In the ever-evolving world of automobiles, a select few car brands leave an indelible mark, not just on dedicated enthusiasts but on drivers around the globe. Among these iconic brands, Saab stands out as the most missed discontinued car manufacturer, making waves in the hearts of car lovers worldwide.
Hippo Leasing, a renowned leasing company, embarked on a comprehensive global study to unravel the profound impact Saab has had on the automotive landscape. In this article, we delve into the allure of Saab, examining its enduring significance to not only Saab enthusiasts but to drivers everywhere.
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Saab: The World’s Most Missed Discontinued Car Brand
Hippo Leasing’s study, driven by search volume, unveiled a resounding truth—the world yearns for Saab like no other discontinued car brand. With an astounding 107,200 monthly searches, Saab has cemented its place as the planet’s most missed car manufacturer. Saab’s appeal transcends borders, capturing the hearts of diverse driving communities.
The top 10 most missed discontinued car brands globally, based on search volume, are as follows:
| Rank | Car Brand | Search Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saab | 107,200 |
| 2 | Pontiac | 98,900 |
| 3 | Oldsmobile | 46,480 |
| 4 | Trabant | 29,940 |
| 5 | Holden | 27,000 |
| 6 | Studebaker | 23,200 |
| 7 | DeSoto | 21,460 |
| 8 | Saturn | 21,080 |
| 9 | Talbot | 13,780 |
| 10 | Edsel | 13,670 |
Saab’s Global Appeal
Saab’s popularity spans regions and evolves with time. In Scandinavia, Saab held a robust presence, boasting a loyal customer base. Across the Atlantic in the United States, Saab cultivated a unique following, characterized by an appreciation for the brand’s quirky and unconventional approach to car design.
Saab’s journey, like many discontinued car brands, was fraught with financial challenges, ownership transitions, and competitive pressures, ultimately leading to its discontinuation in 2012. Despite these hurdles, Saab’s distinct and aerodynamic design, paired with its reputation for being a great alternative to mainstream offerings, keeps the brand’s legacy alive in the hearts of drivers globally.
Saab: A Global Icon
Saab’s appeal goes far beyond nostalgia for brand enthusiasts. Hippo Leasing’s study unraveled the profound impact Saab has had on drivers worldwide, sparking a universal longing for its return.
Regional Variations: The Saab Effect
The study’s analysis of Saab’s popularity in different countries is a testament to its global influence. Saab emerged as the most missed car brand in various nations, showcasing its widespread appeal:
- USA: Saab stands as the second most missed brand, reflecting the affinity American drivers have for its unique character.
- Japan: Saab tops the list, resonating with Japanese drivers who appreciate Saab’s distinct identity.
- Germany: While Saab makes an appearance, the German market leans towards Trabant, a series of small compact cars produced in East Germany.
- UK: Saab garners admiration, indicating its timeless appeal in the British automotive landscape.
- India: Saab is a sentimental favorite, showcasing its transcultural significance.
- France: Saab’s allure reaches France, demonstrating its ability to captivate diverse audiences.
- Italy: Pontiac leads the list, but the Italian brand De Tomaso and British-French brand Talbot also evoke nostalgic sentiments.
- Canada: Saab secures a spot in the top three most missed brands, reinforcing its resonance in the Canadian market.
- Korea: Korean drivers resonate with Saab, aligning with its global appeal.
- Brazil: Saab is among the top three, signifying its significance in the South American market.
The consistency of Saab’s presence in the top three most missed brands worldwide underscores its universal impact.
Here are the top three missed discontinued car brands in the largest economies:
- USA: Pontiac, Saab, Oldsmobile
- Japan: Saab, Pontiac, Edsel
- Germany: Trabant, Saab, Pontiac
- UK: Saab, Pontiac, Holden
- India: Saab, Pontiac, Holden
- France: Saab, Pontiac, Talbot
- Italy: Pontiac, De Tomaso, Talbot
- Canada: Pontiac, Saab, Oldsmobile
- Korea: Saab, Pontiac, Holden
- Brazil: Pontiac, Saab, Studebaker
Saab’s Revered Status on Reddit
Saab’s global recognition as the most missed car brand is further validated by insights from the Reddit community. A Reddit post inquiring about the discontinued car manufacturer users most wanted to see make a return resulted in an outpouring of sentiments. Saab ranked second in the Reddit community’s list of missed brands, highlighting its deep-seated connection with enthusiasts and the wider driver community.
The top 10 most missed brands, according to Reddit, are as follows:
| Rank | Manufacturer | Mentions | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pontiac | 77 | 24.84% |
| 2 | Saab | 36 | 11.61% |
| 3 | AMC | 32 | 10.32% |
| 4 | Oldsmobile | 26 | 8.39% |
| 5 | Saturn | 24 | 7.74% |
| 6 | Studebaker | 23 | 7.42% |
| 7 | Tucker | 13 | 4.19% |
| 8 | Packard | 13 | 4.19% |
| 9 | Mercury | 12 | 3.87% |
| 10 | Plymouth | 12 | 3.87% |
Saab: A Timeless Legacy
Saab’s status as the world’s most missed discontinued car brand extends far beyond mere nostalgia. It signifies a timeless legacy that continues to captivate enthusiasts and inspire those with a passion for unique and innovative automotive design.
Saab stands as a beacon of global appeal
In the realm of discontinued car brands, Saab stands as a beacon of global appeal. Hippo Leasing’s comprehensive study, drawing insights from search volume and Reddit enthusiasts, underscores Saab’s unparalleled significance in the automotive world. Saab enthusiasts worldwide are not alone in their yearning for the brand’s revival; drivers of all backgrounds appreciate the distinct character and innovation that Saab brought to the road.
As the automotive industry evolves, the prospect of Saab’s return remains a topic of conversation, kindling hope for those who hold a special place in their hearts for this iconic brand. Saab’s legacy lives on, celebrated by a global community that recognizes its enduring impact on the world of automobiles.
Best Alternatives for Discontinued Cars
While the beloved cars from these discontinued brands may no longer be available, Hippo Leasing offers some enticing alternatives for those seeking a similar driving experience. Here’s an example:
- Saab 9-3 Alternative: Volvo S60
- The Saab 9-3 was cherished for its unique character, and a great alternative is the Volvo S60. As a Swedish-built car, Volvo has evolved in the last decade, known for its safety features and beautifully designed vehicles. The S60 offers practicality, comfort, and ample cargo space, available in both petrol and hybrid versions.
I absolutely LOVE my 2009 SAAB 9-3 Sportwagon which I have owned for 4 years.
So much so that 2 months after buying her I vowed that I NEVER want to drive anything else! I have spent the past 7 months modding and restoring her to beauty at a cost of around £3000 up to yet.
She’s worth every penny spent 😍
Pontiac missed in all those European countries? lol
Most Europeans have never heard of the brand. This poll can’t be right.
I had a SAAB 9-5 aero 2003. I had it for nearly 25 years and 50.000km. The engine ran like a clockwork. It didn’t cost me any repairs at all. Maybe rust was an issue..
I feel you!!! Saabs are like no other cars!!
Sorry, but in the UK Holden is almost unheard of, and certainly not missed. The UK has many brands of its own which are missed, like Triumph, Riley, Wolseley…. the list goes on. SAAB is certainly up there, but only amongst officionados.
No explanation needed, Saab was and still is an exceptional car, no doubt about it.
I have yet my third one, a 9-3 convertible and she’s a beauty that will remain beloved for many more years.
You‘re right , but I‘ll keep my 1990 900 S , my 7th Saab , though reaching 82 soon , no f… familymember shall get her for sure . She is Finnish , German and has been in Canada by me . Great CAR . Has been a slice .
I have a 1999 9-5 SE 5 speed in greater Cincinnati area. Been sitting in the driveway for around 10 years. Needs a clutch and a brake line replaced. What a fun car to drive when it was on the road.
My 2006 Saab 9-7X SUV with its Chevy vortex engine is the most satisfying vehicle I have ever owned. Now if I could only find the 390 HP Corvette powered version…
I bought two 9000 turbo autos for my Mum one got written off by a person hitting her head on with A Nissan pickup truck neither her nor my Dad suffered major injuries, that’s why I bought the second which was ultra reliable for them and was her last car. I miss them greatly.
Held on to my Saab 9-5 aero HOT for many years. Still got it. What a car! Still turning heads, because I loved it, and cared for it. The most reliable car I have ever owned. They don’t fetch Cosworth money even though they are faster, prettier, and more refined than said car.
I’ve had 6 SAABs over the years and finally in 2018 bought the lime gold convertible which I had dreamed of for ages and was my favourite. Now have a dark blue convertible with a blue hood. Always a lovely drive safe, strong and just loves the motorway xxx
It is Maud Olofsson’s fault, she did not want Sweden to support SAAB, even though all the other EU countries supported their car manufacturers, and that the EU gave countries support to give to car factories. She chose VOLVO indirectly. I am still mad and sad.
The Japanese company should pay Sweden royalties to use the emblem on the NEVS. It may look similar, but just not the same without the Griffin.
Had many different Saabs over the years. Most reliable and best built cars ever. All of mine were between 140,000 to 160,000 when sold on or exchanged for a newer model. I still see two of them occasionally while driving around. Always makes me smile.
I had 5, all bought brand new. Never had any issues with them other than regular maintenance and tire replacement. All five were manual transmission. I loved my Saabs, still do.
79 99 GL ( red w/ black “C” stripe, gray interior)
81 900 (white, blue interior)
83 900 Turbo (white w/maroon interior)
86 9000 Turbo (white w/ gray interior)
88 9000 S (Red w/beige interior)
My 86 9000 Turbo was the first with cloth seats and a sun roof in the US).
I had 3 Saabs when living in Belgium- a 1995 9000 sedan, then two 9-5 sedans, ending in 2007 (12years). All were 2.3 litre turbo`s. The 9000 was practical & gorgeous, but handled badly at 140 kph+, especially when loaded. Many compliments on its looks. The 9-5`s handled well. All were fast & comfortable for long haul trips, although in-town fuel consumption was high. The 9-3`s & 9-5`s one still occasionally sees on North American roads still look good. I miss them. Too bad GM ruined the mark`s future.
I am, what a reporter at Automotive Weeks sometime around 2002-2004 labeled as a Saabinista. As working at Saab in the summers of 1970-72 and from 1998 to Dec 2011, and with a past of 15 Saabs from the 95 2-stroke 1968 to my current 2011 9-3 TDI, I have been unfaithful only twice, inheriting my brother’s Volvo PV 544 S when the 2-stroke died, and a VW Derby when the gov. cost of taking home our 99 from Denmark in 1990 was calculated to 4 times the value of the car ;-). So, yes, I am a Saabinista :-D
My 2011 9-3 TDI is starting to show wear and tear, so the past spring, I looked at finding a replacement, had cause to rent cars two times, and did two test drives. Volvo S60, sorry, but the 9-3 seats are still miles ahead, and the S60 was “slithering” along the road; Renault Clio good seats but small, Skoda, a jumpy drive, and a Kia, no way. But the 9-3, you steer it with one finger while its eating miles as a backdrop to my latest sound book. I fear for the final wear & tear.
I doubt it’s the most missed ,missed by section of the population sure
Question: how many of the 9,5s (of the latest models) did they manage to build. I see that they are sometimes sold – i would love to have one of those, and when was the last one build.?
New car shopping just isn’t exciting anymore since SAAB left 🙁
To Don Heide> I could never afford a new car but if I could have, a Saab showroom would have been the first and only place I would have visited. 🙂
I love how this model come up on movie like TENET as the most important car to get the “algorithm”.
Iki vind het rijden van de 9-3, geweldig, over het gedrag van de 9-5, ben ik verslaafd geworden , hij gaat er echt niet snel uit. Heb dit jaar veel pech gehad versnellingsbak aan zijn eind, dus vervangen voor F55 uit een diesel, gewoon altijd doen wat een heerlijkheid is dat, ook de Turbo ging er aan vervangen voor een Mitsubishi TD 04 15 inch, wat een genot , al met al een super auto geworden. heb ondertussen 320,000 km op de teller staan gaat gewoon nog langer mee. hier naast hebben wij nog een 900 23 SE Cabrio zonder Turbo om gewoon in de buurt te toeren.
Best Cars ever. Got 2 of them. Nothing was better than my 9000 in the 70s/80s.
GM sucked the goodness out of Saab and then threw it away… owned 2003 9-2, and 2005 9-3 (Arc)
i had 4. loved all them all.never had 1 minute of trouble. i bought them from Garden City Saab on long island
One of the best cars ever stuffed up by GM. The destroyed Opel and Holden as well.
I loved my saab turbo back in the day .wish they would come back into production. I’d be first in line to buy one .most reliable car going .
Ho avuto 4 modelli di Saab e ne sono stato orgoglioso (900 ep cabrio blue/pelle beige, 9000 sedan 2.0 CD, 9.3 td, 9.5 2,3i sw) Peccato per la fine che ha fatto. L’ultima 9.5 è ancora tra le berline a scoppio più belle sul mercato.
For those my age:
Volvo = Buick
Saab = Pontiac
(Approximations for argument only. )
I drove Saab for 30 years. Now Volvo for 10.
People often expect to pay less for a brand that went out of business. Same for Pontiac, or Plymouth.
Sure they’re great cars I had my own garage specializing in them for over a Dozen Years and built upwards of 15 models for myself mostly from shells of other cars but the only ones worth bringing back and remanufacturing are from 89 to 93 and those would be convertibles 91 up being the best including spg’s Springtime in Sweden’s but mostly the coveted 91 SE convertible yes those should all be remanufactured.
i still ride SAAB , for 45 years now, ik own a 93X estate and the 95 NG, every day i like to drive them
I miss it every time I’m in the market for a new car…. Like SAAB, the excitement is gone 😕
Saab in very nice bad the rover 75 is better
One of the best car I had, a 1978 99GL
These kind of comments about Saab are a bit amusing. The current comment has got short of 2000 likes. To me it tells Saab is not that much missed after all. 🤔🤗
The only car with a parts for life ideology .
In Meppel ( the Netherlands) you can buy all new Saab parts, they bought all the parts after bankrupt Saab.
The Saab 96 was one of the most successful rally cars in the hands of Erik Carlson
Isn’t there a company started making parts for these again in the last couple of months. I’m sure I read it somewhere. Absolutely amazing cars so under rated. Go like a jet pull like a truck quality motors that need to make a come back .
To Kevin Brennan >
So True
We want SAAB, we want SAAB. We want SAAB back again.
I once read there was something with chroming too much
Yeah but, No.4 in the “poll” was Trabant
I’ve never owned a better car…and still have 2
In a world now dominated by amorphous automotive crud, surely there is a place for Saab’s distinctive approach? And I don’t mean ‘yet another’ EV, which will just prop up China’s domination of that market.
After my experience with Saab, I am fairly certain that many more would have been sold had they been driven by more people, especially the 9-5 wagon 😀.
Off course it was the best cars ever made.
Iam working for no a former dealership in the Netherlands. I started there as a trainee at age of 17 and now iam nearly 43 years old. We still have a lot of saab costumers and they all say its sad there is no saab anymore. Its a beautiful brand with high quality and a bit of madness in the creation of the cars. They did things in a different way. A lot of logical things that people take for granted. Its a car with a soul and a bit of exclusive feelings. It always felt like an honour to represented the brand . Thats what make a car a Saab its special and not for everyone.
To Rob Dragtstra >
whereabouts are you? I’m driving through the Netherlands on my way to Trolhatten next week.
If you have driven a Saab you know why owners so miss the brand.
Thanks GM for ruining the brand
GM is disgusting, they made Saab owners believe they were going to keep it going but all GM did was take as many patents as possible, but they couldn’t take the brand or the love. Only Saabs go to Heaven, all other cars go to 👹
Saab is the inventor of the lambda sond. Which is used in all cars today. Also the first car to have injection and turbo on mass-produced cars successfully.
Only when you own one you understand. They perfectly provide performance with safety and practicality. They feel like a comfortable shoe,just feel right. Everything you touch is where it should be and you know thought has gone into every detail. If unfortunate enough to experience a collision in one you really appreciate that safety and strength built in and in most cases will safely avoid an accident because of excellent active safety built in. It may look harmless but can give many hot hatches or performance cars an embarrassing watch it go moment.
I love the cars, but realise that the brand was never actually profitable. The Saab engineers had great ideas and tried hard to make the best of them. The first basic design (92/93/95/96) was touched up and improved many times between 1949 and 1980.
Major steps were the 3-cylinder engine introduced in the Saab 93 in 1956, the lively Saab GT750 in 1958, the ingenious Saab 95 station wagon in 1959 and the heavily modernised Saab 96 in 1960. The long-nose Saab 95/96 with the radiator in front of the engine came in 1965, paving the way for the 4-stroke Saab 96 with a 1.5-litre Ford V4 engine in 1967. This engine was a great success and was more at home in the Saab than in the Ford models, where it was perceived as a bit unrefined. The model remained technically unchanged, although modernised in the interior until the final Saab 96 was built in 1980.
During the 1960s Saab’s engineers were busy developing a larger model, the Saab 99 introduced in 1968. Compact, wide and spacious, the 99 was a huge improvement on the 96, but Saab could not afford to develop a new engine for the new model. They found a suitably compact and powerful ohc 1.7-litre engine at Triumph in the UK. Designed by Triumph to form one bank of a V8 engine in the Triumph Stag, the engine used by Saab was slanted 45 degrees to the right. Pleasant and smooth in character, it suited the 99 well, but it was afflicted by some technical problems related to the cooling and cylinder head attachment. A slightly larger 1.85-litre version provided some additional performance, but Saab’s engineers realised that something radical had to be done, so they designed a new 2-litre engine that was produced at the Scania factory in Södertälje. This engine was robust and dependable and was what the 99 should have had from the outset. The turbo engine introduced in 1976 with a host of sophisticated chassis improvements forever transformed the image of the 99 and of the Saab brand.
In 1979, the Saab 900 was introduced. It was basically a 99 that was slightly longer at the front, but the interior space remained untouched. With a slightly longer wheelbase and wider track, the car was even better balanced and more comfortable than the 99 on the road.
In parallel, Saabs engineers were busy moving the brand up-market. Jointly with Fiat, Lancia and Alfa Romeo a new large-car platform was developed for a transverse engine installation and generous interior space. Saab adapted the 2-litre powertrain from the 900 and designed a new gearbox to fit transversely in the new Saab 9000 body, whereas Fiat and Lancia used a similarly-sized Fiat powertrain. The exterior of the 9000 was a bit bland and some panels were shared with Fiat and Lancia, Saab made major efforts to improve the crash properties of the body as well as the handling. Saab thus managed to move up-market through collaboration. The 9000 remained in production between 1984 and 1998.
The car operation of Saab-Scania remained financially strained and in 1989 it became a separate company, Saab Automobile, with GM as a 50% owner. This meant the end of stand-alone Saab car engineering, and the subsequent generations of Saab 900 (9-3) and Saab 9000 (9-5) shared platforms and powertrains with other European GM models (Opel), although with Saab-designed bodies and interiors.
So we Saab lovers can look back at a hard-fighting company that tried to find its own way with ingenious designs and unique properties, but never managed to make it all make sense on the bottom line. A great pity. Similar fates have hit other pioneering brands like Citroën, BMC, Studebaker, NSU, etc.
Saab was more than a car it was also the reflect of a different way of thinking and behaving than the others..
Abbott Racing , entrusted to race Saab 900, 9000, NG900 and 9-3 from 1986 until 1998 by Saab UK and AB …winning many titles, is close to celebrating 40 years dedicated to SAAB.
The Abbott family still own and run close on 20 Saabs as family or customer loan cars.
Saab parts are still being produced and made available through Authorised dealers like Abbott Racing .
Long Live SAAB.
You should all watch the Swedish film ..
“ A man Called Ove “ !!
“why SAAB remains the most missed car”
probably cause the car have a bigger personality
than many people and they still looks better than new cars out there.
Sad bag rattet af denne Ford o 1978 , og modstride 60% af førlighed . Havde et års tid forinden vedtaget, at min næste bil skulle være en Saab . Har så kørt Saab lige siden , har besluttet at jeg vil køre Saab til mine dages ende. Var så uheldig at flyve lidt rundt med en campingvogn for nogle år siden i en Saab 9000 , uden at tage skade.
Missing Saab! Was a big part of my life since I was arround 5 or something. My dad worked for the company . I’m 60 + today….
I currently own 4 rare models. They are for sale. From *********. DM for serious inquiries.
My good lady and I both miss our old 9-5……she used to love to show little boys in BMW’s the exhaust pipe!
I miss my blue 93. 1998 Lovely car. But now own 1.9tid. Such a difference between older model and newer. Love em.
I have a soft top 9-3 . 2008. I can’t find a new car that I would want .. keep my Saab and get a truck maybe??
If you had a Saab till 1994 you know,not after that is not a real Saab
Had several over the years starting in 1983. Would buy one right away if they ever came back.
Have had 2 Saabs and both were great. I’ve moved on to Alfas. Both cars with a great deal of character. Now Alfa appear to be in a bit of trouble.
Maybe it’s me…….
SAAB…Sorry that Sweden let it happens…Other brands who have had problems in other countries , but there the state has saved them.
Thinking Long-term ….
It takes many years to build a brand like SAAB.
I was working a period with SAAB with my ad. agency. as Creative Director.
Ive worked there in 5 years… It was springtime for all the wrong kinda consultans that they hired..<They never took any good advice from those who s got knowledge about modern advertising.-They only listen to obsolete consultans who s intention was to rob the company as much as possible..-And the corruption was huge in every level of the employes!! MVH/Farbror Petson deluxe🐈🐈🐈🐈🐈
Saab, Oldsmobile, Pontiac. Genuinely miss those brands. Its a shame that nobody decided to buy them out. So many different powerhouse manufacturers.