Used 1990 Saab 900 Consumer Reviews
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No one makes them like these anymore.
ShawnJ, 03/09/2006
1990 Saab 900 4dr Sedan
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I checked all of the reviews on these old Saabs before purchasing one. I wanted an inexpensive car that was good on gas and would last a long time. This is what everyone wants right? Well these old cars are it. They are so unique looking and definitely fun to drive. They have this stigma about them that is hard to explain. I got an incredible deal on mine. It is a 1990 and I only paid 1800 dollars for it with 65000 original miles. It now has 81000 and no signs of slowing down. These cars really do go forever. I have only fixed routine things (brakes, muffler etc...) So find a good mechanic that can work on these cars and one that is cheap. Do that and you will have a great car!
My favorite car ever
cactusleaf, 02/04/2014
1990 Saab 900 S 2dr Hatchback
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Mine was a 1989, but 1990 was as far back as Edmunds goes! So, my 900S hatchback was the best car I'd ever owned. It was a rustbox.. it spent its life in New England and Syracuse, NY, so road salt had its way with it. But despite the body rot, this thing was a trooper. It never left me stranded, it never leaked oil (until the very end), and all I ever had to do was brakes and exhaust. Can't beat it in the snow, and for quick maneuvers. It has a strange interior, but so damn comfortable. Everything is in its place, and your hands just go where they need to. The clutch is so forgiving, the transmission a tank, and the handling quite solid. It feels like no other car.. so very endearing.
1990 Saab 900 for sale near you
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- Base ConvertibleMSRP: $15,500104 mi away
Unique and Underappreciated
Chris, 01/02/2007
1990 Saab 900 Turbo 2dr Convertible
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
We purchased our 900 Turbo new. We soon fell in love with its unique character and special qualities. Despite driving many other cars, we still love it and have come to understand that these were very special cars. While many 900s have been neglected or come into the hands of mechanics or owners who do not understand them, they are very durable if properly looked after. They do, however, require regular expert maintenance and quality parts which are not cheap. We have always had our 900 serviced at either a dealer or at least a marque specialist and have only had two minor problems in 16 years. The best thing about our 900 is the fun we have driving it. I wish Saab still made this car.
Keeps on ticking
Kay Voyvodich, 11/17/2015
updated 11/23/2020
1990 Saab 900 S 4dr Sedan
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
Update 2020: This car continues to amaze us. It purrs when it's on the road and still looks very very good. People continue to stop us and tell us how much they love it and what great memories it brings back. We also baby it. It will be hard to give up. Almost everything still works minus the seat warmer. We also use a mechanic who knows how to work on older Saabs. All in all, way less expensive than having a new car. Update 2019: The 1990 Saab S must have a terrific motor. Yep. Still going strong. Still looks good. (People stop us all the time.) Still a blast to drive. Original Review: I purchased this 1990 Saab S in '95 - and I'm still driving it because I can't think of a good reason to sell it. Yes, it does require the regular maintenance issues be dealt with, but even if that's say $1K per year, its waaay less expensive than owning a new car -- plus its a blast to drive. The only items that don't work are the air conditioner and setting the speed. But we don'd really need air around here and I like the feel of driving -- as opposed to sitting in a living room on auto pilot. I did have to put a new hood liner in it too. And there were a few mechanical and electrical issues that have occurred, but with a good mechanic who really knows Saabs, its kind of a no brainer -- change the oil regularly, give it basic, yearly TLC and your'e good to go! I guess I'll be driving this car until it dies under me -- or unless I get an offer I just can't refuse. I never have trouble finding it in a parking lot either. GREAT looking car -- fun to drive. Good gas mileage. Fair cost to keep it on the road and purring. What more can I ask for? Update: Just replaced the distributor to resolve small oil leaks - and had the timing corrected. Wow - Is it possible for this car to run any better?
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Excellent
AsherSPG, 09/27/2004
1990 Saab 900 SPG Turbo 2dr Hatchback
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
The SAAB 900 SPG is a beautiful vehicle. Having owned mine since March 2002, I have enjoyed every minute of ownereship. The car, if respected is great to drive, and never fails to bring a smile to my face. It has a timeless design and a few people have asked me if it was the new 9-3 (obviously not SAAB afficionados ). Pay close attention to maintenance and it will treat you well. I would highly recommend a SAAB to anyone.
SPG for Me, For enthusiasts not avg. joe
GHOATS, 08/25/2004
1990 Saab 900 SPG Turbo 2dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have owned this car for 7 years to date (2004) and it has been the love of my life. This is definitely a vehicle intended for enthusiasts or hobbyists who are interested in maintaining a vehicle. I have had the need to replace parts (shocks, alternator, starter, clutch, etc.) however I find nothing out of the ordinary for a luxury segment vehicle and its mileage. The fuel economy, performance of a turbo-4 cyl. and utility of a saab hatchback are second to none. This car has performed reliably as long as I maintained it.
Original 900
Jeff Kiefer, 03/16/2015
updated 09/29/2023
1990 Saab 900 2dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Original owner of basic 900 5 speed. Car has great utility, excellent accurate steering and is a quality car. It is very comfortable and fun to drive. Mine is a non turbo so not much power but it is smooth. Other than a head gasket and changing the AC over not much trouble. 163000 miles. Fairchild in Bellingham and Harmony motors has taken care of it at reasonable prices. Still love it and can't find any car with it's attributes I like.
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1990 Saab 900 vert
safghfhfgh, 05/23/2008
1990 Saab 900 Turbo 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
If you get a good one, these things will go to 300,000 with no probs, if you get a neglected example, get ready for some huge bills! The mechanics under the hood are hard to work on, the engine is rare, and few repair shops will accept them. But Walmart changes the oil for a good price.
I think its a virus
graysaab, 06/11/2003
1990 Saab 900 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Engine is just getting broken in, at over 240,000 miles. Whatever it is, owning one of these cars is addicting. If you step back and look at it, there is no good reason to own one of these classic styled autos. A honda or toyota is much more reliable and cheap. go forever if the body didn't rust away. Ive had two now, both over 250,000 miles. Don't expect much, and you will get a car that surprises you.
First SAAB
Sprintdriver, 10/29/2003
1990 Saab 900 S 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The '90 was our first SAAB. From this experiance came two more, first a new '99 9-3 then a 2000 Viggen. The 900S is the real classic though. It, unfortunately is to be replaced on 10- 03 as it has begun to show signs of it's nearly 240,000 miles. It's to be replaced with another 2000 9-3. The 90 900S is a true classic that I will miss.
Wicked good car
BIGDADDYNAHEEM, 05/18/2003
1990 Saab 900 Turbo 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this car is fun to drive, very responsive, only 89000 miles! never beat
Why the 1990 SAAB (pre GM) is best
J wheeler, 04/23/2008
1990 Saab 900 S 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the 900 "S" at 17 years old - with 130K miles. It's been a sports car, I keep it waxed and the leather seats supple. Beautiful ride, fun, and 35 miles per gallon - the GW Bush target for 2020!. It cost me $100 U.S.D. and I will continue to upgrade it when things break (clutch, etc.). Far better savings than buying new and losing thousands driving off the lot. JDW
My Saab
ama, 05/11/2004
1990 Saab 900 S 2dr Hatchback
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
I love to drive this car. I know it looks different and sometime I get a few strange looks, but I would not drive any other car.
kriptonite for the average budget.
Aeroplane, 05/31/2003
1990 Saab 900 Turbo 2dr Convertible
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
Buy a used Saab (5 y.o. or older) for your closest enemy. It's like putting a piece of crap... I'm sorry, kriptonite in Superman's pocket. This car will drain them dry just to keep the darned thing from draining it's fluids.
Avoid this car
Concerned, 07/29/2007
1990 Saab 900 S 4dr Sedan
0 of 4 people found this review helpful
I am always leary of scathing reviews of anything, because nothing in my opinion can be all bad. Well, except for the paint job, pretty much everything about this car is a nightmare. I would not wish this car on anyone, unless you're a Saab mechanic and have numerous parts cars to draw from. My car spent more time in the shop, then on the road. I never raced it, crashed it or mis-treated it. It left me high and dry on so many occasions, I danced for joy when I finally sold it. (Literally, danced for joy) The best part of owning this car, was selling it. It did have nice paint though, even after being 16 years old when I sold it.