1995 SAAB 900 SE 2.5 V6

Summary:

Too expensive for the trouble

Faults:

Timing belt slipped at 94000 - should have been changed by used car dealer.

Was not covered by dealer cost over $3500 to repair. Saab USA did partial reimbursement.

Runs good for 2 to 3 months then has another costly problem.

In last Yr needed new coil $ 125+ - New Ignition wires $ 200+ - New Oxygen Sensors $ 150+ - Needs fuel filter.

A/C holds charge for avg. 2 months.

General Comments:

Body is very sturdy - handles exceptionally well for FWD.

Except for seemingly constant engine trouble I would call it an very well made car. Mechanic was not Saab dealer so I cannot say it was Saabs fault. Did a very poor job on top end rebuild.

Interior and all small parts of dash and knobs show very little wear.

Handles better than SUV's in wet, icy, snowy weather.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th June, 2003

26th May 2009, 22:01

It is very true that Saab handles very well in the snow. I live in Maine on a very steep hill. I put a pair of snow tires on it, and I never once was stuck walking up that hill. I have a 95 900s and it made it up even when my neighbors truck wouldn't.

I haven't had my timing belt changed ever, and it has over 130000 miles on it.

Fuel filters are a normal maintenance thing; just replaced mine, but didn't get it from the dealer, try finding it elsewhere, it's a lot cheaper.

27th May 2009, 18:04

You are pushing your luck by not having your timing belt changed and 130,000 miles on the car.

22nd Dec 2009, 15:54

I believe your 95 900s has the 2.3L engine, which should have a timing chain and not a belt on it, making belt changes unnecessary. The 2.5 V6 engine is a problem engine because it has a timing belt and has a known history of failing before the recommended time, because of the cheap plastic pieces used in the tensioner system.

1995 SAAB 900 SE 2.0 turbo

Summary:

Worth a Look

Faults:

The headlamp wipers are fragile and break easily.

The strut mounts in this year are weak and wore out entirely before 75,000 miles.

General Comments:

This is a much faster car than is generally known, and very comfortable.

Dealer repair costs are very high, but many maintenance parts are inexpensive from the aftermarket and the car is easy to work on for the do-it-yourselfer.

Handling is very good, but the stiff suspension might turn off people with bad roads.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd April, 2003

1995 SAAB 900 S 2.3L

Summary:

The Saab is truly, a luxury, sporty, car with the safety to boot

Faults:

Nothing. I keep her full of gas and make oil changes. She does the rest!

General Comments:

I love the heated seats.

It drives like a BMW.

The 18 gallon tank allows me to get about 500 to 600 miles.

I live in upper Michigan and this car is great in the many feet of snow.

The cabin is quirky, but very refined for a 1995.

Sound system leaves something to be desired, but upgrades are simple.

I am not really smart about cars, but the display on the dashboard has informed me of a burnt out tail light, and low coolant already. This car is very smart.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th December, 2002

15th Dec 2008, 15:20

I have a 1995 900s in Canada and I have trouble with my manual transmission. It shifts poorly and jumps out of reverse, this makes it difficult to park and dangerous. Now I can't even get it into reverse. In the US you have a recall on the linkage that causes this problem, but here in Canada nothing yet. My car, with very low miles I might add, no recall, same problem, same results. I quess our lives are worth less.

1995 SAAB 900 SE 2.0L V6 turbo

Summary:

Piece of junk

Faults:

The traction control system does not function properly. The estimate to fix it was approximately $500.00. I did not get it fixed.

The transmission malfunctioned. I have no reverse. It is not drivable currently. Cost to fix is $1,700. Cost to replace the transmission is $2,500 with a refurbished transmission. Saab USA, Inc. cannot guarantee that other gears will not malfunction before 2005. This does not give me much confidence in the car.

General Comments:

I would never buy a Saab car. My Saab car is only 6 years old and the transmission malfunctioned. Saab customer service would not assist me in any way. Would you buy a car expecting the transmission to malfunction after only 6 years? No one in their right mind would buy a $45,000 vehicle with those expectations. However, I feel that Saab gave the message that they do not expect their vehicles' transmissions to last longer than 6 years. When I spoke to them, they insisted that the car was 6 years old and things can go wrong with it.

I have owned a Nissan Stanza for 10 years, and I believe the transmission will last at least another 10 years.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 29th August, 2001

31st Mar 2004, 01:53

Unlucky with the gearbox.

I've heard that the engine and gearbox are normally said to be good for over 250,000 miles.

Mine has currently done 110,000 and is still as smooth as ever.

Maybe after market parts would be a better option than the dealer - cheaper too.

28th Mar 2008, 00:11

Once again another person getting screwed by GM. I wouldn't purchase a SAAB after 1993 (1994 Convert.) for any amount of $$$$$. There should be a list somewhere of what auto manufacturers that use to producing good products and what years to avoid. Mercedes aren't what they use to be either.

6th Dec 2008, 12:11

I would be very ticked off and disappointed too if my luxury car with only 67k miles started having transmission problems that cost that much to fix. Thank God I've never had transmission problems with any of my cars in the past.

26th May 2009, 21:52

2005 wasn't their best year, you should have gone older or newer. My 1995 has well over 130000 and runs beautifully, never had any transmission problems even after doing 70mph backwards, that was nearly 3 months ago, and it still runs really great.

I previously had a Jimmy, and it was a newer model than my car, but it was the biggest piece of junk I have ever had. So many problems that the dealer wouldn't even fix them. I also had a Chevy Cavalier convertible Z24 1989; Absolutely amazing car till I was rear ended, which in the end bought my Saab. Which I wouldn't change for anything.