SAAB U.S. Owner Loyalty Among the Worst

[Rob in Atlanta]

The Car Connection: Daily Edition December 10, 2004

Article is about a third of the way down. One of the explanations offered for SAAB's lackluster performance on this chart is that SAAB's product range is limited - when a customer needs a different type of vehicle, they must go elsewhere.

Rob in Atlanta

[Flash9-7x]

Another reason for a performance oriented SUV.

[Matt88S]

Maybe its because they never have to buy another car, it just keeps going and going and going......
They should have made them cheeper, then you'd have to replace them more often.

I have a feeling that when/if a Saab SUV ever comes out, the old 900 classic will probably still haul more, most SUV cant haul anyting anyway.

Not that Flash9-7x said anything about hauling anyting.

[Matt88S]

Maybe its because they never have to buy another car, it just keeps going and going and going......
They should have made them cheeper, then you'd have to replace them more often.

I have a feeling that when/if a Saab SUV ever comes out, the old 900 classic will probably still haul more, most SUV cant haul anyting anyway.

Not that Flash9-7x said anything about hauling anyting.

[benji9k]

Originally Posted by Matt88S

Maybe its because they never have to buy another car, it just keeps going and going and going......

I guess that's partially true. Hondas may be reliable, but they're also very disposable. Afterall, how many Saabs do you usually see when you drive by a used car lot?? Not very many...if at all.

[Flash9-7x]

Originally Posted by Matt88S

Not that Flash9-7x said anything about hauling anyting.

Mostly just the dog.

Have driven larger SUV's, but really prefer the "midsize" models. AWD, a bit of performance and a 1st rate sound system......and I'm ready to travel. Pack up the Mrs. and the Irish Setter (with water, bowls, biscuits, blanket, bed, rope, leash), camera gear (tripod, monopod, 2 camera bags), plus a spare set of boots/coat for emergency, a shovel for deep snow, and were're headded out. This is just to go grocery shopping. It's actually a bit more stuff if we are "traveling" somewhere.

;-]

Of course in the summer, there is always 2 folding chairs and a cooler stowed, in case a scenic spot is discovered near the water and a "rest" is required.

[NSE]

Brand loyalty is for suckers.

I love my Saab but if I ever bought a new/newer car it probably wouldn't be a Saab. There are better cars out there, especially as you get newer.

[Tweek's Turbos]

Brand loyalty, I think original Saab owners at least going back to 99s and 900s were the type that had been more eco consiose, over all more gifted and alot more practical. My mom raised a family of 3 kids with a 9000 period.

[D. Wolfe]

"Brand Loyalty" was the only reason Generous Motors survived after their dismal quality in the 1970's.

Today Brand Loyalty is limited to Soda, Deoderant, and Condoms....................

[CosmicSaab]

Originally Posted by D. Wolfe

"Brand Loyalty" was the only reason Generous Motors survived after their dismal quality in the 1970's.

Today Brand Loyalty is limited to Soda, Deoderant, and Condoms....................

Only Coca-Cola, Old Spice, and Trojan for me. Coke tases better and the other two offer the best protection from nastly little supprises!

[Alwyn678]

I love my 900 Turbo it is a sweet vert and the model 96 I had in high school was Nice as well 8)

[CleveSaab]

Originally Posted by Flash9-7x

Another reason for a performance oriented SUV.

AGREED.
My dealer told me flat out he lost about 40% of his repeat buyers because they traded in and got an SUV.

[valbowski1980]

Originally Posted by Flash9-7x

Another reason for a performance oriented SUV.

No. The time for a new SUV has passed. A Crossover is what is in order. You guys (and sadly SAAB/GM) are far too quick to jump onto the SUV band wagon.

[valbowski1980]

Originally Posted by NSE

Brand loyalty is for suckers.

Yes!

Thank you! Someone finally had the sence to say it on this board!

If I was loyal to Honda I would have never bought my SAAB and realized what a sweet car it is. I will be just as likely to get something different for my next car.

[Rob in Atlanta]

Originally Posted by valbowski1980

No. The time for a new SUV has passed. A Crossover is what is in order. You guys (and sadly SAAB/GM) are far too quick to jump onto the SUV band wagon.

SAAB is developing a cross-over now. Depending on your definition it may be the 9-3X or it might be the 9-6X. The 9-6X is currently being jointly developed with Subaru.

Rob in Atlanta

[Flash9-7x]

Originally Posted by valbowski1980

No. The time for a new SUV has passed. A Crossover is what is in order. You guys (and sadly SAAB/GM) are far too quick to jump onto the SUV band wagon.

2 current cross over vehicles are struggling. 1 is the Porsche model and the 2nd is Cadillac's SRX. Both premium vehicles and priced as such. Both were within my list when I stumbled upon the Saab being developed/built. Have been fortunate enough to make contact with a quality engineering manager on the project. Am awaiting a first hand account, hopefully next week. Still waiting for the dealers to get options lists and order forms. I would think that the dealers would be wanting to take orders fairly soon.

Then again, maybe I'm the only one who wants one.

[Tweek's Turbos]

I want an iron block turbo coupe in a 9-3ss

[squishmann]

the more cars you have in your portfolio the higher you retention rate will be.

saab should easily jump to 40% in the next five years

[valbowski1980]

Originally Posted by Flash9-7x

2 current cross over vehicles are struggling. 1 is the Porsche model and the 2nd is Cadillac's SRX. Both premium vehicles and priced as such. Both were within my list when I stumbled upon the Saab being developed/built. Have been fortunate enough to make contact with a quality engineering manager on the project. Am awaiting a first hand account, hopefully next week. Still waiting for the dealers to get options lists and order forms. I would think that the dealers would be wanting to take orders fairly soon.

Then again, maybe I'm the only one who wants one.

No surprise with the Porsche since it is almost six figures for the really desirable trim. The low end "cheap one" only makes since for those who want the fancy badge on the hood.

Originally Posted by squishmann

the more cars you have in your portfolio the higher you retention rate will be.

saab should easily jump to 40% in the next five years

That's a bit of a Leninist approach isn't it? Quantity equals quality . I don't believe for a second that Lexus and BMW have the repeat customers that they do just because of their vast lineups. They simply build the cars that kick the living **** out of all other cars within their segments. If SAAB wants the up market buyers it will have to build better cars not more mediocre ones. A vast lineup of bottom dwellers will not do with new car buyers who are able to spend 40 large or more.

[valbowski1980]

Originally Posted by Tweek's Turbos

I want an iron block turbo coupe in a 9-3ss

I want the TiD.