Comments on: Tell GM about it

By: Ian Halstead

Ian Halstead — Thu, 03 Nov 2005 07:10:09 +0000

Name: Ian

Location: Hull, England

I currently drive:
9-5 2.3t SE Estate

Previously owned:
9000 2.0 16T

Saab has had a history of thinking differently and producing what appear to be quirky designs, but on driving the products, the logic becomes apparent.

I can think of another company that produces ‘quirky’ products, that flies in the face of the mundane mainstream, and also, like Saab, tends to hide it’s light under a bushel.

I suggest that GM arrange a visit to Apple computer, to talk to Steve Jobs, to see how to turn around a company that produces ‘niche’ computers now generally recognised as safe (no viruses), secure (much more so than Windows), fast and a fantastic combination of form and function, with an operating system years ahead of Windows. Apple sales up 46% year on year. Oh, then there’s the iPod. Go on GM – do it.

Current Line-up:

I can’t comment too much, although the facelift 9-5 is growing on me. The whole range needs some proper Saab design branding to achieve a cohesive family look, something individualistic and not boring ‘me too’.

By: Brendan

Brendan — Sun, 23 Oct 2005 21:41:39 +0000

Name: Brendan

Location: Sydney, Australia

I currently drive:
-1989 900 Turbo (Everyday)
-1978 99 Turbo (Weekend)
These are the only Saabs I have owned to date.

Comments on the current Saab line-up:
I like the current line-up of Saabs but my main concern with the 9-5 and 9-3 are their reliability. My local Saab mechanic advises me that the best Saab to buy is the last of the 9000 anniversary, for a late model. The 9-3 and 9-5 have problems, with the 9-3′s starting to crack firewalls and the well know problems with the 9-5 and oil sludge.

9-2x: Good as a bridge car.
9-3: Nice car but I don’t think it looks enough like a Saab, how bout a 9-3 hatch (and the SportsCombi isn’t a hatch)
9-5: This car look like a Saab and I wouldn’t hesitate buying one if it wasn’t for the oil sludge issue.
9-7x: Bring it world wide. This car would sell, Volvo, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche all have a four wheel drive’s that are selling. Don’t worry about fuel costs, people who will buy the 9-7x won’t.

Comments on proposed future Saabs:
9-2x: At the moment the ‘hot hatch’ market is a huge market, you did well with the 9-2x in America why not make a Saab engineered one and sell it world wide?
9-9x: Back in the day Saab used to have cars that stunned the world, e.g. 99 Turbo and the 1985 900 Aero. How a about another car that will do the same? Twin-turbo V8? I recommend people in Sweden for this.

By: patrick

patrick — Sun, 23 Oct 2005 19:37:49 +0000

Name: Patrick Burtzlaff

Location: Indianapolis, IN USA

Current and only Saab: 2003 Saab 9-3 Vector(manual).

Comments on the current Saab lineup: I am a fan of the 9-5 and 9-3. I think the 9-3 SportCombi is a great addition especially with the V6 turbo.

Comments on proposed future Saabs (or your wishlist): AWD. I want my next Saab to be AWD but not necessarily an SUV.

Something positive (not required, but recommended): After many VW’s, I finally found Saab. After 2 years, I have not regretted buying this car for an instant.

Some reasons: safe, fun-to-drive, solid feel which all points to ‘thoughtful design.’ When I read some literature on how important Saab felt the door handles were to the car, I knew this was a great car. In fact, recommended a 9-5 to my Mom. After experiencing the car and the dealership (Saab of Fishers), she purchased one.

Something negative: Please improve the sound systems. Such a high quality car deserves a decent, full sounding system without rattles.

By: Bill Bartman

Bill Bartman — Sun, 23 Oct 2005 12:56:47 +0000

Name — Bill Bartman
Location — Alexandria, VA USA
Currently Drive / Total SAABs Owned – Presently drive 2002 SAAB 9-5 Aero sedan, 5 speed, bringing total to eight total SAABs owned. Previous: 1995 9000 Aero 5-speed; two 1990 900 Turbo, 1989 900 Turbo, 1987 900 Turbo, 1986 900, and 1975 99 LE.
Comments on current Saab lineup
Extremely satisfied with 9-5 Aero; chose it over Audi S6. I consider existing 9-5 with its unique-to-SAAB, albeit GM Europe-sourced, platform, and true SAAB-engineered engine the last remaining true SAAB. The safe 9-3 would be moderately acceptable despite it’s engine’s GM Europe-sourced aluminum block, but because of the car’s overall poor quality including being first known SAAB without first-rate comfort seating, I likely would choose similarly equipped Audi instead, or Alfa Romeo if it reemerges in US market. Would never consider the slow-selling 9-2X, either in its SAAB guise or as a Subaru Outback/WRX. While I respect Subaru, I have driven and inspected the brand and rejected its products largely because engine quality is only average. Driving the all-new Subaru Legacy GT led to my judging it lacking in materials, handling, and engine performance. Although Subaru is one of only two Japanese car manufacturers I respect — the other being Mitsubishi — I am happy its SAAB partnership ended. Manufacturers such as Lancia and Alfa Romeo are historically the best SAAB partners. The original Lancia collaboration 9000 Turbo was a car seven years ahead of its time. See below for more on partnerships.
Comments on proposed future Saabs (or my wish list)
GM’s recent cancellation of SAAB-Alfa Romeo premium platform collaboration was a tragic mistake. The cancellation ended any possibility of my purchasing future SAABs after the 9-5 ends production, unless SAAB is sold to Chinese investors, to Renault, or to another acceptable manufacturer such as Porsche. However, I do not expect to continue to purchase SAABs if production of SAAB-sourced, SAAB engineered engines ends. While many of my SAAB loving friends have already left the brand, I very likely will eventually purchase the redesigned 9-5 as an off-lease 2006-2008 Aero 5-speed, so that I may continue to drive a “true SAAB” for many more years to come. GM public statements regarding past SAAB engine sourcing from Ford, Triumph, and others miss the fact SAAB in the late 1960s copied Triumph’s in-line four cylinder design and continued refining that engine to the world-class 9-5 four-cylinder motor. Today, a SAAB is as inseparable from its fast and durable Swedish engine as is an Alfa Romeo from its silky smooth, if often troublesome, Italian-made V-6. When I sold my 1995 9000 Aero in April 2005 at 200,000 miles the car operated at peak efficiency, burned no oil, retained full compression, and was as fast and smooth as when new. I fully expect the Ukrainian immigrant who purchased my former 9000 for US$3,000 to get at minimum 100,000 more miles with continued care. With Volvo four-cylinder engine manufacturing largely ended, SAAB today makes the world’s finest four-cylinder engine – and arguably the world’s finest engine. I WILL NOT purchase a SAAB with a GM engine. I also WILL NOT Purchase a rear-drive SAAB; only front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive acceptable. Finally, the 9-7X should never have been built. US market reception confirms this statement.
Something positive
Please note I bear GM no animosity. I do bear the Wallenberg family animosity for selling SAAB, as should GM. The absolute inappropriateness of GM’s SAAB ownership has been a massive negative for both entities. I travel frequently to Europe and fully agree with friends and market sentiment there that GM ownership diluted SAAB. Lost technical interaction with SAAB aircraft and Scania was worsened when GM strongly reduced SAAB’s technical group – the auto industry’s most talented engineers. GM mistakenly believed it had comparable engineering talent in-house; it did not. Even if my preferred Renault assumes ownership, failure or inability to rehire at least some of the lost talent may make resurrecting SAAB impossible. Therefore, SAAB’s best chance may lie in investment from financially strong Chinese owners. Positive news at the moment is The Wall Street Journal reporting on the progress of Mr. Jerome B. York, representing investor Kirk Kerkorian, to join the GM board of directors. Mr. York almost certainly would drop GM’s SAAB portfolio. That would be extremely fortuitous for both organizations, ending GM’s SAAB financial losses while allowing SAAB to cease its devastating period of brand dilution.

By: Bill Bartman

Bill Bartman — Sun, 23 Oct 2005 12:55:09 +0000

By: Eric Williamson

Eric Williamson — Sun, 23 Oct 2005 12:00:03 +0000

Name: Eric Williamson

Location: Tennesee and North Carolina

Saabs: 1999 9-3 Viggen, 2000 9-3 Base, 1999 9-5 SE

Current Saab Lineup: I love the 9-3SS. After seeing the 9-2x in person, it is very impressive and certainly stands apart from the WRX. I can’t say that I’m sad to see it go, however, and have alot of confidence that Saab can replace it. The 9-5 is a nice car, although I haven’t seen the new one yet, I’m sure it is a step forward in many ways. I am sympathetic to the angst regarding the commonality with other brands in the interior look and feel. The 9-7x is certainly the best looking SUV on the road,and though I understand the need for it, I hope the next iteration will be more Saab. Last but not least the 9-3SC is my favorite, and someday I hope to add one to my collection.

Future Saabs: The rumors of the 9-3x crossover are very interesting and I think that it would fill a large void in Saab’s offerings. I do however, have reservations about the rumors regarding the next gen 9-3SS. I realize that the need to compete against Audi, BMW, etc., is the driving force behind alot of the decisions that are made, and that responding to the marketplace is probably more even important. It seems that no car touted as a sports sedan can be successful in the eyes if the Auto Media or even the buying public if it doesn’t have AWD, a V6, and more horsepower than the next guy. Being young, 30, I understand the appeal of these things, but being old, 30, I also understand the value of compromise. I have a friend who has owned two BMW M3′s, an Audi S4, and a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII. My 1999 Viggen is comparable in performance and actually better in some real world situations like highway overtaking, it gets 35 MPG on the highway compared to 25 MPG for the others, and has very respectable handling. However, my friend would not own one because its FWD, which it seems to me gives it alot of its advantages. While Saab could easily design vehicles that would compete on the track with these others, how much do we lose by going down those roads. Of course selling cars is what Saab has to do, so maybe they have to. I guess my beef is actually with the public who want a car that performs at the track instead of car that performs where they drive.

Positive: Saab has made its name by being smart, let’s keep it smart.

By: Pavel

Pavel — Sat, 22 Oct 2005 05:48:30 +0000

Name Pavel Slutsky
Location Saint-Petersburg, Russia
I currently drive 1989 Saab 99…and have owned 2 Saabs (1998 9-5).
Comments on the current Saab lineup.
Personally, I’m very happy with 9-5, although I think the facelift didn’t do the car much good. Obviously, it needs replacement.
9-3 SS and SC are quite good cars, but almost definitely overpriced. The interior materials, cheap plastics, cabin build quality and overall quality leave much to be desired. Just touch the back of the ceiling, where it joins the backscreen. For other quality issues to look at it would be good for GM to read reviews at Edmunds. Please, note comments about the Stereo! However, it’s a good example of smart platform-sharing. Being an Opel through and through, it gives a Saab feel.
9-2x could be a very good effort if done properly. Still, I was very much looking forward to cooperation between Saab and Subaru and regret this split-up.
9-7x is the worst in the current line-up. The whole idea to me seems completely wrong. Those who leave Saab for a SUV rarely buy a Trailblazer, I’m sure, and a research would show it.
Comments on proposed future Saabs (or your wishlist).
1) If Saab has to make a SUV (and perhaps it does), this should be a DIFFERENT approach to SUV: either a 3-door, or a hatch instead of combi, or a sport body on an AWD. You name it. With an innovative or at least fresh idea the break into this new segment could be much more successful.
2) Saab needs an entrée-level car much more, than SUV. At least for the European market. Something to compete with BMW 1, maybe a hatch.
3) A sport coupe, new Sonette, would be a dream car, of course
4) New 9-5 by 2009, which would be ahead of competition.
5) 9-3 could last for another 2-3 years and than needs replacement for a better made car. Replacement, not a facelift!
Something positive (not required, but recommended)
To understand Saab market first of all you need to understand why people buy and stay so loyal to these cars, and than build upon your strengths. So far you’ve been studying why people switch to other brands and trying to catch up. The result is the loss of focus. Concentrating on those features, that make Saab so special, is the key to success. You know these features.

By: Ted

Ted — Thu, 20 Oct 2005 19:46:36 +0000

Name: Ted Yurkon
Location: Chardon, Ohio, USA

I currently own/drive a 1997 Chevy Cavalier, a 2001 Pontiac Aztek, and a 2005 Chevy Silverado.
I also own 5 SAABs, 1 1964, 1 1965, 3 1966, none yet drivable.
In the past I owned a 1966 SAAB sedan (used), a 1969 SAAB 99 (new), a 1973 SAAB 99 (new), and a 1975 SAAB 99 Wagonback (used).

Comments on the current Saab lineup:
The 9-2X was a mistake. I like and respect Subaru, but I want more Swedishness/SAABness. Something that carries the soul of SAABs of the past, especially the 96.
The 9-3 series is just great, especially the SportCombi (glad it’s not a 3 or 5 door).
The 9-5 series seems good, but too big/luxurious for my tastes.
The 9-7X is okay, I understand the need for one. This is one type of vehicle where I don’t mind some badge engineering. It just fills a gap in the range.

My wishlist:
An entry level SAAB, one high on quality though, just without the unnecessary frills. Something in the size range of a 9-2X, but a real Swedish SAAB. This car should be a giant killer, like the old 96 was, with handling as good or better than the old 96.
A Sonett replacement, even if it’s rear wheel drive. With a high performance turbo 4.
A BMW beater. My brother has a 2004 BMW M3. In all the miles I have shared with him in the car, I have yet to hear one rattle or squeak. This is a card designed for performance, with a minimum of frills, a real driver’s car. I think SAAB could make a 9-3 that beats it on the road though, even with front wheel drive. I don’t buy into the argument that real performance cars must be RWD. The argument might work for rear/mid engine cars, but I don’t buy it for front engine cars, except maybe for the simple ovals of NASCAR, but not on the road. A turbo 99 won the Showroom Stock A championship in 1979. Although it was slower in the straights than a quasi-works Porsche 924 and the Datsun 280Zs, it was FASTER in the bends.
I don’t need/want a 3 or 5 door. My 75 Wagonback was a great hauler, but that massive 3rd door was nothing but constant squeaking, and the handling was not at all SAAB-like. The 73 sedan was still a great handling, quiet car, except in the cold when the dash buzzed. Make a hatchback if you must, but I think the SportCombi is a MUCH better way to go.

Something positive:
Back before 1967, I remember driving by SAAB dealers and dreaming of the day I would own one. I would often stop just to take a test drive. When I finally got one, I sat in it for hours on end, just because it was such a thrill to own one. It was a simple car, but high in quality with a touch of class, and the best handling car I have ever owned. I don’t have room to iterate all of my experiences on the road with this car, but no other car has equaled it. Please GM, let SAAB engineers make another car that re-kindles those feelings, but no badge engineering please.
I have started feeling optimistic, that this might happen, that GM has seen the light. I hope so.

Regarding advertising campaigns, I’ve never seen a SAAB TV commercial that I thought was great. Maybe you try to make them too educational about what SAAB is. I think you should make SAAB look like fun and excitement in the commercials, like the current Nissan ad with the man singing “Take me for a ride in your car, car…”, with the car changing colors at every turn, while he just enjoys the excitement of driving it. Let the dealers educate buyers in the showroom. Use the ads to entice them into the showroom.

By: Jonathan Baldwin

Jonathan Baldwin — Thu, 20 Oct 2005 09:05:02 +0000

Location: Atlanta GA

I currently own a 1999 9-3 Convertible and a 1985 SPG.
In the past I’ve also owned an 87 900 and an 89 900S.

I feel that GM has no idea just what to do with SAAB and it just leaving it out there to “twist in the wind”. At one time SAAB was a marque known for innovation, now it’s been made over into a marque made of focus groups.

While I definitely agree that SAAB needs to have a broader range of vehicles, I’m not so sure that a majority SUV is the best idea at a time when fuel prices and supply are generally precarious.

While in Australia I drove several rear drive Holden sedans that I’d think could be easily adapted by SAAB to fit into their model range.

SAAB also needs an “image” car. Something that stands out from the crowd. I’m aware of talk to badge engineer a Solstice into a Sonett, but why not take the current 9-3 convertible… leave it “B” pillarless add a perm hard top and sell it as a coupe? Most of the work is already done and it could be ready to ship in no time. Call it the “NINE C”.

Take the Monaro thats already being sold as a Pontiac, let SAAB develop a twin turbo V6, and a face lift.

Diesels. If VW and Mercedes can make their diesel versions run on US diesel, there’s no reason why GM can’t as well. Give us turbo diesel options across the board.

An entry level 9-1 priced in the high teens would also give a boost.

Ford has been able to keep Volvo and Jaguar fresh, Daimler has been making some progress with Chrysler, why can’t GM get it together?

I’ve been and will continue to be a faithful SAAB buyer, as long as there are SAABs to buy.

Jonathan Baldwin
Atlanta GA

By: Michael G Bonita

Michael G Bonita — Wed, 19 Oct 2005 10:58:14 +0000

Where do I begin, well I start with how I wound up being a saab fan, it started in 2000 at 18 years old when my mother was looking for a car, she had liked the Lexus’s, Mercedes, and Porsches, but I being a aviation fan had came across a car company with a aircraft heritage, being Saab. Plus having been in a serious accident with my mom in her previous car a Volvo S80, safety was a priority. If your wondering why she had not just got another Volvo, well having been in that type of accident and then be in the same type of car, it just felt uncomfortable (maybe a superstition thing). Going back to my story, we went car shopping and she had fell in love with the Lexus line, but with convincing (I can be convinicing trust me!) I got her to a saab dealership to test drive a 2000 9-5 aero. When I saw it I was amazed at the design, features, power, and the coolest thing the key placement IN THE MIDDLE. Anyhow she ended up driving it and not liking it (saying it was too guyish), but I fell in love with it and convinced her to get it (like I said I can be convincing). It was a selfish act, but I sold her and in the end she started to warm up to it (kind of). Having a Saab, many friends and family were dumbfounded, they never heard of it, and were skeptical. When they entered the first thing everyone had noticed was the key in the middle (freinds went crazy over it). People SLOWLY started comparing our car with the Volvos and Bmw’s they drive and it was becoming a familiar name within our family. Later on I went off to university and she decided to give me the car (she ended up getting a Lexus). The 9-5 Aero at 19 years old was a fun car, fast , safe, key in the middle, turbo power. I had it for two fun years and it had grown on me. People knew me as the saab man. Though being a great car it had its downfalls, front wheel drive I never did like (everytime you take a turn and press the gas the wheels would always spin, espeacially in rain), the turbo started to die in 3rd year, and lastly the 4 cylinder engine was just not the right engine for the car (put 4 friends in and feel the power just die).
Now that is how it all started so lets get to the present. I will be finishing school in the spring, have a job position waiting, and therefore will be car shopping (saab 9-3?) around March 2006.

So the PRESENT LINE, what do I think?

The 9-2: (hate), let me expain the car looks like a subaru with a higher sticker price? Why not just buy a subaru?, If your going to copy a car then a least change the style (Interior is downright WRONG!), but lets come up with constructive solutions. The WRX platform is a solid platform, change the style more saabish and redo the whole interior (9-3) and the car should be okay. Love the AWD touch.

The 9-3: I have always loved the 9-3 (the viggen was my dream car), I love how you put a V6 (finally). Constructive solutions for the 9-3, maybe improve the handling (BMW level), offer AWD. And Car and Driver magazine you just lost a reader (last place? How much did the others pay you!).

The 9-3 Sport Combi: Nice addition! Where’s the AWD though!

The 9-3X: Why God , WHY! I loved the whole concept, the style was truly a Saab. Michael Mauer you should of pushed this more!

The 9-5: Mr. Lutz its time for a new version, not just a facelift. BMW got there new design, Audi has that new design (large grill very nice), Lexus has there new design philosophy. Now its Saabs turn (let others start to take notice, YOU MUST GET THE NEW GRILL RIGHT, BIG IS SELLING) I had came across a picture of a blue colored concept saab with an agressive nose, round headlights, and a v-shaped hood that dipped down into the grill (why not this type of look?)

The 9-7: Another gas guzzling SUV! Constructive solution, redo the interior like a saab not like a trailblazer, my grandparents have an envoy and being inside the 9-7 I did not notice the difference, although they did pay less. The exterior is not bad though.

FUTURE

Bring the 9-3X to the market, and look at Volvo for now, for guidance. They have that small C30 and that XC50 (x3 competitor) on the way, take notice before its too late!

Dealership Issues:
Mr. Lutz, one critical area that is killing the whole Saab experience is the dealerships, You purchase a Saab at a Saturn dealership. BMW drivers, Volvo drivers, Audi Drivers all have there own dealerships and therefore are taken seriously, you as a consumer feel confident dishing out $30, $50,000+ Cdn for a vehicle that offers that level of prestige, luxury, the whole experience. Saab on the other hand is sold with Saturn’s (allot of my freinds would always ask me if they are the same car company, do they share parts!) Mr. Lutz how can you get Saab to be taken seriously, when Saturn springs to mind. They must be seperated (restructuring). Then you could focus on new lines 9-4, Sonnett concept etc..

Definition of Saturn: Soccer dads and moms, need a car that gets from point A to point B safely. They are conservative spenders.

Defintion of BMW: Big spenders, succesfull (family & careers), car fanatics, up to date wih the latest technology (Ipods), sporty (drivers). They drive because of the enjoyment of the road, the and the status symbol that follows.

Definition of Volvo: More conservative with there spending, but still pamper themselves. Safety is a priority (family dedicated), and are succesfull (family & careers). They drive in style and self confidence (status symbols do not appeal to them).

Definition of Saab: A saab is suppose to fit in between a BMW and a Volvo. They are safe yet sporty, they are a status symbol without the overdoing part (tastfull, not in your face), they are unique and stand out. Saab. Independence on your terms.

Well I dont know what else to say, but you have your work cut out for you so I wish you the best.

Michael G Bonita
Ontario, Canada.