1990 Saab 900 Review

1990 Saab 900 vert

Written by: safghfhfgh on 05/23/2008

Vehicle

1990 Saab 900 2 Dr STD Turbo Convertible

Review

If you get a good one, these things will go to 300,000 with no probs, if you get a neglected example, get ready for some huge bills! The mechanics under the hood are hard to work on, the engine is rare, and few repair shops will accept them. But Walmart changes the oil for a good price.

Favorite Features

The exhaust note, full convertible experience (no roll bars like VW Golf), 30 mpg and very comfortable seats. Pretty reliable too, if you service it properly.

Suggested Improvements

The 3 sp auto box couple to the turbo engine is very weak, and blunts performance. The 5 speed is much better, but requires an oil change every year! If this is not done, metal swarf will destroy it. Check the turbo carefully- it is a 2K fix, it will make a whizzz noise+blue smoke if it is going.

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Why the 1990 SAAB (pre GM) is best

Written by: J wheeler on 04/22/2008

Vehicle

1990 Saab 900 2 Dr S Hatchback

Review

Bought the 900 "S" at 17 years old - with 130K miles. It's been a sports car, I keep it waxed and the leather seats supple. Beautiful ride, fun, and 35 miles per gallon - the GW Bush target for 2020!. It cost me $100 U.S.D. and I will continue to upgrade it when things break (clutch, etc.). Far better savings than buying new and losing thousands driving off the lot. JDW

Favorite Features

Handling is superb, it tracks straight with a pair of Michelins.

Suggested Improvements

Keep the used parts available - there are plenty of owners looking for parts.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Avoid this car

Written by: Concerned on 07/29/2007

Vehicle

1990 Saab 900 4 Dr S Sedan

Review

I am always leary of scathing reviews of anything, because nothing in my opinion can be all bad. Well, except for the paint job, pretty much everything about this car is a nightmare. I would not wish this car on anyone, unless you're a Saab mechanic and have numerous parts cars to draw from. My car spent more time in the shop, then on the road. I never raced it, crashed it or mis-treated it. It left me high and dry on so many occasions, I danced for joy when I finally sold it. (Literally, danced for joy) The best part of owning this car, was selling it. It did have nice paint though, even after being 16 years old when I sold it.

Favorite Features

The paint held up very well over the years.

Suggested Improvements

Everything mechanically should be changed. Sunroof motor, gear box, catalytic converter, starter motor, A/C, ignition.

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Unique and Underappreciated

Written by: Chris on 01/01/2007

Vehicle

1990 Saab 900 2 Dr STD Turbo Convertible

Review

We purchased our 900 Turbo new. We soon fell in love with its unique character and special qualities. Despite driving many other cars, we still love it and have come to understand that these were very special cars. While many 900s have been neglected or come into the hands of mechanics or owners who do not understand them, they are very durable if properly looked after. They do, however, require regular expert maintenance and quality parts which are not cheap. We have always had our 900 serviced at either a dealer or at least a marque specialist and have only had two minor problems in 16 years. The best thing about our 900 is the fun we have driving it. I wish Saab still made this car.

Favorite Features

The car has character; this is no bland committee design but a unique and special car. The driving experiences is pure fun: it is still super to feel the turbo push you back in your seat as you pass someone on the highway, and it handles predictably with very precise and communicative steering.

Suggested Improvements

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No one makes them like these anymore.

Written by: ShawnJ on 03/09/2006

Vehicle

1990 Saab 900 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

I checked all of the reviews on these old Saabs before purchasing one. I wanted an inexpensive car that was good on gas and would last a long time. This is what everyone wants right? Well these old cars are it. They are so unique looking and definitely fun to drive. They have this stigma about them that is hard to explain. I got an incredible deal on mine. It is a 1990 and I only paid 1800 dollars for it with 65000 original miles. It now has 81000 and no signs of slowing down. These cars really do go forever. I have only fixed routine things (brakes, muffler etc...) So find a good mechanic that can work on these cars and one that is cheap. Do that and you will have a great car!

Favorite Features

Love the handling, heated seats, exterior look. Definitely fun to drive.

Suggested Improvements

No cup holder. That is it. I bought a couple for 99 cents at the local auto store and hung them from the glove box. It works fine.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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