Saab

If a blog isn't for airing one's own opinions about subjects that probably only interest you and five other people in Sweden, then I don't know what it's for. In that spirit, I want to wax poetic about Saab, the nordic car company currently being helmed by General Mediocrity (GM). Now, I shouldn't get too tough on the GM boys, as I like some of what they've done. But, they seem to enjoy living dangerously close to a nose dive into the k-car and last generation Hyundai pool. As in, no one knows, no one cares.

Which brings me to Saab. I've never owned one, never driven one, but I want one. Why you ask? For two reasons. One, they're different. Or they were different. Even up to a few years ago the Saab 9-3 could be had as a hatchback, with a mildly funky exterior design. No one would mistake the car for anything else, and that wasn't because it was so ugly. Think of Porsche, with their famous upside down bathtub designs. Not ugly, but you never get them confused with any other make. Two, in my opinion Saabs have always had superb interiors and seats. At auto shows they are always my favorites at their price points, surpassing the Lexi, BMW's, etc. for design and comfort. This is atleast in part to their differences from the other makes, in addition to their inherent quality.

So, those of you who know about Saab may ask, what's my gripe? Nothing's changed about the interiors, the SportCombi brought back the hatch, and we may even see advances in driving technology, like a change to a complete lineup of all wheel drive. My complaint is a lack of punch. Yes the interiors are nice, but have they advanced while retaining their strengths? Yes the SportCombi has a big door on one end, but let's face it, it's not really a hatch. It's a mediocre attempt to capitalize on nostalgia without risking offense of the masses. And finally, my biggest gripe is the lack of zeal in the cars. I personally think they look and feel good, but stacking them up next to the competition on paper leaves you wondering if they are really the best buy for your money. I may like a lot of things about them, but I don't like them enough to buy a machine that just can't compete with its competition. I want to buy one with a clear conscience, but I can't now. And this is where GM comes in. It seems that lately this is a hallmark of GM vehicles. Almost competitive, but not quite. They're in the middle of their "American Revolution", so maybe this is changing. I hope so. But right now they are convincing me that they just can't build a competitive vehicle. And though I like the company and those who I know who work there, I'm going to buy a competitive vehicle. Saab, convince me otherwise. Give me a sleek swedish hatch, sporting the latest safety equipment (which you are already doing with the new 9-3, bravo), the trademark interior, enough luxury to keep me relaxed on my commute, and a reason to take the curves a little too fast. You might just find a new customer.

Oh, and keep the griffin's head. I love that tongue.