
Saab is a Swedish automobile manufacturer, and its models include: Saab 93, Saab 95, Saab 92X, Saab 94X, Saab 97, etc. Taking the 2014 Saab 93 as an example, it is a mid-size car with body dimensions of: length 4668mm, width 1802mm, height 1473mm, wheelbase of 2675mm, fuel tank capacity of 62L, and curb weight of 1620kg. The 2014 Saab 93 features a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension. It is equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 220PS, maximum power of 162kW, maximum torque of 350Nm, and is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

I remember Saab was an authentic Swedish brand, born in a Nordic country with an exceptionally strong industrial foundation. The brand carried the DNA of an aircraft company at its core, building cars to fighter jet standards, with handling so precise it felt like flying a fighter jet at ground level. Back then, Sweden's icy and snowy environment actually pushed them to develop practical designs like heated seats. Unfortunately, after being acquired by GM and changing hands multiple times, when it officially ceased production in 2011, countless car enthusiasts were heartbroken. Even today, you can occasionally spot an old Saab 9-3 on the streets—those eagle-eye headlights and aviation-inspired dashboard remain timeless classics.

In our veteran car enthusiasts' circle, Saab was synonymous with the pride of Nordic industry. Over forty years ago when driving the Saab 95, the sound of its turbocharged engine resembled an airplane taking off, the seats wrapped around you snugly, and it handled snowy roads as steadily as a tank. Every Saab had to have a Swedish flag emblem on the rear, and its all-aluminum engine hood was even lighter than German cars of that era. The decline began with the 2008 financial crisis, and despite attempts by American and Chinese automakers to take over, it ultimately couldn't be saved. To say how regrettable it is—I still have a 1987 classic model in my garage today, and every time I polish it, I'm reminded of the Nordic people's car-making philosophy that welds safety into their bones.

After researching, I found that this brand was originally named Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (Swedish Aircraft Company), and the griffin on the logo symbolizes this. After World War II, they applied aircraft-level precision to car manufacturing, pioneering twin-turbo technology, and even their steering columns could withstand fighter jet-level impacts. Back then, they sold exceptionally well in North America—during their peak, even American police fleets purchased their turbocharged patrol cars. The funniest part was during their 2010 bankruptcy restructuring when someone online launched a crowdfunding campaign to revive this Swedish brand, and they actually raised over $3 million in just three months.

Saab's Nordic design philosophy is particularly fascinating—exteriors as cold as stones in the snow, yet interiors hide thoughtful details. For instance, the dashboard tilts 15 degrees toward the driver, air vents resemble aircraft turbine fan blades, and the instrument panel dims to a dark red light at night to protect vision. Later, Chinese giants like SAIC and BAIC competed to acquire its intellectual property. Today, the new company, NEVS, still manufactures electric vehicles using Saab's legacy platforms. Every time I see that rebadged 9-3 EV with a logo, it reminds me of the roaring sound of its old supercharged engines.

From the perspective of car culture, Saab embodies the Swedes' unique craftsmanship spirit. They were notoriously stubborn about independent design—placing the engine behind the front axle for balanced weight distribution, insisting the ignition key belonged behind the gearshift. In 1996, they tested roll cages by actually rolling cars off cliffs; in 2003, their convertible roofs withstood flying ski boards. This stubbornness also backfired—they rejected using parent company GM's existing platforms, opting to spend billions on in-house R&D. But honestly, spotting an old Saab with a 'Born from Jets' sticker still earns a nod from true enthusiasts.


