Used 1998 Saab 900
Pros & Cons
- Comfortable interior, cool exterior shape, pleasing ergonomics.
- Turbo-lag can be a real problem in SE models. All 900s suffer from excessive torque steer.
Edmunds' Expert Review
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.
1998 Highlights
Scorecard
| Overall | undefined / 5 |
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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 1998 Saab 900.
Trending topics in reviews
- engine
- reliability & manufacturing quality
- appearance
- handling & steering
- interior
- driving experience
- safety
- comfort
- fuel efficiency
- visibility
- spaciousness
- ride quality
- seats
- value
- maintenance & parts
- transmission
- climate control
- lights
- warranty
- road noise
- oil
- brakes
- steering wheel
- emission system
- acceleration
- cup holders
- wheels & tires
- doors
Most helpful consumer reviews
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.
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
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.
Everything thing is so nice the leather seats and the car alarm and it is very very comfortable to sit in and the air conditioning is nice. It is a very fast car to drive fast as a Mustang. I would refer any to buy this car it is a great car to own!
Features & Specs
| S Turbo 2dr Hatchback N/A | |
|---|---|
| MPG | 18 city / 25 hwy |
| Seats 0 | |
| 5-speed manual | |
| Gas | |
| 185 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| SE Turbo 4dr Hatchback N/A | |
|---|---|
| MPG | 18 city / 24 hwy |
| Seats 0 | |
| 5-speed manual | |
| Gas | |
| 185 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| S 4dr Hatchback N/A | |
|---|---|
| MPG | N/A city / N/A hwy |
| Seats 0 | |
| 5-speed manual | |
| Gas | |
| 150 hp @ 5700 rpm |
| SE Turbo 2dr Hatchback N/A | |
|---|---|
| MPG | 18 city / 24 hwy |
| Seats 0 | |
| 5-speed manual | |
| Gas | |
| 185 hp @ 5500 rpm |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
| Side Impact Test | Not Tested |
|---|---|
| Roof Strength Test | Not Tested |
| Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint | Not Tested |
| IIHS Small Overlap Front Test | Not Tested |
| Moderate Overlap Front Test | Marginal |
FAQ
Is the Saab 900 a good car?
Is the Saab 900 reliable?
Is the 1998 Saab 900 a good car?
How much should I pay for a 1998 Saab 900?
The least-expensive 1998 Saab 900 is the 1998 Saab 900 SE Turbo 2dr Hatchback. Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $0.
Other versions include:
What are the different models of Saab 900?
More about the 1998 Saab 900
Used 1998 Saab 900 Overview
The Used 1998 Saab 900 is offered in the following submodels: 900 Hatchback, 900 Convertible. Available styles include S 2dr Convertible, S Turbo 2dr Hatchback, SE Turbo 4dr Hatchback, S 4dr Hatchback, SE Turbo 2dr Hatchback, and SE Turbo 2dr Convertible.
What do people think of the 1998 Saab 900?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 1998 Saab 900 and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 1998 900 4.4 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 1998 900.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 1998 Saab 900 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 1998 900 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 1998 Saab 900?
Which 1998 Saab 900s are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 1998 Saab 900 for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 1998 Saab 900.
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Find a new Saab 900 for sale - 5 great deals out of 7 listings starting at $17,794.
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Should I lease or buy a 1998 Saab 900?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Saab lease specials