1997 Saab 900 Consumer Reviews

First Car

Written by: sankuspr on 07/18/2008

Vehicle

1997 Saab 900 2 Dr S 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.

Favorite Features

Gas mileage- i average about 28 mpg mostly city. The 6-cd changer. The view. The leather. Very good front and rear defrost also. i've had very little control issues in rain - with the proper tires. and no leaks! Good trunk space. The interior courtesy lights are cool. also rear seat room.

Suggested Improvements

The ac really drains engine power- but its a convertible. change the front seat design good padding and they hold you well but uncomfortable for taller drivers especially on longer trips. a second cup holder. brighter headlights. seems like the important stuff (tranny, body, engine) will last forever

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Luv my 97 Saab 900 SE Turbo

Written by: Ed Hamme on 07/03/2008

Vehicle

1997 Saab 900 2 Dr SE Turbo Hatchback

Review

My Saab was in poor shape when I purchased it. Needed body work, clutch, 2nd gear and a good cleaning. I've had all that work done and the car looks great. I love to drive this car. It's just fun. And I feel like I have a small army tank around me for protection. I really like the safety components of the Saab. This is my 4th Saab. I probably put too much money into rehabbing the car but it was worth it to me.

Favorite Features

I much prefer a sun roof over a convertible. It's a lot safer and I enjoy the sunlight and air when I'm driving. I use it all year round.

Suggested Improvements

The transmission is not the smoothest I've ever driven but the other features offset this one less than positive point.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Overall, a great Convertible!

Written by: Nate W. on 06/15/2008

Vehicle

1997 Saab 900 2 Dr S Convertible

Review

I Bought this Car off of ebay and have had no issues with it so far. (previous owner had a lot of work done and a new top installed just before I bought it!) Its a lot of fun to drive and it corners decently well. The center of gravity is a little high so it tends to roll in corners. But otherwise driving it is a blast. It gets OK Gas mileage cause its a litle heavy for the 150 HP 2.3 L but it still gets where I wand to go Plenty fast! Overall I would buy another one when this one dies!

Favorite Features

The Convertible top is AMAZING! One of the best I have seen. I shopped around for a while before I bought it.

Suggested Improvements

The Clutch gate could be improved, 5th gear is amazingly close to 3rd... hard to get used to. Window switches and ignition are where an arm rest should be but its all good. MPG.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Sweet Dream

Written by: Happy on 05/29/2008

Vehicle

1997 Saab 900 4 Dr S Hatchback

Review

My Saab 900 S has made driving an "experience" instead of a chore. This car handles excellent. Built well and easy to work on. Convenient features inside the "cockpit." GREAT overall.

Favorite Features

Styling inside and out. Handling.

Suggested Improvements

Cheaper parts and easier availability.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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If you're looking for fun

Written by: Duke on 04/23/2008

Vehicle

1997 Saab 900 2 Dr SE Turbo Convertible

Review

I purchased this car in August 2007. This car is very dependable and comfortable. It rides extremely well with the top up or down. It is hard to tell at times how fast I'm going. Would recommend this car for anyone looking for a convertible sports car.

Favorite Features

Six disc CD player, computer panel for mileage per gallon along with other features such as trip destination.

Suggested Improvements

For the year manufactured, none.

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Great car

Written by: Steve on 03/20/2008

Vehicle

1997 Saab 900 4 Dr S Hatchback

Review

This is one of those cars that is is more then the sum of its parts. Nothing else looks like it, unlike the newer generic looking Saabs. It's fun to drive, still solid after 123000 miles, fold down that back seat and you have a wagon. 25 mpg. So far the only major repair has been the exhaust. Too bad they stopped making this body style.

Favorite Features

Interior, hatch back.

Suggested Improvements

Ride is harsh, could be a little wider.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Appears to be well made

Written by: dejavueh on 03/15/2008

Vehicle

1997 Saab 900 2 Dr S Convertible

Review

The 1997 900S Convertible has the sleek look of a well designed vehicle with structural body strength and a sporty character and appearance. Most of the exterior holds up well to the various weather climates but when faced with finally finding replacement parts, you have to seriously consider whether or not hanging onto this prestige Saab is a smart thing to do. At 126K miles, I expected another 20 or 30 K before facing high repair costs. Since I've purchased the Saab in 2006 & having no idea of the kind of conditions the previous owner placed on the vehicle, I've since invested at least 1/3 the original cost into more than just simple wear and tear. After Ks of dollars and 126K miles humm

Favorite Features

Look and body strength

Suggested Improvements

Heater, AC system

5 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Convertible....Sometimes

Written by: DaWapo on 04/26/2007

Vehicle

1997 Saab 900 2 Dr S Convertible

Review

The entire NG900's have more problems than should be allowed. The convertible costs about $1200 every other year if you want it to open as the design on the tonneau motor is an absolute failure. The clutch cable is another abomination. I'm under the hood more than I'm behind the wheel, or it's at the garage due to "superior swedish engineering". NEVER AGAIN, I tell you... never again

Favorite Features

Almost 40 MPG with the 5 speed transmission, steering is fairly decent.

Suggested Improvements

Cup holders, "NORMAL clutch cable", a top that goes up and down when I want it to without getting into my pocket for a grand every spring would be a plus.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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900 Turbo SE 5 Speed 4 Dr Hatch

Written by: Sound Guy on 01/02/2007

Vehicle

1997 Saab 900 4 Dr SE Turbo Hatchback

Review

My 5th Saab. Retired my 1990 900 Turbo automatic for the 5 speed. Love it! I do 120 miles a day on the highway and this thing screams. Bought it with 110K miles, so I expected some issues. Mileage could be better and things wear out. Costs me $500 every 3 - 4 months. Bent two rims in potholes last winter, so put on 4 wheels from a 2002 Aero. Blew the engine at 192K, but a replacement was $4500, so if the thing died today it cost me $0.24/ mile for the last 82K. CD player stinks, and I buy fog and head lamps by the gross. I'm keeping this one for forever!

Favorite Features

Turbo lag takes getting used to, but when it kicks in the torque is worth the wait. Very fun to drive. Quick and responsive. (Don't let the teenagers have it; they'll either wreck it or keep it.) Controls make sense; they're soft and quiet.

Suggested Improvements

Brakes are a little hairy when wet. Getting used to the shifting is interesting. Consult with Bose on the sound system.

2 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Fun To Drive!!

Written by: kirman on 06/19/2006

Vehicle

1997 Saab 900 2 Dr S Convertible

Review

Saab convertible is very slick and fun to drive. In the summer this car turns a lot of heads when the top is down.

Favorite Features

Sport shift automatic transmission the can be adjusted to winter mode for those heavy snow days. The heated rear window is easy to clean in the winter!

Suggested Improvements

Hard top,,, will make this car much easier to take care off.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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