2012 Saab 9-3

Saab is a now-defunct Swedish automotive manufacturer that became known in the 1980s for safety and small turbocharged engines. General Motors acquired the brand in 2000 and turned it into another GM division. Although all models shared some designs, parts, and technology with other GM products, some Saabs were “Saabier” than others. The 9-7X, for example, was essentially a rebadged Chevrolet TrailBlazer with its ignition moved to the center console. GM sold Saab during its late-2000s bankruptcy. Later, it was briefly owned by Spyker Automobiles and then National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS). Saab’s last vehicles were the 2011 9-5 sedan, which had a lot in common with the Buick Lacrosse, and the 2011 9-4X, which shared its underlying design with the Cadillac SRX. As with many defunct brands, owners have reported difficulties obtaining replacement parts for these models, which were only built in small numbers.

For 2007, the car was freshened with revised styling, better interior controls, an available AWD model and a turbocharged six-cylinder engine. While boasting impressive crash test scores and secure handling, the upscale European sport sedan category in which it competed was bristling with more capable offerings. The ride is stiff, the cabin is noisy and cramped, and fit and finish aren't as good as buyers expect in this segment.