1998 Saab 900 Review
1998 Saab 900 Review
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Used 900 for sale
Appraise This CarSaab 900 model years
Saab 900 types
- Hatchback
- Convertible
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Comfortable interior, cool exterior shape, pleasing ergonomics.
Cons
- Turbo-lag can be a real problem in SE models. All 900s suffer from excessive torque steer.
What’s new
The Saab 900 three-door hatchback gets the same turbocharged engine as the SE models this year. Other changes include the addition of body-color front and rear bumpers.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Saab 900 S Turbo 2dr Hatchback 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
$199/mo for 900 S
900 S
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Saab has faced some pretty tough times lately. An inconsiderate parent company, General Motors, tries to make Saab fit into GM's large corporate game plan, which has been a longstanding sore spot with Saab defenders. They claim that the giant multi-national does not understand the Saab audience and the appeal of these cars. Lately, and more importantly, Saab has been faced with the difficulties associated with having only a two car lineup. The much-loved 9000 line has been a favorite of Saabophiles and the press corps, but has been showing its age of late. The Saab 900, a beautiful and comfortable car, was a hit upon introduction in 1994, but sales have slowed because of increased competition from BMW, Mercedes and Lexus, in addition to nagging consumer concerns about the 900's build quality.
Despite some obvious difficulties and shortcomings, we still like Saab and the cars that they make. The Saab 900 is a comfortable, equipment-laden, near-luxury car that competes against entries from Volvo, BMW and Mercedes. Prices start around $25,000 for the 900 S three-door model, and climb all the way to $42,500 for the Saab 900 SE convertible.
The 900 is fun to drive with either of the car's engine choices. The turbocharged 2.0-liter unit, however, produces rocket-like acceleration that will char the front tires into oblivion if the driver is not careful. Torque steer is also a problem for cars equipped with the turbocharged engine. Handling feels a bit light in the 900 because the car is so upright and the seats are high off the floor. This gives the car a wallowy feeling through some turns, and can make weak-stomached passengers plead for Dramamine. The reality, however, is that the Saab 900 can hold its own with most imports from Germany and Japan when the road turns curvy.
The 900 is a good car. Unfortunately for Saab, there are plenty of good cars in the 900's price class. If your tastes run to the eccentric, however, this may be a better choice for you than a BMW 323is or Mercedes C280. You'll certainly stand out more in a crowd.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Saab 900.
5 star(57%)
4 star(35%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(0%)
40 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
I love my Saab
My Saab Story, 11/19/2010
1998 Saab 900 S 4dr Hatchback
Bought my Saab in 1998, and have refused to replace it, no matter how dinged up it has gotten. I feel incredibly safe in it... it is built like a truck. And, for all its battle scars getting me around all these years. it is still my beautiful, copper-colored Saab. It has needed very few repairs, and when they have been needed I learned early it is best NOT to take it a Saab … dealership. One problem is only place to put the coffee is in one coffee slot right over the transmission. Went to Sweden a few years ago and recognized first hand they drink very little coffee.
5 out of 5 stars
4th saab
michaelst, 12/16/2010
1998 Saab 900 S 4dr Hatchback
its a great car i had a 20th avn ed 900s T n now i hava 2.3 900s great cars 86 on the 2.0lt turbo was so powerful 80-130 was fun too drive
3.5 out of 5 stars
Room for Improvement
Lucius Beebe, 05/27/2002
1998 Saab 900 S 4dr Hatchback
I've had the car for almost 4 and a
half years and have put slightly over
100,000 miles on it. The gas
mileage when the car was newer on
long, apx. 80mph drives was
between 28 and 32 mpg. The car
has little performance
unless you keep the engine revved
up. The car started with a fairly
damped, controlled ride, but it quickly
deteriorated and now crashes over …
bumps and is very wallowy in many
situations. The car also has bad
torque steer and wanders at highway
speed. At about 40K miles the
manual transmission developed a
loud roar/gear whine noise and it
has gotten much worse since.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Reliable, fun and even practical
GoDucks, 07/03/2009
1998 Saab 900 SE Turbo 2dr Convertible
I've never had any engine and/or related mechanical problems. The car, even though it's a convertible, has a quieter interior than my Chevy Blazer. I like the four seats, and the back even folds-down to expose a cargo hole into the truck. Much more practical than a miata, S2000, etc. I have carried skis, and 8' pieces of lumber inside my convertible! The bad: the automatic climate … control system uses a little fan to sense the inside temperature; that little fan frequently rattles, which can be annoying. The mechanics of the convertible top can be touchy -- $500 in repairs over the last 5 years. Overall good car. EXCELLENT value for money.
1998 900 Highlights
Hatchback
S
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 24.0 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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