At one of the numerous internet Saab forums, a discussion was started on a eternal topic among Saab’s fans and those who have no experience with the Saab brand – Why Saab are are “Quirky” (adjective – having or characterized by peculiar or unexpected traits or aspects)?

The initiator of these topics in the Forum explain the reasons for starting the topic – His story short, he inhertied his Saab 900 from his grandfather when he passed away one month ago and since then he have started bringing her back to life, She didnt run one month ago and now he drive her every weekend. Just trying to understand why some people shutter at these cars cause since working on it he enjoyed all the time/research done.

A Quirky Car Loved by Some…

Here are some interesting thoughts on this topic by fans.

Daniel Josefson: A true wierd car maker is Peugeot/Citroën, they have some wierd solutions for you and non-service-friendly thechniks of puting an automobile together, also have window winder buttons in the roof etc…..totaly wierd

Ravin Perera: Well…wrap around screen, deep dash, engine reversed, gearbox underneath driven by a triplex chain, removable clutch without removing engine or gearbox, front drive, massive cargo space, steel in roof structure strong as, disc brakes all round, dual front wish bone suspension, first car to use turbocharging in a commercial production car, doors designed to push snow away when opening… the list goes on…

Olav Andreas Nordlie: You forgot reverse lock, ignition in the center console and for later cars Black panel/night panel, some of my favorite features…

Joe Gray: Is that true about the doors designed to push snow away? – Ravin Perera: yes, that’s why they wrap under, and I have read it somewhere, it apparently allowed them to make a stronger sill and also made it easier to step into the car as the sill was further in.

Perry Ellington: It’s partially a “you had to be there” kind of thing. things like Turbo’s, hatchbacks, Ergonomic design, Good seats, that are common place today were started or were adopted early on by Saab. Ya the engine is backwards and the key is in the wrong place but those are just the obvious things you see looking back in time.

Sue-Larry Jewett: Years ago (60s – 80s) I believe it was attributed more to the owners of the cars and not so much the cars. SAAB ownership was definitely a special group who appreciated the special qualities and safety features of the cars. Definitely not the mainstream cars of the day. Much like Volvo and Citroen. Long before Audi became mainstream.

Dave Clark: Interestingly enough, SAAB owners who used to be called SNAAB owners,and never acknowledged another one,now wave when they see me,even across the median on the interstate,but only the old 900s. This is now similar to what I experienced driving VW campers and a LandRover. – Sue-Larry Jewett: Oh contrare, of sorts! When Saab first moved the dimmer switch to the steering wheel stock, they also made it a flasher so fellow Saab owners could flash their headlights to one another.

Terry Cronin: I suspect because so many think they are very technical cars. they are just well planned and well engineered. if you know the stuff that goes out and stay on top of it, you are ahead. great cars.

Vincent Levinger: I think it’s the look. They’re instantly recognizable from anything else, modern or classic. Honestly on the interior there isn’t anything radical (other than key in the middle). You also have to consider the engineering is pretty quirky (engine mounted at 45 degree angle, backwards, on top of the gearbox)

What is your opinion on this topic – Why Saab are are “Quirky”?