In this compelling narrative, Frank Wiliksen, a venerated automotive journalist with over 55 years of experience, takes us on a captivating journey through the storied legacy of Saab. This detailed account reflects on Saab’s remarkable history, its profound impact in Norway, and the unwavering dedication of its global fanbase, despite the brand’s absence from the market for over a decade.
Table of Contents
The Rise and Fall of Saab
Wiliksen starts by painting a vivid picture of Saab’s origins, exploring its initial promise and innovative designs that captivated a generation of car enthusiasts. He poignantly describes the brand’s challenges during the turbulent 1990s, leading to its heartbreaking bankruptcy in 2011.
The launch of the Saab 9-3 in the late 1990s is highlighted as a moment of hope, symbolizing a potential rebirth with its praised design, safety features, and excellent winter capabilities.
Saab’s Strategic Partnerships and Designs
Wiliksen discusses the strategic partnership between Saab and Opel, underlining the shared platforms and components, especially in the 9-3 model, under General Motors’ stewardship. He delves into the nuances of the first-generation 9-3, including its high-performance variants like the Aero and Viggen, analyzing their contribution to Saab’s legacy.
The Decline of a Unique Identity
In a reflective tone, Frank examines the launch of the Saab 9-3 NG in 2002, marking a pivotal point where Saab began to lose its distinctive identity. He critically assesses the influence of General Motors, highlighting the shift towards GM’s engine options, including diesel, which diluted the brand’s unique character.
Market Performance and Legacy
Wiliksen provides a thorough analysis of Saab’s market performance in Norway, focusing on the sales trends of the 9-3 and 9-5 models. He touches upon the production challenges and financial hurdles Saab faced under GM, offering insights into the brand’s struggle to maintain its production volumes and identity.
Saab in the Used Car Market
The narrative then shifts to the present, where Wiliksen explores the status of Saab 9-3 models in the used car market. He discusses their pricing, availability, and the model’s longevity and reliability, particularly the enduring popularity of the Cabriolet model.
Owner Perspectives and Final Thoughts
Drawing from the “Eierne mener” section, Frank compiles and analyzes Saab owners’ reviews, shedding light on their general satisfaction and experiences. He concludes with a contemplation on the timeless charm of Saab, its enduring impact on automotive culture, and the ceaseless enthusiasm of its global community of aficionados.
Owner Experiences in Norway: A Reflection of Saab’s Lasting Appeal
In his exploration, Wiliksen gives special attention to the experiences of Saab owners in Norway, based on over 13,000 evaluations (Collected through Broom magazine forms). These insights offer a unique window into the lives of those who have cherished their Saab vehicles, long after the brand ceased production.
High Satisfaction Among Owners
Wiliksen notes the impressive average rating of 8.1 out of 10, a testament to the brand’s enduring quality and appeal. This high score, especially for a brand that has been out of production for more than a decade, speaks volumes about the loyalty and satisfaction of Saab owners.
Praise for Driving Pleasure
Many owners express regret for not discovering the Saab 9-3 sooner, citing the “extreme driving pleasure” it offers. This sentiment echoes across numerous reviews, highlighting the joy and engagement that driving a Saab brings, even years after its last model rolled off the production line.
Appreciation for Unique Features
Owners frequently mention the distinctive features of Saab cars, like the twin-turbo system, which they believe sets Saab apart from other brands. This uniqueness is often cited as a reason for their deep affection for the brand.
Sporty, Yet Practical
A recurring theme in the reviews is the balance Saab struck between sportiness and practicality. The four-wheel drive models, in particular, receive praise for their performance and versatility, embodying the spirit of a brand that aimed to deliver more than just a car.
Comfort and Quality
The driving comfort of Saab cars, especially models like the Aero with their luxurious seats and powerful TTiD engines, is frequently lauded. Owners describe the Saab as a “happy car to drive,” with commendable winter road capabilities and a solid feel of quality.
The Bittersweet Reality
Amidst the praise, there’s a sense of melancholy, as owners acknowledge the brand’s untimely demise. Wiliksen captures this sentiment, portraying it as a collective feeling among the Norwegian Saab community—a mixture of pride for what Saab was and sorrow for what it could have been.
In these personal stories and assessments, Wiliksen finds not just the legacy of a car brand, but a narrative of human connection, of people’s relationships with a machine that became an integral part of their lives. It’s these stories that, according to Wiliksen, keep the spirit of Saab alive, a spirit characterized by innovation, quality, and an unmistakable sense of joy behind the wheel.
Through his rich and descriptive narrative, Wiliksen pays homage to Saab, weaving together historical facts, expert opinions, and personal observations. His article stands as a testament to a brand that, despite its closure, continues to be a source of inspiration and admiration among car enthusiasts around the world.
hey, 1st picture looks like my 2010 red Aero XWD right down to the wheels
only change made to the car … a carbon leather dash
currently around 227,000 miles and still drives like it’s brand new
Unfortunately taken over by Vauxhalls, Gm, (If only) ford had taken over them , every car make turned into Gold by Ford, Astons, volvo, land rover, jaguar,mazda, (John)