1994 SAAB 900 SE convertible Turbo 2.0 litre 16v turbo

Summary:

Smooth top-off rocket disguised as sensible motoring

Faults:

Nothing. No really!

General Comments:

I have owned only Mercedes, and the I bought an A-class. Oops. (see review of mine elsewhere). Wife always wanted a SAAB convertible so I thought 'why not?'

It has been fantastic. Sure it doesn't handle on rails, but the trade-off is a very smooth ride. The performance is a bit Jeykll & Hyde, but overall this car is FUN.

If I were on a sensible car diet this would be a cream bun.

A wolf in sheep's clothing. Looks like old man's sensible convertible, but has 185bhp 145mph 0-60 in 7.5secs performance, which is enough without being a liability.

Best rear seat and boot space in class. Great build quality.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th September, 2003

1994 SAAB 900 S 2.0

Summary:

A lot of car for your money

Faults:

Just 1 blown headlight bulb.

General Comments:

A very solid feel. Although the weight is quite apparent at low speeds, this tends to give a chunky feel on the motorway.

The quiet, comfortable, wood paneled cabin is complemented by a superb factory fitted cd/sound system.

My 2 liter auto is perhaps a little slower off the mark than I'd expected, but can be hustled along if the bank balance can keep pace with the drastic drop in economy.

Grab yourself a low miler with a service history and you can't go far wrong!.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd December, 2002

7th May 2012, 08:28

Just bought a 2.0S automatic. 126k, it's a little thirsty, but does encourage a very relaxed approach to driving. Then the kick down gives it a bit of a kick in the rear! Taxed and MoT till November for little money. Will definitely buy another, possibly a 3 door manual.

1994 SAAB 900 900S 2.3 petrol

Summary:

Saab still not worrying Audi/BMW

Faults:

Clutch/flywheel was replaced at 50000 despite mainly 5th gear motorway use. New rear discs at 52000. Water pump seized at 30000 resulting in drive-belt snapping.

General Comments:

Once had a Mk 1 Saab 900S which, despite being slower off the mark felt a far more prestigious vehicle. Everything fitted together better than the present car. Dash board is cheap grey plastic and switchgear not as well made. On the positive side the car is very quiet at high speeds - the gearbox gives 25mph per 1000rpm. Very comfortable although ventilation could be better. Handles OK, but I know its limitations and I certainly can't throw it into bends with the confidence that I could my Golf GTi Mk 2.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th July, 2002

1994 SAAB 900 S 2.3 petrol

Summary:

I'm getting another one

Faults:

This is a fabulous car: safe, powerful when you need it, comfortable and with a boot like a small van - executive specs. With room for loads of tools.

I did have a problem at 34000 miles with the bearings in the gearbox, but the manufacturer repaired the fault free of charge as it should not have happened at that mileage.

Occasionally the computer reverts to a homesick Swedish script, but it soon returns to normal.

Needs faithful servicing at 10,000 mile intervals.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd February, 2001

1994 SAAB 900 S 5 door 2.0i

Summary:

A splendid car produced from probably the best car manufacturer in the world - a unique car!

General Comments:

A superb, safe, comfortable car that seems to be very well built and everlasting. I travel for 6 hours at a time and still feel most relaxed and refreshed when I exit the car after my journey. Well done SAAB for creating a comfortable car for drivers that are 6' plus!! The heated seats are a real bonus too, and the air con is ideal for warm climates.

I look forward to my next SAAB.

Long live SAAB.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd February, 2001

1994 SAAB 900 SE Convertible 2.0 Turbo petrol

Faults:

Failed gear box; recalled for faults with electric hood; "sticky" electric wing mirrors; deadlocking seized; oil leak; water leak.

General Comments:

Before the 900 I ran a 9000. Build quality was better (though the 2.0 litre engine was woefully inadequate).

The 900 has a very poor 1st gear ratio. As soon as you start you have to almost instantly change into 2nd.

After the recall the electric roof works fine.

The standard of servicing has dropped off since Saab sold off their own garages to independents. Saab garages now have to get almost every part delivered directly from Sweden (seriously!). Apparently it's cheaper. Problem is if delivery is delayed, or they send the wrong part (as they did to me recently), the car stays off the road.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th January, 1998