degrees (24% advanced degrees).
87% are professionals or in technical roles.
52% are dual income households.
61% are married while 32% are single.
39% have children.
60%+ have pets.

The 900 & 9000

93 to 98 9000 body style
(96 9000 Aero shown)

Every Saab 900 and 9000 reflects Saab-Scania's tremendous breadth of engineering expertise, from supersonic aircraft to heavy vehicles. The Saab 9000 is ample proof that a refined, sophisticated performance car need not be impractical or extravagant. It will seat five adults with surprising ease, granting uncommon amounts of room for each passenger.

94 to 98 900 body style
(96 SE Turbo shown)

But, roominess is only part of the story. Its engine capably delivers brisk, efficient performance for a smooth ride. The Saab 900 remains one of the worlds most versatile and distinctive forms of personal transportation. Its more compact size offers nimble performance and fuel efficiency and yet still retains a station-wagon-like hauling capacity. They are, quite simply, the most intelligent cars ever built. 1998 was the last year for both models. In 1999 Saab changed the 900's name to 9-3, giving it a mild exterior freshening. Saab's replacement for the 9000 was an all new 9-5. Available as a sedan or wagon with a turbocharged four-cylinder or turbocharged V6 engine.

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Saab & The Environment

Every carmaker has a responsibility to limit the environment impact of its products. Just as Saab has always been a leader in automotive technology, it’s also a leader environmental efforts. One outstanding illustration of Saab’s environmental leadership is the development of turbocharging technology. Beginning in the 1970’s Saab pioneered the use of turbo chargers to give extra power, as needed, to their engines. Today, three generations of technical growth later, Saab is still a leading producer of powerful, lightweight, fuel efficient engines. Saab was an industry leader in the elimination of asbestos in break pads, clutches, and gaskets; in the introduction of three way catalytic converters on cars to control exhaust emissions; and in the elimination of chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s) in the production of the soft foams used in the car interiors. Of course, carmakers are not alone in their responsibility to protect the environment. Car owners bear a responsibility, as well. Regular maintenance of their cars, sensible driving practices and limiting the number of trips through the use of public transportation or car pooling are some of the positive steps that Saab owners can take on behalf of the rest of the planet.

2001 9-5 Aero

Turbo SPG / Viggen

One thing is more impressive than the way it looks: The way it performs!

1987 900 Turbo SPG

Its low-slung and rakish profile instantly conveys that this is no ordinary car. Made from 1985-1991, the Saab 900 Turbo SPG (Special Performance Group) is specially tuned and calibrated for drivers who demand more. A modified version of the 900 Turbo's 16-valve, turbo charged engine delivers more horsepower and generates a heartier torque output. That makes the SPG quick even by Saab Turbo standards. The suspension has recalibrated and lowered to maximize handling ability and minimize aerodynamic drag.

2000 9-3 Viggen Coupe

For pure enthusiasts, Saab offers the high-performance 9-3 Viggen (Made from 1999-2002), replacement of the beloved SPG. With 230 horsepower and a healthy 258 foot-pounds of torque from its high-output turbo 2.3-liter.

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Saab Advice

The only Saab model I would advise against is the 2.5L/V6 GM engine (1994-1998). Even though some Saab drivers are happy with this model, majority reported many complaints. Most dealers who know Saabs do not carry this model in their inventory. There are no other models/years that have had excessive problems, of course the newer the year the better overall quality. Saab makes the best 4-cyl., 4cyl. turbo, & V6 turbo vehicles on the road. I've had many Saabs with very high miles (over 200k miles), in great condition. If you perform all of your regular schedule maintenances at a mechanic that knows Saabs, you will enjoy your Saab for a long time to come, and hopefully become another loyal Saab enthusiast/ owner.

2001 9-3 SE

The following service facilities are suggestions based on our own experience and/or customers' recommendations.

Peninsula123456Burlingame Saab

Marin County123Peter's ZAAB Service (415)456-0540

San Francisco 1Planet Saab

South Bay12345 Parker Automotive

East Bay 123456Saab Replay

Saab News

In 2003, as one of the first vehicles to use GM's new "Epsilon" vehicle architecture, the new 9-3 benefits from increased structural rigidity and larger overall dimensions. It's still squarely in the sport category among entry-luxury cars, but there's more interior room than before. Yes, the beloved hatchback is gone.

2004 Saab 9-3 Aero Sport Sedan

In June 2004, Saab released the all new 9-2x (Saaburu). The 9-2x features excellent driving dynamics with its sophisticated all-wheel drive system and turbo performance as well as great versatility with its hatchback body style (too similar to the Subaru WRX). Two engines are available for the 9-2X: a naturally aspirated, 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder rated for 165 horsepower on the base Linear model, and a 227-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four on the Aero.

2005 Saab 9-2X Aero

August 2005: Presenting the 9-7X. It's Saab's interpretation of the sport utility vehicle. Being very un-Saab-like, there are no turbocharged power plants available for the 9-7X. Your choice of power comes from either a 275-horsepower, 4.2-liter inline six or a 300-hp, 5.3-liter V8. Coupled to these engines is an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission.

2005 Saab 9-7X Arc

December 2005, Saab 9-3 Sport-Combi hit the showrooms, inspired by the Saab 9-3X "cross-over" and the 9-3 Sport Sedan. Available with a 210-hp 2.0L 4 cyl turbo or the Aero with an all new 2.8L V-6 250-hp, it is built with absolute focus on driving exhilaration while expressing simple and natural Scandinavian design. The versatile hatchback (which looks more like a small wagon) offers sporty practicality for an active, outdoor lifestyle.
9-3 Sport-Combi
2006 Saab 9-3 Aero Sport-Combi

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Al's Saab Story

My love affair with Saab started by admiring the classic 900 body style (pre 1994) for as long as I can remember. With my first Saab purchase I became a loyal Saab enthusiast. No other auto manufacturer could match Saab’s unique blend of comfort, elegance, safety, and performance.
I also believe purchase of a pre-loved Saab has always been the best value in the used car market. No matter the budget, when you compare a pre owned Saab to any other used vehicle in the same class, you always end up with a much newer and/or lower mileage Saab for your money.

2000 9-3 Viggen Coupe

Favorite Saabs:

87-91 900 Turbo SPG

91 900 SE Convertible

96-98 9000 Aero

99-02 9-3 Viggen

88 "Springtime in Sweden"

The 2004 Viggen??? not exactly...

So you ask, exactly how obsessed am I with Saabs? Well, other than getting goose bumps when I see/wave at other clean older Saabs & trying to guess the exact year/specs…

Isaac Viggen Bostonmaer (Summer 2005)

...After months of pleading with my wife, I prevailed. Our first baby, Isaac Viggen Bostonmaer, is named after one of his daddy's favorite Saabs. Born April 15, 2004. (Tax day) My wife & I welcome the newest Saab Enthusiast to our family. Actually I'm still trying to get my wife to drive a Saab. I figure if our son is on my side, I'll have a better chance.

Benjamin Griffin Bostonmaer (Summer 2006)

Benjamin Griffin Bostonmaer, born November 15, 2005. Not wanting our second child to feel left out of the Saab equation, Griffin was the natural choice. griffin logo

All Model info

Detailed year by year model information. Including specifications, options, & improvements.

Information provided through The Saab Network.

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2001 9-3 Viggen Convertible

Viggen 2-tone Seats

2000 9-3 Viggen Coupe