GM FYI Blog: Continuing the Saab Tradition

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Continuing the Saab Tradition

Peter G. Gilbert receives his brand-new Saab

By Peter G. Gilbert
Guest Blogger/Saab Owner

Editor’s Note: In March, Saab Automobile USA honored Peter Gilbert’s one-million mile commitment to his 17-year-old Saab 900 SPG by presenting him with an all-new Saab 9-5 Aero SportCombi. (The same offer applies to any U.S. citizen who equals Peter’s achievement with a Saab before Dec 31, 2007.) Peter has shared his experiences with FYI before.

Almost two months have flown by since I received my new 9-5 Aero SportCombi from former Saab General Manager Jay Spenchian, who came especially to my hometown in Milwaukee, Wisc., to do the honors. That was perfect, especially as Jay was in the car with me when my 1989 SPG crossed the millionth mile. What a wonderful event, hosted by local Saab dealer Concours Motors, and I just want to thank everyone at Saab and GM as well as the dealership for making this event possible.

Going to the Detroit Auto Show, where my million-mile SPG was on display, was a very rewarding and exciting day. I felt that GM was real family. Ever since I’ve been driving my new 9-5 Aero SportCombi, I feel the loyalty to the GM family of cars more than ever. With 8,800 miles so far, this flagship of the Saab fleet has behaved flawlessly. It was with great pride that I filled out the J.D. Powers survey in two minutes. They just wanted to know what was wrong, and I enjoyed disappointing them!

This SportCombi is my sixth brand-new Saab since 1967 and is my best car yet. However, my second car is a 2001 9-3 Viggen. How does one compare these two similar cars that have different roles? Being a WWII airplane buff, it’s like comparing a Spitfire to a Mosquito! After having driven my million-mile SPG for 17 years, I just had to have the SportCombi because of the wonderful utility of the cargo space. A trunk is not the same as a hatch, and this is so important to me, as I have to carry supplies for my sales route. This sports car, which feels solid as it cruises down the highway, hugging the curves like a high-speed European train, is averaging 27.5 mpg city and highway. Every one of my Saabs has attained or exceeded the EPA ratings, which speaks volumes about the engineers who design the engine management systems.

There is an abundance of room, which is noticeable when compared to the 9-3.
Saab seats are about the best in the world - after the 2.5 million miles I’ve driven in the last 40 years, my back is still free from chiropractic visits. I also know how strong these seats can be in a collision, as I was once rear-ended at 60mph, and survived a 55mph head-on. The heating and ventilation is especially pleasant as I have control over my choices, far more than the Viggen.

I could write forever, but I have a great deal of preparations to do, as I am going on my pilgrimage to Trollhättan, Sweden, for The Diamond Jubilee festivities in June. I have already reserved a SportCombi for the drive between Stockholm and the celebrations. Then I have the Aero Academy in July, preceding the 60th anniversary in Detroit.

This is my 40th anniversary driving Saabs, so this could not be a better year for all this to come to fruition

Posted by Editor on May 8, 2007 6:13 AM