1997 Saab 900 Review
Fuel Economy
19 - 21 mpg
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
What Do I Get Now?
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Saab 900 2 Dr SE Turbo 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!
Favorite Features
Looks petite - gets lost among ugly big guys in parking lots. Safety - I was hit in the rear and only lost my fender. Hitting Subaru looked like a goner. (Thankfully kids in back of Subaru were safe). Great brakes.
Suggested Improvements
Start making them like they used to be!
1997 Saab 899SE Turbo Best Convertible
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Saab 900 2 Dr SE Turbo 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.
Favorite Features
Exterior design, driving fun, plus power and economy at the same time. Most friends like the convertible mechanism with the hinged hard boot.
Suggested Improvements
Display over radio has lost minor portions of LCD readout.
Totally Unreliable
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Saab 900 2 Dr SE Turbo 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).
Favorite Features
Convertible top. Turbo (once it kicks it.) Great paint job. Comfortable seats, but leather quality was very poor for 1997 models.
Suggested Improvements
Reliability, turbo lag and handling. Also, coolant sensor was replaced. Don't be fooled by the styling as I was. Buy a Japanese or German car. SAAB is seeking bankruptcy protection will likely become extinct as it should. I am almost $30k into this piece of junk. One more repair and it's gone.
I love this car!!!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Saab 900 4 Dr S 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...
Favorite Features
The look never is outdated, it is classic! The way in handles on highway driving. Still looks great. And, don't forget about the 400,000 mile club... Would never look for another import than Saab!!!
Suggested Improvements
Cup holder is not great. Dash has a very glossy finish and reflects upward when the sun shining, that has since changed.
Thank God It's Gone
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 3 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Saab 900 2 Dr SE Turbo 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.
Favorite Features
It's a convertible and it's a blast to drive. I was able to stick a dealer with it as a trade in.
Suggested Improvements
Crush it.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 1998 Saab 900
- 1997 Saab 900
- 1996 Saab 900
- 1995 Saab 900
- 1994 Saab 900
- 1993 Saab 900
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