1997 Saab 900 Consumer Reviews

Another 'saab' story

Vehicle

1997 Saab 900 SE Talladega Turbo 4dr Hatchback

Review

Fun to drive, lots of space, and that's it! What car made after 1988 uses a cable clutch?! The cable snapped on the clutch, the oil cooler spewed oil all over the engine, sucked in by the cabin fan and spewed oil on my face, the backlight for the climate control burned out, the lumbar seat broke (and I'm not a big/heavy guy), list goes on. At only 60k miles, the thing fell apart - stupid things going wrong. Do not buy this car. Stay away.
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I LOVE THESE CARS!! AND SO SHOULD YOU!

Vehicle

1997 Saab 900 S 4dr Hatchback

Review

Ive had the privaledge of owning many high end luxury cars. WOW! I am so impressed with the drive of the saab, the incredible roomyness & sporty handling. Best of all I am impressed with the fuel economy. I love the solid feel of the car in comparison to the lightweight tin out there these days.Recently purchased a 97 900s 4cyl auto, after giving back my 09 Acura MDX. Fortunately I am experiencing a Saab before its full bastardization by GM. I would definaltely recommend this car.No mechanical issues yet and my Saab mechanic does not forsee any. Do not be swayed by the horror stories on such sites. Experience this magnificent car for yourself!
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What a piece of junk!! Don't buy a Saab

Vehicle

1997 Saab 900 S 4dr Hatchback

Review

We purchased this car for about 3K about a year and a half ago. We have put over $3,000 into it since then. Lots of computer/electrical issues, entire brake system had to be overhauled, it is absolutely NOT worth the money in order to keep these things running. A couple times we were unable to fix the car simply because the part is no longer manufactured and not available anywhere! Do yourself a favor and DON'T BUY A SAAB - what a major money pit!
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We Still Love It.

Vehicle

1997 Saab 900 S 2dr Hatchback

Review

1997 was 51% SAAB 49% GM. Bought new and has 293,000. Clutch at 98,000 and 293,000. Water Pump 200,000+. Valve job at 260,000. Front Discs replaced. Pads changed only twice. Hydraulic Valves never need adj! Always kept outdoors and paint is still great. Hatchback works like a pickup truck. Worse design is placement of alternator as it's located on the BOTTOM REAR of the engine. Only my Reseda Saab mechanic can take apart all mechanical necessary to access it from underneath. Just before valve job had head gasket leak that had oil go down and to rear of engine. Ruining NEW BOSCH ALTERNATOR recently put on. Bosch rebuilt is very expensive to obtain and only expert can replace with many hour
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What Do I Get Now?

Vehicle

1997 Saab 900 SE Turbo 2dr Hatchback

Review

When I bought my car it was four years old and after a lease it only had 16000 miles on it. I love it. No major problems, except for something in the air conditioning system two years ago. I think I should get a newer car before troubles start but do not know what else to get, except for a 2002 Saab, which still has the great looks and qualities. Newer Saabs look disgusting and nothing else appeals. Help!
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1997 Saab 899SE Turbo Best Convertible

Vehicle

1997 Saab 900 SE Turbo 2dr Convertible

Review

I live in the north east, and I don't drive this in the winters due to salt / rust issues. (My friends drive their similar vintage Saabs in the winter report good handling and decent salt resistance.) I plan to keep this for a long time, and I hate the losing proposition of rust on such a fine car. Only one issue so far (direct ignition module), but it didn't leave me stranded, and the repair has lasted.
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Totally Unreliable

Vehicle

1997 Saab 900 SE Turbo 2dr Convertible

Review

I bought this car for $8,500 when it was 6 1/2 years old. It had 54k miles. I have almost replaced everything on it but the engine turbo and radiator: clutch and clutch cable, radiator fan, fuel pump (twice in 6 months), starter, alternator and water pump, cdriver's side door lock actuator, radiator hoses, direct ignition cassette, brake pads and rotors (all 4), one engine mount, sepertine belt, thermostat, flex pipe and muffler. Leather is trashed, poor quality. Heated seats don't work anymore. Cd changer broke, 4 speakers blew out so I replaced the system. There is a reason these cars depreciate 60-70% in 3 years. Spend the extra money and buy a beemer (which performs far better).
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I love this car!!!

Vehicle

1997 Saab 900 S 4dr Hatchback

Review

I bought this in 1997 new. Always wanted one. Just love the look! I replaced the engine last year but, worth it. MAKE SURE YOU OIL AND FILTER CHANGE EVERY 3,000 MILES!!! That was the reason... After 12 years I can't complain. Just bought a used 2001 Turbo. It looks and drives like new!!! I'm hooked forever...
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Thank God It's Gone

Vehicle

1997 Saab 900 SE Turbo 2dr Convertible

Review

Bought it with 64,000 miles. Drove it 60,000 miles. The following required replacement: 2 sets of tires (it eats them), brakes, headlight bulbs, alternator, power steering pump, AC compressor, dryer, and expansion valve, torque converter lockup solenoid, fuel pump, spark plugs, heater hoses, serpentine belt, serpentine belt tensioner, crank position sensor, battery, convertible top microswitches and cables, rear window weatherstripping, coolant reservoir with level sensor, power window switch, alarm system module, ABS computer, struts, coil spring, climate control sensor. No room here to list the rest. I do 90% of my own repairs. It cost twice what I paid for it to keep it running for 4 years.
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First Car

Vehicle

1997 Saab 900 S 2dr Convertible

Review

Bought it in November of '07 from a private owner. Had 235,000 miles on it and a few problems. The throttle cable was very stiff it actually stuck down before i fixed it. The clutch is stiff but catches very well. sometimes i have to struggle to change gears; the shifter will stick sometimes. Also the top didn't work tonneau motor problems. that was pricey to fix. overall I'm very happy with it. Excellent fuel economy and i love the leather and look of it with the top down. good acceleration for just a 4 banger. runs smooth above a hundred. My first car @ 18 years old. Would totally trust it on long trips. nice radio and cd changer. spent $3500 including repairs so it's gr8 4 the price.
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