A "SAAB" Story?

Saab have always been - a little different. For example, in the 1960s their main car, well their only car, had a 2-stroke 850cc engine that meant you had to add oil every time you filled up, and the interior converted into a bed for those remote Swedish road trips. Oh, and their parent company made fighter jets. But did you know you can still buy a Saab today, and why isn’t it called a Saab?
Many thanks to Sven Bornemark for help reviewing the script and with Swedish pronunciations.
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[@BigCar2]

Erratum: The Griffin logo was blocked by Scania, not Saab. Thanks everyone for the corrections!

[@DirtRoadAutoRepair]

Big Car great video! I love my Saabs. They run really well when they are taken care of properly. I have about 30 Saab 9-3 maintenance videos on my channel.

[@darknessviking]

saab story more sob story ahahaha , ugh saab

[@darknessviking]

lol saab luxury car? saab rebellious teenager? there wasnt anything more boring than saab in sweden

[@phoenixrising7047]

Good job! From this day forth when I hear the name Saab it will be said with your voice in mind. To my ear you are practically singing it (not knocking your accent or anything) and I do not dislike it. Onto another one of your vids!

[@phoenixrising7047]

@@darknessviking Seems like one of those rose-coloured glasses/nostalgia exercises looking back on the brand with fondness. Didnt know of GM's involvement until watching this - turns me off even more. Hate to see potential mishandled and scattered away and I have to say I like the styling of the 90 and the turbo variants around that time but rest seems like junk. Got Sweden moving as he said. Kind of like VW beetles with weak 2 stroke engines. Hey that room for 2 to sleep in the back idea is pretty good though you'll have to admit.

[@bh2155]

This is one car company that I wish could make a comeback. They had unique and elegant cars that was lacking with other brands.

[@DanSmith-qx4nl]

True.

[@ericgeorge5483]

Saab always dared to be different, which is why I loved them.

[@xdafactor7684]

YEAH, BUT You can only be so different in business to the point your losing money, You have to know how to balance the two, of being different and Desireble.

[@xdafactor7684]

@söder bröder Being too different can be A killer, If You don't have the proper Balance.

[@ericgeorge5483]

@ I do.

[@ericgeorge5483]

@@xdafactor7684 Their business model was terrible but their cars stood out.

[@OAKSEY-wd4vs]

My dad always loved a Saab

[@holyravioli5795]

I still consider SAAB to be some of the best commercially sold cars ever.

[@Topper_Harley68]

After GM took over the quality was very bad.

[@MC93SE]

GM save Saab from the clutches of Fiat in a last minute deal. That seemed a good thing at the time but sadly Saab was a diamond that GM had no idea how to polish.

[@xmaniac99]

Clutches of FIAT can be lethal to car brands (Innocenti, Autobianchi), but they also keep brands alive even when the market is rejecting those brands (Alfa Romeo, Lancia) as no longer relevant. Saab had a history of working with Fiat so probably they would have done better than under GM.

[@MC93SE]

@@xmaniac99 I'm not sure that Fiat would have kept Saab for even a decade before selling it on. GM was definitely the wrong suitor however and this became apparent even in the mid to late nineties. I think even GM had it's doubts, as it waited almost to the last moment to purchase the second half of Saab in 2000. Many speculate that GM bought (the first 50% of) Saab in 1989 because Ford had beaten it to the punch in buying Jaguar at the time. This could explain how GM never really knew what to do with Saab. Buying Saab was possibly just a knee jerk reaction?

[@torresalex]

Unfortunately, American brands are the kiss of death for European carmakers. GM ruined SAAB, Ford completely screwed Volvo and Chrysler did its best to ruin Mercedes in the late 90's and early 2000's.

[@CardboardSliver]

@@torresalex Wasn't it Daimler that bought Chrysler?

[@jackandblaze5956]

@@CardboardSliver Yes. In the 90's Chrysler had come up with state of the art prototyping technology that allowed them to bring a new design to market faster than anyone else at the time but they were heavily in debt because of previous problems so Daimler pounced on them to get their tech, then gutted and discarded them. Daimler was behind the curve at that time with old tech & old stodgy ways of doing things. The prototyping tech they took from Chrysler brought them into the 21st century. It was a smart move by Daimler-Benz & unfortunate for Chrysler.

[@yanuchiuchihaanimegamesand3907]

Saab and Volvo, building cars like as if they were tanks... or Nokias :P

[@avdcrx5441]

volvo and saab dont make reliablr vehicles anymore

[@yanuchiuchihaanimegamesand3907]

@@avdcrx5441 If You meant Reliable as in durability of the Engine, they were never especially reliable. Saab is dead. Volvo still makes cars that are on the head of the pack in terms of safety. And my comment was about the time from 1960-2000.

[@avdcrx5441]

@@yanuchiuchihaanimegamesand3907 volvo used to make cars built like tanks in the 70s 80s 90s then ford bought them they became less reliable and then geely bought them.

[@yanuchiuchihaanimegamesand3907]

@@avdcrx5441 I know, that why I said 1970-2000 :D The 850R is a beast of a wagon lol

[@mrbenjiboy9527]

It’s a Nordic thing

[@AnalogPlanet]

That was fantastic! I’ve been driving only SAABs since 1972, and even visited the factory. I learned so much from this video! Current car: 2008 9-3 Turbo-X bought new and I will never sell it!

[@mohamadshahriman6950]

Hi there, I'm from Malaysia, at here SAAB is rare brand but I'm interested to know more about this history 1996 SAAB 900 S, it is inline 4 and no turbocharge.I believe it is B202May you share what maintenance need to be done and check before I buy the car? thank you.

[@vildonfire]

I shed tears when I sold my 9-5 Aero '01. It is a wonder when you have to stop 10 meter from the car and admire it EVERY time you walk out to to the parking lot. Grew up in a SAAB family with a 90, 900, 9000, 93 and 95 estate :)

[@petergriffins-claw8574]

@@vildonfire Maybe you should have kept it then. What were your experiences with this brand and this car in particular, if you don't mind my asking? I own a nearly 22 year old 9-3 t. and the only trouble, which unfortunately could prove to be quite significant, is that everytime the car came back from a regular service, something would go wrong soon after, or some part would have been bent out of shape due to poor workmanship and a total lack of understanding these exceptional cars. Other than that, they are a joy to drive if you bear in mind that it may be wise to be easy on the throttle while cornering in wet conditions, I've had a couple of sudden slides at quite low speed that left me supremely underwhelmed.

[@BennysBenz]

Oh and they made Aircraft but you probably knew that because Saab reminded you at every opportunity.

[@BigCar2]

😂 yeah, every bloody 5 minutes!

[@64ankka]

And they still do, the Saab Gripen fighter jet is still in production :)

[@spyrelle3970]

If you've got it, flaunt it.

[@campkira]

Only people who old...

[@m78e6q5]

There a trash car company and that's their only highlight. #NEVERBUYASAAB

[@SA-zoom1]

Top gear did a Saab episode a few years ago. They must have spent a fortune on production in typical top gear fashion. Your video is far more impressive in content and information. Bravo

[@kyle857]

Their Saab video was amazing.

[@petergriffins-claw8574]

@@kyle857 Agreed. James May's facial expressions and deadpan nordic humour impressions were priceless. (Ignition key topic)

[@AaronOfMpls]

@@kyle857 Not to mention the clip of Jeremy Clarkson on _old_ Top Gear trying to drive their joystick-controlled drive-by-wire prototype.

[@MAViation94]

I used to fly Saabs! Incredible machines! So far ahead of it’s competitors.

[@firstperson7602GMAIL]

From one of the few SAAB mechanics still working on them, thank you for this video.

[@BigCar2]

😊 You're welcome!

[@MisterMikeTexas]

Where's David Putty?

[@tylernail2146]

Where are you located? Did you attend the Saab Owners Convention? It was a great time! I'm located in New England

[@tylernail2146]

Where are you located? Did you attend the Saab Owners Convention? It was a great time! I'm located in New England Morty @Morty Snerd

[@Emppu_T.]

I'll never forget how well a 900 original handles and drives and you can really sense passion and thinking outside the box with their cars.

[@crazybrit-nasafan]

Got to agree with you there. I had a classic 900 16v non turbo. My then fiance was driving the 9-3 2.0 turbo cabrio (and she is no slouch behind the wheel and a fiesty, determined redhead) she couldn't catch me on the twisty roads, and I wasn't giving it everything.

[@glennrogers6650]

I have had 12 cars over 42 years, and the Saab 900 Turbo was my best car.It was so strong.

[@mohamadshahriman6950]

Hi there, I'm from Malaysia, at here SAAB is rare brand but I'm interested to know more about this history 1996 SAAB 900 S, it is inline 4 and no turbocharge.I believe it is B202May you share what maintenance need to be done and check before I buy the car? thank you.

[@miljororforsprakpartiet290]

me too i crashed it

[@evanstauffer4470]

I have had TWO cars over 42 years. Both were/are Saabs :-)

[@martiniv8924]

When I visited the Scania factory in Sweden, they said they had a large party when they sold SAAB to GM Because of losses through SAAB blowing budgets, well I bought a 2008 93 in 2010 , what a car, superb, and probably the longest one day drive I’ve ever done in any car of around 1100 miles + , physically fatigue free ( best seats bar none, and 55mpg) Sad loss SAAB

Absolutely amazing car. I also bought a 2008 Saab 9-3 Aero.

[@FryNOR]

My parents brought me home from the hospital in a SAAB 99 after i was born, brobably the safest car back then besides the Volvo 240 series. 20 years later i bought a well used 1983 SAAB 99 for scraps, what an amazing car that was in the winter conditions of Norway. The SAAB served me well for a few years until the gearbox started to loose some gears, fith, third and reverse went first then the gearbox soon was dead. I still miss that SAAB even tough my daily driver now is a Land Cruiser HJ60 that was made the same year as the SAAB.

[@Cyberwool]

I've been driving a Saab 9-3 2004 for ages now, and my god it never gives up! Even though it's never been fully serviced, it still runs as new. I wish a 9-3 2019/2020 existed, if so, I'd pay loads for it :D

[@ryadmane]

SERVICE IT

[@lucybarney1]

Still got my 90 and 95 , and I think it’s the only 90 in Spain 🇪🇸

[@torresalex]

That was EXCELLENT. I have to confess I get a bit sad when the videos end, I wish there was more to watch 👍

[@JeffKing310]

Alexander Russell This is a great channel!

[@alanfunt4013]

Great cars often overlooked and misunderstood. Own one, you'll never look back.

[@Dave_Sisson]

Why is that? Don't Saabs have rear view mirrors?

[@alanfunt4013]

@@Dave_Sisson haha...boom tish! They do but like all Saabs it's either fitted backwards or flips out of the dash and goes through 90 degrees.

[@i_lovep47s76]

I used to look down on Saab, until i got a killer deal for my first car. A dirt cheap fully functioning SAAB 9-5 from 03. Never have i been proven so wrong about something i really thought was trashy. Opened my eyes quite a bit and i learned to not hate on things i know nothing about myself.

[@ThreenaddiesRexMegistus]

I have owned one. A 900 - Never again ! Terrible ergonomics and extremely efficient at turning perfectly good fuel into heat. They must have had help from Morris Group to achieve this. 3100 RPM at 100kph FFS! But true : I quit it and never looked back. Complete heap of s..t.

[@shifty2755]

That's before GM got their hands on it I presume?

[@captainhindsight8779]

Saab was the best car I ever had, such a shame it collapsed under GM

[@XavierAncarno]

Everything GM touch dies

[@BWTECH0521]

This is a common misconception but when GM bought 50% of Saab in 1989, saab was already going downhill. (That's why they made the agreement with GM). If it weren't for GM, saab would have been dead way before 2011. Saab just didn't make good business decisions, they were making their cars too good relative to the resources they had. I'm not a GM guy, infact I am a Saab fanatic, that is why it's important to know the facts. :)

[@normt5463]

Saab sold a record number of cars in 2004 under GM. Saab failed before GM in the 1980's.

[@snyggmikael]

The 9-5 was a good car in my opinion. A majority bought them back in the day in Sweden instead of the Volvo v70. It was a work horse, no luxury car. They where closer to Volkswagen than Audi I think. But the last version was nice, and looked more like a Audi class car. A shame that the Chinese model failed, where Volvo has succeeded.

[@dazjams1]

Engineers vs accountants: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJyYdIeIqsSDsNk

[@thejoshman1000]

I hate my 15 year old 9-5 estate run around. The thing is that I love tinkering with cars and I can no longer do this as the 9-5 just refuses to break or go wrong. It just works and keeps working.

[@JeanMarceaux]

Get yourself a Bmw e31 as a substitute

[@dschonsie]

recently my parents gave me their yellow 900 convertible from '93, it's in excellent condition and has only run 70k km

[@AllonKirtchik]

You're lucky

[@homoerotic85]

How awesome!! That's a keeper!!

[@cruiser6260]

Niiice..

[@stargate455]

Could you do some pics about the yellow saab

[@Nightcore542]

I hope you have been taking good care of it.

[@Rentta]

Saab is also the reason why in rallying someone invented Scandinavian flick.

[@Finne72]

Yes and left foot breaking....

[@josephbingham1255]

Whenever I took my SAAB 900 into the shop and saw the bill - I thought I was supporting a French mistress!

[@adammessina6182]

🤣🤣🤣

[@stevendankewitz7830]

True story

[@Jussayinisall]

LOL still that way! But for some reason, I bought another one! LOL

[@catjudo1]

Great video about some neat cars. At 4:28 I had a laugh as I misheard the dialogue: "As Sweden had many remote Uncopulated areas, the cars could be converted for sleeping." Oh myyy...

[@buggs9950]

Not a lot else to do on those winter days with 20 or so hours of darkness..

[@markb4071]

loved that the 900SE was often referred to as the "Goose" :0)

[@rafthejaf8789]

I'm on my forth Saab. The first one I had, a 96 estate, was stolen (yes I left the keys in it while I dashed into a shop 🙄). A few days later I saw it on the local news in Brighton. I had been driven into a Lebanese restaurant by a disgruntled employee. When I got it back from the police there was hardly anything wrong with it. My insurance however said it was too expensive to repair so they gave the money for and let me keep the car! That doesn't happen any more 😂. My current one is a 95 estate and thing I love about it the most (apart from all the usual things) is the retractable cup holder! What a lovely piece of engineering that is! 😊

[@BenMarvin]

Loved my Saab 9000 Turbo. That thing was fast for a full size sedan, and luxurious for it's era.

[@mohamadshahriman6950]

Hi there, I'm from Malaysia, at here SAAB is rare brand but I'm interested to know more about this history 1996 SAAB 900 S, it is inline 4 and no turbocharge.I believe it is B202May you share what maintenance need to be done and check before I buy the car? thank you.

[@leftpastsaturn67]

Nicely done, thanks. Proud owner of a '94 9000CSE, my eighth SAAB.

[@vildonfire]

Ahhh, we had one of those too, metallic blue. It's the car I learned to drive in :D

[@thomasbuettner6878]

Still on the road?

[@leftpastsaturn67]

@@thomasbuettner6878 Mine? Yes indeed.

[@SombreroKnight]

SAAB will always be one of my favorite car brands. I used to own a 2007 9-3 sportcombi best car I owned....until it was totaled in a crash great vid anyways Big Car.

[@SpideyWars1]

😥 I owned a 2006 9-3 2.0T sportcombi and just two weeks ago it was totaled in a crash. I miss it. I loved that car.

[@lordmartinofleithandcuddy6541]

I absolutely love my Saab, best car I’ve ever owned.

[@chrisst8922]

Could you advise me please, multi story or low rise?

[@johngaudet6316]

Saab is and always will be THE BEST CARS EVER MADE, I've owned 5 now I have a 2020 Volvo. It's really nice but it's NO SAAB. Audi and BMW, NO THANKS.

[@RobertKoflerWien]

I owned a Saab 900 from 1985. I drove it from 260000 to 320000km. Even then there was no creaking or rattling. I still miss the great pneumatic (!) airing and one of the best front seats. One super practical detail: location of power window switches and interior light was centered between front seats. You never had to fumble around to find light switches! thanks for this video.

[@residentelect]

Excellent video! So glad you covered Saab 👍 In the early 2000s I was fortunate enough to own a four door 93 Aero saloon with the B207R 2.0t 210BHP turbo lump. I absolutely loved the machine, but enjoyed it even more thanks to its exclusivity, as it was the time when the BMW 3 Series was springing up on just about every other lower/middle manager's driveway. I now drive a Skoda Octavia Vrs Challenge, and get much of the same enjoyment out of it thanks to it being a great Q-car, and something just that little bit different when compared to every other hatch on the road.

[@larrytwitchell445]

My 9.5 Sportwagon came to us new in September 2003. Loved it then and love it now! As someone else has mentioned, maintenance is the key practice. When the warranty expired I was fortunate to find a Saab tech who had opened his own service place. Still with him and he keeps both the car and I running smoothly. For those who lust after a Saab, go get one! They has personality and deliver so much satisfaction.

[@daniel635biturbo]

As a Swede, I can only say very well researched and narrated ! Fun facts The first models didn't have a boot lid, you had to fold the rear seat to access the boot (or trunk?) Just as if it were an air plane. They were the first car company that really got the Turbo engine to work properly. Even though Oldsmobile, Porsche and BMW had Turbo cars before, SAAB developed the Wastegate in 1978 And later in the early -80 the APC, Automatic performance control system, which both were the key to reliable performance. In the late -90 they even developed their own ECU or engine management Trionic, always thinking outside the box. Many here in Sweden dreamt that Scania would reunite with SAAB instead of GM and that would have saved the brand, really difficult to say though.

[@BigCar2]

Thanks for the additional information!

[@alexbritch02]

I own a 1996 Saab 9000 Aero, now I've driven many Porsches/Ferraris, Many Japanese greats. But my 9000 despite the high mileage, some rust. It's one of the greatest 5 speed cars I have ever driven. Absolutely BRILLIANT

[@breakawaymotorsports]

Our family had a model 96 two stroke in the 60s till a gas man thought Mom was nuts handing him a pint of oil to add to the fuel, and didn't. She bought a 99 model that was impressive and I always had fun with friends handing them the key and watching them try and find the ignition (between the seats) My current Ariel Atom2 is powered by a Saab/GM engine (the Ecotec LSJ) and is a joy to drive. Saab...born from Jets.

[@bicyclist2]

I got to ride in a neighbors brown 900 turbo in the late 80's as a kid. It was fast. In my 30's I bought a silver 9000 CD Turbo with a blue leather interior. It was fast but had turbo lag. I put new tires and fixed the broken tail light before the apartment complex I was living in towed it. I couldn't afford to get it back. I'd buy another Saab if given the chance. Top Gear did a great episode on the history of SAAB. Very bad management drove Saab out of business. Its a cautionary tale for other automakers. Thanks.

[@aqsdfg25]

"Saab have always been - a little different".... more than a little! and that's what customers wanted, a different car that is not imitating other styles

[@happy_camper]

I was raised around Saabs, and I’ve personally owned 4 Saab 900 turbos. Fantastic cars. Can’t imagine my life without these quirky machines in it!

[@Clarkecars]

I've owned 6 SAABs during my life. I loved my `86 SPG the most.

[@mohamadshahriman6950]

Hi there, I'm from Malaysia, at here SAAB is rare brand but I'm interested to know more about this history 1996 SAAB 900 S, it is inline 4 and no turbocharge.I believe it is B202May you share what maintenance need to be done and check before I buy the car? thank you.

[@Clarkecars]

@@mohamadshahriman6950 These cars are quite durable and reliable. I would make certain the head gasket is fine. They do have a weakness with the coil pack but they are inexpensive and easy to install at home. There is a purge valve that can fail that is also inexpensive and an easy fix. Of course, on any FWD check the CV boots. Always, always, always use DENSO brand spark plugs.

[@michaeltreadwell777]

I've owned 7 SAABs, starting with a 96 2 Stroke, then a 96 V4, then a 99, followed by 4 900s - having my last one for 18 years. My sister has a 93 diesel convertable , which is nice, but just hasn't 'got it'. The 900 is my favourite and always will be, a truly beautiful car.

[@RalphieMuskinyaar]

My Lord their sports cars were just insanely beautiful to look at.

[@lawrencelewis8105]

you're right- I saw one of the roadsters in Pittsburgh. I understand that only 3 survive.

[@dazjams1]

Very fond memories of both the 99T, and 900T. With studded P8's all around for Alaska winter 'road' conditions, they were an absolute blast.

[@blackfender100]

we always called them Saab stories when they came in the shop back in the day.

[@wellcraft19]

This video (and others about Saab) awakens some very sweet memories from the 70s, 80s and 90s! Even with not all information provided being 100% accurate (and never claimed to be) this is still a fantastic series of reminiscing!

[@ivan9066]

I wish Saab would come me back. Even if they are wrong wheel drive,the aero packages kick ass.

[@Groza_Dallocort]

Wrong wheel drive?

[@hinken24]

As a swede i just have to say: your pronocument of ” Svenska aero” is excellent.

[@BigCar2]

Thanks!

[@harmonicres]

Well done documentary about a very unique car brand Ive been lucky enough to experience driving!

[@gepwxaqdfsidsesg1548]

My Dad bought a Saab 95 in 1972 and drove it (all over Europe, towing a caravan) for the next twelve years. I spent much of my childhood sat in the back.

[@beemail6983]

I had a 9000 turbo that would leave anything for dead

[@777jones]

Bee Mail a 9000 Aero in factory tune felt like a 911 Turbo on the highway.

[@simonmorse417]

Except my 9-3 Viggen ;)

[@jasoncaulkin9830]

Bee, I too had a 9000 Aero which was modified by Abbot Racing, had it 12 years before I traded for a Mini in 2007, ouch!

[@ederoliveira4826]

My original 9000 turbo (175hp) of 1990 year reached 238km/h and still was getting velocity.

[@beemail6983]

@@777jones my mate had a hammann tuned 911 that got beat by a stock 9k, only a blow off valve and stock boost raised a notch

[@52raggamuffin]

I bought an 83 900T new. had it for 18 years before someone rear-ended it at a stoplight and totaled it in 2001. I absolutely loved that car. I can still hear the exhaust note as I type this response. I also bought a 96 9000CS new. It's still my daily driver today, almost 24 years old. I did upgrade the engine to full pressure turbo about 10 years ago, thinking about another upgrade soon. Every single time I drive that car, my feelings are the same as the 1st day I picked it up from the dealer...love it, love it, love it.

[@giuliopedrali116]

SAAB is my favorite brand, and the most "svedish" svenska, but only tills the 900 model, not the GM period.

[@robertdryburgh1457]

I knew two people who owned Saabs. When they broke down it was always 3 weeks to a month wait for replacement parts. Fortunately for them they had other vehicles that they could depend on. Admittedly, they were few and far between around here and few shops other than the dealer would work on them. That probably was the reason.

[@thunderwazp7653]

~ 6:00 ”Karlsson på Taket” or ”Karlsson On The Roof” is a famous Swedish character who is famous for being fat, loving meatballs and for flying with a small propeller on his back.

[@blueeyedbaer]

Russian version of Karlsson loves jam and cakes instead of meatballs.

[@stargazeronesixseven]

Thank You So Much for keeping Sweden 🇸🇪 made SAAB legacy Alive! Many Happy Good Blessings in Return! 🌷🌿🌍💖🕊🇸🇪🇺🇸

[@dreamrealitysyndrome]

I'll never let go of my 89 Saab 900 SPG Turbo Convertible

[@u1richh]

I recently got a 2011 Saab 9-3. Glad I found this video because I didn’t know much at all about Saab and the brands history.

[@marcscordato4385]

I miss Saab so much nothing today is as unique and distinctive as a Saab 900 Turbo.

[@OAKSEY-wd4vs]

I have only just discovered "big car" on u tube OMG IVE BEEN WATCHING EVER SINCE Cortina,Sierra, all the earlier makes & models I've loved and grown up with, I love your channel thank you I love the past and Vehicle makers story's

[@doso4782]

"Karlsson on the roof" is also a popular Swedish cartoon character.

[@lsr-anon]

Funny I never knew it was Swedish, I watched it in Ukraine back in the late 90's it was my fav show. Always thought it was Russian lol

[@sixunity1171]

@@lsr-anon same i always thought it was russian

[@russcattell955i]

An old friend (no longer with us) used to rally a 99. it was a tough car.. He told me the regs required a roll cage but it didn't need one.

[@RWDY]

I feel like this episode was made just for me. ❤️

[@BigCar2]

It was RWDY!

[@wittyexquisite]

Same here

[@peterbusdon2372]

I owned three Saab’s ( 1994 900 s, 1997 9-5, and 2001 9-3 convertible). All three were the best cars I ever had. Never once stuck in snow or ice and always drove with confidence in knowing I drove a very safe car. If they built Saab’s again I’d buy another.

[@robkneen7546]

Big car thanks for teaching us history behind these manufactures it is beautiful contentent keep it up

[@BiggeDink]

I had several of the three cylinder SAABs. One engine self-destructed on a freeway when a piece of carbon shorted out a spark plug. No wonder SAAB recommended de-carbonizing the engine periodically. Just the way I want to spend my weekends. It had the radiator behind the engine and the distributor in front to get shorted out when it rained. Or you could pull the cord under the dash that raised a blind to shield the distributor. Then you got to watch the engine temp gauge rise toward the red mark as cooling air was closed off to the radiator. I also had a 96 model with the V-4. That engine was so jammed into the car it was hard too work on. It helped if you had small hands to squeeze into the narrow spaces. Forget about having room to turn a wrench. At least the seats in SAABs were always comfortable.

[@hazzah2276]

GM didn't kill SAAB, SAAB killed SAAB. Unless they would have found a unique market segment it was inevitable. SAAB believed in quality, in house quality but people weren't prepared to pay for SAAB quality. Competing brands were reducing costs by either creating "world cars" or using cheaper suppliers. Daimler Benz had the same issues, pre 1995 cars were indestructible, post 1995 cars were not, and the brand suffered greatly. It was just big enough to survive. In the guitar world Gibson/Fender were able to move their brands upmarket, charging up to 10x the price for perceived SAAB level quality (i use the word "perceived"). However, they still use Asian factories for Epiphone/Squier brands (factories producing budget guitars on the same lines). People aren't prepared to do the same with cars, no matter the brand. Engineering has moved on so much in 30 years. What differentiated Mercedes/SAAB/Volvo etc, doesn't any more. KIA, Hyundai/Dacia produce excellent cars with long warranties. SAAB never had anyone with the imagination to use the brand. SAAB itself was part of that problem though, and contributed to its own destruction.

[@normt5463]

^^^Yes!^^^

[@chek1n]

Couldn't agree more. I'm actually thankful GM kept them alive for 2 more decades.

[@dbyrd]

Kia and Hyundai are literally the shittiest cars on the road.

[@hazzah2276]

@@dbyrd There are no shitty cars any more. They are all designed by the same programs, use engineers who share information, share parts suppliers, have the same safety constraints dictating form. Cars have essentially become "white goods". People choose to have a car with a 7 year warranty, shiitty or not. And be thankful, because the established manufacturers took their customers for granted. The Far East stopped that.

[@lutherdrayton6535]

Eee

[@cbp1357]

Thank you for posting this. Owner of 2 later model Saabs 98 900 and 2001 9-3. Saab mechanic as well as board member of the NWSOC northwest saab owners club. In Washington. Thank you for sharing Saabs story. A few missed points but overall very well done. :)

[@BigCar2]

And you noticed I mentioned the Pacific Northwest. As a native Washingtonian I see so many Volvos and Saabs on the road around here, so I had to get that in.

[@cbp1357]

@@BigCar2 hey your from Washington. We should meet sometime

[@jameslatimer1432]

That Saab Phoenix looks absolutely fantastic and would have been a bestseller for sure always loved Saab cars a cut Above the rest for sure

[@mwdca7810]

Superb presentation. The reference to SAAB sales in the US Pacific Northwest is interesting --- the region to this day has a strong Scandinavian presence. Well done !!!

[@BigCar2]

It helps when you live there!

[@AzureOtsu]

Theres a saab showroom in my town, peculiar as its the only showroom but it still exists to this day

[@Sophiechic]

Same here in Fareham UK strange for sure

[@Workathomeincomejobs]

I always remember and loved our old Saab 900 turbo - V reg 1980 UK model. Thats the only car i knew of when under acceleration, would literally push you back into the seat. Saabs were always built like tanks - one bump or scrape on the front bumper - other car written off.

[@Roger-my5in]

You should do a SAAB 900 video. You kept mentioning SAABs quirkiness but I’m sure many people may not have any clue past the odd shape of their cars what other quirks there were

[@davidmoore8857]

Like how to open the bonnet!

[@Feuerbach1]

@@davidmoore8857 Haha yeah opening the hood was certainly different :) loved the curved windshield on my 900 too, such a pretty car, ran like a champ, and was so fun to drive, easily my favorite car Ive owned

[@parkyt13]

Finally a very well put together full history of saab. Most people skip over so much of it. I love my Saab. Eventually when ill find a mid to late 80s 900 turbo in a 5 speed. Whenever I look its either in horrible shape with a 5 speed or great shape but an automatic.

[@mikethepinupguy]

Another great video! As a car guy, and fellow Brit, I love the no-nonsense approach style of your content. Keep it up! Don’t change a thing. Now living in America, I’d love to see some stories of US autos - Mustang? Corvette? GM and Ford in general have many great themes for you to mine! Back home, how about Sir Alec’s masterpiece, the Mini?! VW Golf, anything Lancia, further British Leyland madness, Delorean?? That would be a great episode!

[@BigCar2]

I tried a video on a US car (the Pontiac Aztek), but as most of my viewers are from the UK it didn't get many views. Plus, to be honest, while I also live in the US, American cars don't do it for me as much as European cars. But the cars you mention are on the list to do at some point.

[@adamdavis4346]

Big Car, as a fellow Brit living in Florida I love the cars from home. I think a huge draw for your fans and viewers is the nostalgia aspect. However, I did enjoy watching the car that killed Pontiac! Also, I love the new channel. Thanks for such great videos. PS my F-150 has Microsoft SYNC

[@BigCar2]

@@adamdavis4346 Awesome! Glad you're rocking SYNC!

[@MaxPowweer1]

SAAB was always the thinking person's car. Love the looks of all them. I always they were the cool Volvo.

[@kimkiriniki9433]

I was always intrigued by SAAB cars, never brave enough to buy one.

[@PierreColombo900]

They're cheap mate so what are you waiting for ?

[@frankdenardo8684]

@@PierreColombo900 It was considered a boutique or niche car. Doctors, lawyers, and college professors would by this car.

[@PierreColombo900]

@@frankdenardo8684 I know. But what does it have to do with what I said ?

[@PierreColombo900]

@gixeff 750 Oh yeah true, their rep is based on rumors, I forgot. Rumors such as talladega records haha.

[@MetalTrabant]

Me too... though probably the only one I could've afford was the 900NG, which wasn't their most attractive or special car tbh... I like it, but not enough to pay the price of maintenance.

[@v.e.7236]

I owned a '79 Saab and really enjoyed that car. Loved that the slant-4 engine and transmission shared oil, from a mechanic's standpoint and as long as you understood the engine's desire/need to rev, it was a blast to drive, w/ four-wheel independent suspension and decent brakes. Ended up trading that Saab for a '74 Pontiac Grand Am, w/ a four-speed and a big block engine that was in pristine condition. The owner of the Pontiac wanted to down-size and I wanted more HP. When I showed him how easy a clutch job would be (the bell housing and clutch assembly were right up front, same w/ the alternator), he snapped it up. He learned a bit later what a PITA changing fan/accessory drive belts was (squeezed between the firewall and the engine w/ about two to three inches of clearance - smh). Had a blast in both vehicles.

[@CuoreSportivo]

by the way Carlsson on the roof is originally a child's book by astrid lindgren who wrote pippi longstockings.

[@lawrencelewis8105]

I didn't know that about Astrid Lindgren- I used to read all the Pippi stories- she was kind of like a female Huck Finn.

[@Tiberiotertio]

I loved my Saab 900i best winter car I ever had, and it was built like a tank, felt very safe inside, even though it was fast.

[@thomasaquinas5262]

Saab had the ergonomics thing perfect for the driver. Perhaps their experience in high speed, i.e. their aviation knowledge, paved the way. There was no better place to plant yourself than in a proper Saab sedan. The key was no reach, just to your right. The seat was generous and comfortable. Angles, tilts, padding, it was all perfect. So, did I ever buy one? Umm, I said next car I'll buy one. Well, that next year never came and now Saab is gone? Probably all my fault?

[@taxus750]

Great summary of Saab's history, thank you. You (correctly) mention @8:32 that Saab adopted the V4 Ford Taunus engine and it's worth mentioning that Ford (Germany) and Ford (GB) developed similar (but not identical) OHV V4 engines at the same time. I don't know why, but they did.

[@razor000999000]

Only few weeks ago the last 93 to come off the line in Sweden went up for auction and went for around £40.000

[@Nostradamus_Order33]

razor000999000 Did the factory close it’s doors for good?

[@benny5529]

Troll Master years ago.. He probably meant the last example that was made

[@i_lovep47s76]

@@benny5529 Yes, the last 9-3 ever made

[@yanuchiuchihaanimegamesand3907]

That's dirt cheap for what it represents.

[@sneakyfox4651]

It WAS tha last Saab ever made, but it was kept at the factory for years after the production line closed down, intended for a crash test. However, realising the absurdity of crash-testing a car model that had folded years before, management changed its mind and put it up for auction. It was bought by a Danish mechanic or car dealer, something like that. I owned a battered but fully reliable 1987 non-turbo 9000 cc from 2000 to 2006. It had done 340,000 Km when I got it but it just kept on rolling until I had to scrap it due to rust in supporting structures. It was so comfortable and easy to drive that I could handle the steering with just one thumb on the steering wheel. The leather seats were so good that I once drove the 650 Km from Stockholm to Helsingborg non-stop without any discomfort. In 2017 I bought my current 2004 9-3 black Turbo Sedan with white leather seats. This is also a wonderfull car and it still has less than 250,000 Km on the clock. But it *is* a downgrade from the 9000, probably one of the best mid-priced limousines ever made: Low, wide, comfortable, powerfull, spacious, reliable. One of the few production cars I would trust to drive north of the Polar Circle in mid-winter. This is how the Saab 9000 Turbo was introduced: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6vcqXqAea6IsKM Also, check out the Saab Performance Team. I saw them live twice. They did a nose-to-nose stunt at 60 Km per hour. They drove so close to each other they had to remove the front license plates before starting the show. Enjoy!

[@watershed44]

Big Car I'm in the USA and our family owned two SAABs, a 1983 900, and 1986 900. They were really great cars, safe, durable, solid (doors thunked closed like a Mercedes) and affordable as well. I still miss them and they had some of the best seats in the business. Sad loss, and we miss SAAB.

[@DiecastSmarts]

why does nobody mention how good the Saab engines are. B202, B204, the insanely good engines that saab made?

[@branon6565]

Kai Is Sly Reviews ....don't know which motor was in my cousins 900 turbo when I was a teenager in the early 90's, all I remember was when that turbo spooled up, it sat you back in your seat and put a big grin on your face 👍

[@bengtmowitz5012]

Correct, and they had nothing to do with neither the Ford V4 or the Triumph 1.8 L, (which was a terrible engine, really).

[@Leksuttaja149]

yes!! in my 1996 900 my B204L is the only thing that isn't broken lmao

[@KarrierBag]

First car i worked on was a saab 93 that had been used in south africa for 30 years, bought back to the UK in early 80s and I helped get it back on the road in 1984. Had no windows and looked like it had been in a warzone but the owner loved it.

[@camrunner6633]

These are what i always hoped topgear would have given us That pheonix concept looks alot lile the bmw i8...

[@denospyridon3126]

I watched this because I owned 2 Saab’s in my life. The 9000 & 9-5 and had fun with both of them they both had rear fog light love those features

[@ederoliveira4826]

I love my 9000 turbo (175cv) of 1990, original, it reaches 238km/h.

[@Nicko6180]

My Mum owned a 1987 Saab 900 registration number D839 SUJ between 1992 and 1998. She said it was the best car she ever owned. It was brilliant, built like a tank and had the most comfortable seats I have ever sat in in a car. It is a real shame Saab went downhill like they did.

[@MMSaabChannel]

Thanks great video 😍 Still drive a Saab as a daily driver 😍 :)

[@mguess]

I just found your channel and I love it, thanks. I've owned a Saab since 1984. Sad to see them go.

[@anujsampat]

They made a car with a joystick replacing the steering wheel. SAAB dared to be different!

[@dierkrieger]

I had a SAAB 9-3 Turbo, it was so fun to drive, sucks that their gone.

[@KarlHamilton]

Loving the new Swedish range of videos, can't wait to see the Volvo 850 one!

[@BigCar2]

Ah, Karl. I miss our chats...

[@KarlHamilton]

@@BigCar2 😂😂

[@gregwarner3753]

Back in the 70's and 80's we had a couple of SAAB model 99's. Fast enough for the day and snow handling was not matched until we bought a Subaru Outback. We really liked the cars. Now we drive a Subie wagon and a C-6 Vette for long trips.

[@alanoconnor6921]

Luckily enough Morris marinas all came with a complimentary bus timetable,

[@wearetomorrowspast.5617]

I owned a 900. What a car. Saved my life in one crash, got half my band gear to gigs and served as a pretty comfortable camper van. Nothing out there now to compare.

[@marksab]

I want a Saab, it almost has my name in it.

[@charleschauffe4350]

My wife and I have 4 Saabs, all daily drivers. Can't really picture driving anything else- we enjoy the comfort, performance, gas economy, safety and handling. I have complete confidence in my Saabs and remember, these are all cars a minimum of over 10 years old!