Saab 900 2.0 16v Turbo Sedan S Review

Overall Rating

Rock solid engine if serviced regulary.
Scottish Leather interior,very luxurious
Handles incredibly, corners like on rails.
Have never driven a car that was so comfortable to drive on a long trip, it stays on line effortlessly, precise steering (slightly heavy but I like that) very comfortable leather seats, have driven 400km non stop, 4 and a bit hours, got out at the end and felt nearly as good as when I started.
Very powerful brakes, no ABS but I have tested them with some drastic braking and the tires resist slidding to an amazing degree as the car
comes to a stop resembling hitting a brick wall.
Attention to detail in the build, practicality and safety 1st, looks second.
Car designed for safety, very strong chassis and passenger compartment. High surviability even in major accidents.
Lots of head room compared to most modern cars.
Very reliable if serviced on time and properly.
Huge boot, backseats push forward, enough room for 2 adults to sleep stretched out (feet and legs in the boot)very comfortable.
Amazing turning circle
Because of bonnet design engine compartment is readily accessible as are all the components.
All spare parts are very available from local agents or online Saab Parts.
I am sure Saabs Motto is "Why use Aluminium or Plastic when Steel will do"
Plenty of power with low pressure long life turbo.
Good on fuel, uses 30% less than my 2 liter Mitsubishi I had before, probably because of the Electronic Fuel Injection in the Saab.
Usually can be purchased at a very low price for what you are getting.Most uninformed people are scared off! Don't be.
Fantastic International support online through 900 clubs, forums, discussion groups etc if required.

Weakpoints in Automatic Borg Warner37 Gearbox, not total failure but slipping out of gear etc. Have heard of people going for years with the gearbox slipping out of 2nd gear.
Can have trouble with rust in several spots on car, (well known) if attended to early, no problems.
Noises can come from front suspension, shocks, wheel bearings while backing or hardturning,all are harmless and well known, but can be annoying to some people.
Front brake disks can be mishapen and create slight noise or rubbing sound, once again harmless but can be annoying.
Air conditioner can be unreliable,(Common to many cars) but fortunately has one of the most accessible systems of all cars, virtually all components can be accessed from under the bonnet including the evaporator and expansion valve.
Blown head gaskets are possible and probable if the car is allowed to overheat.
Rule No1. (Do not let the engine overheat)Replace and check all coolant components regularly.

My 1992 Saab 900s 4 door sedan 16 valve 2 litre Turbo Classic is a beautifull car.
This family, Saab 900 Classic was first produced in 1985 although Saab 900s classics were produced before that date but were 8 valve.
Over this period of time the basic car shape has not changed between the several types , 4 door sedan, 2 door hatchback and the classic 2 door convertible although I suspect the latter 2 have dominated sales.
The build of these cars is what I would describe as industrial, fit for purpose, very few unnecessary frills but at the same time very well made and designed for long life and safety.
Most components are screwed in place and the screws are easy to find or completely visible, much less "clipping" of components together etc as in most modern cars.
The car apparently was designed with safety as the main driving force and is probably responsible for the relatively unusual shape that people either love or hate or in my experience can't make up their mind and just stare!!.
The passenger compartment is hugely strong with a long bonnet and massive front bumper with inbuilt crumple boxes along with the front crumple zone ahead of the engine which is all designed to absorb the energy of a front end collision.
The enormous boot, 180 bottles of champagne can be fitted apparently, is another crumple zone for rear end collisions.
In fact I had done my homework and the principal reason I purchased the 900 was I new I would get the highest safety factor for the bucks I would pay.
My biggest surprise in driving the car after I bought it was its handling, its cornering ability is outstanding, the car stays nice and flat,no under steer or over steer or body roll and goes exactly where you want it.
I have since discovered that I have a "Sport Suspension" which accounts for the relatively rough ride over bumps etc.
The car has "long legs" it wants to go, around town driving can be rather tedious but bearable, like many European cars the 900 likes the open road!
For a car that I purchased at Auction for less than 1000 pounds UK I believe I have received a bargain, thankyou Saab!

Members' Comments onzanzabar's Review

• P J White on 19th Sep 2005

  I would like to contact an enthusiastic specialist who really knows this model. I have a K reg 900 Classic (converted to automatic; not a Turbo model) with just under 100,000 miles - we want a thorough assessment with a view to keeping it going for another 100,000 miles or so. There is nothing particularly wrong at the moment and do not really want to change. Any advice would be appreciated
  
  Peter White (Herts)

• stephenlewis on 6th Mar 2006

  Stephen Lewis - self confessed saab 900 "anorak" All of the above is a fair and honest judgement of the car. It's a classic that can be driven in 2006 and with a turbo will outperform many vehicles whilst offering a charisma that no other vehicle can match. Keep it well maintained and keep on smiling as the 200k mile mark rushes past Steve based in the UK