Faults:

Random small repairs, certain small things failed, but it was an 11 year old car...

General Comments:

The 1993 Saab, the last year before GM took over, was a fun car to own, if not drive. The interior was comfortable, but not exactly roomy, though that is to be expected in a hatchback. The car's performance was adequate around town, but the power was anemic at best on the highway, plus that, it tended to vibrate at higher speeds (60+). The car was continuously in the shop for small repairs, and it even cost $500 for a headlight assembly! However, nothing major ever went wrong with the car. Overall, it was a fun around-the-town car that got reasonable mileage with acceptable performance. It was very uncommon in North Carolina, and I often got people asking me what it was, the best one? "Is that a soviet car?"

Faults:

Previous to my purchase, the following went wrong:

- Headliner sagged (reupholstered).

- Headlight wiper broke (replaced).

- AC failed.

- Seat heat unit failed.

- Cruise-control failed.

Since purchase:

- Transmission slippage/failure (replaced).

- Power door locks fail intermittently.

- Fuel rail leak (repaired).

- Oil leak (repaired).

- Leather seats wearing at the seams.

SAABs are often dubbed invincible. This is only true, because their owners love them. It's not uncommon for a SAAB to have a million miles on it, but ask the owner how much time and money has gone into its maintenance.

General Comments:

You can see my car at http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2153509/1

I love my 1993 SAAB 900 S. It's my first car, and I will certainly only replace it with another one like it.

I bought it used, and I opted for the naturally aspirated engine. All the turbos that I drove had been badly abused, so the NA engine was a good way to avoid heavy-footed previous ownership.

As you can see from the above link, I have modified mine quite a lot, but this review will focus on the pros and cons of the stock car.

PROS:

- Low purchase price (now).

- Quirky, unique, and (some would say) pretty.

- Satisfying and confidence-inspiring in turns.

- UNSTOPPABLE in all weather conditions.

- Dependable (for the most part).

- VERY safe, especially for the time it was built.

- Comfortable and intuitive cabin and instruments.

- Leather interior can hold up very well with care.

- ENORMOUS cargo-space 21cu.ft./58cu.ft, seats down.

- Oil is never dirty.

- None of the maintenance concerns of a turbo.

CONS:

- Engine requires careful maintenance.

- Some features work, but are temperamental: power door locks, heated seats.

- Parts/upgrades take dedication to find.

- Sluggish acceleration in the cold

- Not the turbo model.

I find the SAAB 900 S is the perfect car for the American who likes to stand out with subtlety. It is not a loud, wild car. Rather, it is an understated, well-built work horse.

There is plenty of room for modification. The stock intake and exhaust are fairly restrictive, and the suspension is a bit on the soft side.

Overall, though, I would buy the same car, if I had it to do over again. I would recommend it for both first time car owners and Swede speed enthusiasts.

Faults:

I've owned the car for two years.

Cracked head gasket.

Brake pads.

Air conditioning fan and switch.

Ball joints.

Right now, other common Saab-quirky things - auto door locks work intermittently, headliner is starting to bubble, passenger window doesn't always open, or opens very slowly.

General Comments:

Compared to other Saabs I've owned (900, 9000, 9-3) this one is sort of a clunker. The automatic transmission is quite sluggish compared to a manual. No discernible passing gear. Runs very smooth once you get up to freeway speed, just takes a bit of time getting there.

Very stable on fast turns and curvy roads.

The windshield is really low! I'm 5'6" and have to hunker down to see traffic lights. That is annoying. The five-door Saabs I had weren't like this (this is a 4D sedan.)

Comfortable seats, but minimal leg room in back.

Considering the size of the car, not stellar mileage, low 20s.

Very abruptly curved windshield, which makes it hard to get wipers to clean all the glass. (The headlight wipers are cute, and useful too, though.)

The good stuff:

It's a Saab. :)

Excellent fit and finish everywhere. Glossy paint, nothing falling off inside, stitching all intact, shows little wear for the age.

Very solid and safe.

Great winter car, (I'm in Michigan.) Plows through snow and deep slush like a little four wheeler. Plus, if you hit something, it's a tank! A queen sized mattress flew off a truck on the highway in front of me last winter. I went right over the top of it, was able to avoid hitting the guardrail (on the freeway in snow) and wound up in the ditch. The bumper skin was hanging off, but I was able to get it reattached myself, so no real worries.