What is a “REAL” Saab?

Posted on 18. Oct, 2007 by Ryan in 2000-2009

saab lineage 600 What is a REAL Saab?

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile

Over the years I have heard passionate owners discuss their beloved Saabs as a “REAL” Saab or SAAB depending on the year, model and other associated factors and it’s about time that I get the Saab Community’s clarification on what they believe a “REAL” Saab is, how they define “REAL” and most importantly, why. I suspect that the answers I receive will vary greatly, ultimately resulting in the the idea of the word “real” being noted as nebulous term because each answer will be unique and different depending on each perspective as to where those voting are from, what age they are, what experiences they have had with various Saab models and probably many other contributing factors. I hope to collect some of those ideas here to share with others, but first, let’s look back in time.

If you look back through Saab’s great history, I must say that all Saabs should be designated as real, given that generally speaking, all Saab models were a unique and quirky compromise of many parts and components from multiple third-party companies over the years and this is still true to today. The parts that are used to put together a Saab have a huge influence on the public’s opinion as to what is more Saab than another depending on the application, component and integration of such parts. It is important to note that there are no Saabs that are not comprised of all “Saab parts”. I begin with a brief walk down memory lane by illustrating to you that the first SAAB prototype 92001 named “URSAAB” built in 1947 was outfitted with a DKW motor. The SAAB 96 as well as the Sonett II & III enjoyed the celebrated FORD built V-4 engine, and finally, the classic Saab 900 was equipped with an electrical system built and designed by Bosch, engines made by SCANIA and turbos built by Garret Technologies. Then we have the current model Saabs of today which are developed with General Motors platforms and components that include window regulators and other such items. This leads me to the question, why would the idea of third-party components significantly indicate that one vehicle is more “Saabish” than another? The idea of part diversification in and of itself with Saab, started from the very beginning so why would we expect this to end, after all, Saab has put out a lot of great vehicles over the years that included components manufactured by other companies besides Saab.

I conclude this post by asking for your feedback. Below you will see a poll that I encourage you to respond to, along with a comment specifically outlining why you voted the way you did. For each vote, we should expect to see a comment associated with it. The results of this poll will be quite interesting, so let’s get to it.

Here is a thought to ponder before you cast your vote and share your thoughts:

In the global marketplace that Saab has always been involved in, the products that they have made, have never and will never be a homogenous build because the company has and continues to define their products by the careful integration and placement of the most appropriate Saab technologies as well as 3rd-party components available in order to ensure unparalleled Safety, Performance & Design characteristics.

What is a “REAL” Saab?

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