1996 Saab 900 Review
1996 Saab 900 Review
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Used 900 for sale
Appraise This CarSaab 900 model years
Saab 900 types
- Convertible
- Hatchback
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
The popular Saab 900 SE five-door is available this year with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine. An automatic transmission is now optional on turbos. V6 models come only with an automatic. Adjustable driver's lumbar support is now standard on all 900 models.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1996 Saab 900 S 2dr Convertible and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$194/mo for 900 S
900 S
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
When General Motors bought Saab several years ago, many thought that the unique and quirky characteristics that endeared Saabs to thousands of loyal owners would vanish as GM began redesigning and introducing new models to the public. When the new 900 arrived for 1994, those fears vanished. The 900 retained its Saabish styling and handling, and the fun-loving turbo reappeared with more power.
For 1996, the changes to the Saab 900 are mostly cosmetic. Revisions include: adjustable lumbar support for the driver's seat, a standard rear spoiler, alloy wheels and fat tires on all turbo models and the V6 convertible, as well as a reflective rear panel. The base coupe and sedan, both of which are actually cavernous hatchbacks, come with a twin-cam, 2.3-liter four cylinder good for 150 horsepower. A 170-horsepower GM V6 is standard on the SE five-door hatch, but it may be ordered this year with the awesome 185-horsepower turbo which really boosts this sedan into performance car territory. The SE Turbo three-door hatchback continues the trend, with the same engine that gets the 900 to 60 mph just one-tenth of a second slower than a Ford Mustang GT.
Inside, a traditionally high seating position in orthopedically correct seats gives a commanding view over the short hood. The windshield is fairly upright, contributing to the excellent forward visibility. The dash is logically laid out, with clearly marked analog gauges and cool knobs that the Swedish engineers know are more fun than buttons. With the seats folded, the Saab rivals many sport utilities and minivans with its cargo volume.
Yes, the Saab has retained its Saabishness. The ignition is still floor-mounted, and the shifter still must be in reverse to remove the key. These are the reasons a small contingent of consumers pays upwards of $21,000 for the 900 each year. From a practical standpoint, there are other cars that do what the Saab does, but none with such offbeat panache.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1996 Saab 900.
5 star(53%)
4 star(39%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(0%)
57 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
Great
Ryan, 09/06/2010
1996 Saab 900 S 4dr Hatchback
Great car, bought it in WI, and drove it 2500 miles back home with no problems at all, i bought it with 128k miles, this car will last forever as long as you maintain it, i do an oil change every other month, trans fluid change once a year, constantly check the fluids, coolant, oil level and brake fluid. I've also installed 18inch rims on it, and wow it looks great, i've installed a … stereo system, with an amp and subs, i put a strait pipe, with a custom muffler in and got rid of all those stupid flex pipes, i recharged the ac, great car. the two bad things i've noticed are: the "check engine light is always on, and when i put it in reverse the front park lights come on.
4 out of 5 stars
It's O.K.
Joe I., 08/17/2002
1996 Saab 900 SE V6 4dr Hatchback
Owned since 1998, I've had the LCD
display and the radio head replaced
once. Also, the heated seats have
quit working. The biggest expense so
far has been replacing the spark plug
wires(about $300, yes $300) and another
$450 for labor and the valve gasket
that allowed oil to seep and damage the
wires. Also, parts are OUTRAGEOUSLY
priced, up there with BMW and … Mercedes.
The ride and handling are good and the
car is generally fun to drive, and
overall I like the car. However, if you
are contemplating buying one of these,
remember this is not a low-maintenance
vehicle. Fortunately, as a used car
they're generally (initially) cheap.
4 out of 5 stars
Work horse
lou, 08/10/2009
1996 Saab 900 SE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
I have purchased this car from a private seller in Feb of 2008 for 2400.00, had 150000 miles on it, all I can say is this was the best used car I ever bought, I fill the tank and get about 425 miles at about 15 gallons, do the math, great on gas. I drive to work 75 miles round trip and the only thing I need to replace is the tires. My friends always say the car is so quiet when I idle … at a red light. I am on the market for another one for my son.
4.88 out of 5 stars
900 se convertible trip
bundies, 02/01/2010
1996 Saab 900 SE Turbo 2dr Convertible
I purchased my 1996 conv. in Divide Colorado to travel home. This was our 4th Saab. We drove south threw New Mexico, Texas,Louisiana, Arkansas, Mo. Ky. Va. And Pa. to Delaware. At times I cruised at 95-100 mph in 100 degree weather. The stability and handling at speed is better then my 2004 9-5. we've owned since new. Total repairs on the trip was 1 instrument light reostat in Sante … Fe. since returning home I've replaced 1 Coil pack and the top has quit working. This is a great car for 1 or 2 people doing long distance touring. My daughter hit a concrete barrier at 70 after being run off the road in our 99 9-5. I will only trust my daughter to a Saab. Great cars with personality.
1996 900 Highlights
Convertible
SE V6
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $213/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalMarginal
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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