Faults:

Engine coolant hose split.

Rear brake bulb failed.

Dash rheostat switch failed.

Driver's door kickplate cover came loose.

Cd autochanger would periodically jump track for no reason.

General Comments:

Mine was a black one with 16" alloys and fully colour coded, I really like the shape of these old Saabs, it's a very classic shape and seems to be a lot more timeless than stuff like Mondeos and Vectras from the same era.

Plus points first -- Very torquey engine, nice and quiet at a cruise with very little wind noise, good kickdown response in sport mode from the auto box.

Handling is reasonable and grip good from the 205 width tyres I had, brakes are fantastic and very reassuring.

Mine had a really good info display that came in very handy when it informed me of a "low coolant level" warning and made a loud bonging noise that frightened me half to death! If it hadn't been for this I probably wouldn't have realised and possibly overheated the engine.

The trip computer was also very accurate with the mpg readout, I don't always trust these things, especially on older cars, but this was about as spot on as you'd need, for the record I averaged anywhere from 28-30mpg on average, which I think is OK.

The cruise control was very easy to use and a lot better laid out than on some other cars I've owned.

Final big plus point for me was a really big boot with a low loading sill, with plenty of space for my 35 kilo boxer dog!

Number one negative I think had to be the steering feel and the fact the steering wheel had reach but not rake adjustment, I sit low and always felt like the steering wheel was too high, I'd far rather have tilt adjust than reach adjust and can't understand why so many manufacturers fitted only reach on this era of car, of course, now they've all got reach and rake.

The steering is very lacking in feel and it's hard to tell what the front wheels are up to sometimes.

The ride was a bit too firm for my liking and it did struggle on bumpy country roads sometimes, not surprising really bearing in mind it's a Cavalier based chassis. My dads got an 02-reg 9-3 and they improved the ride quite a lot when they changed to the 9-3 in '98.

Another niggly point was that in economy mode the auto could be a bit too reluctant to change down a gear, and it was necessary to use sport mode more than I would've liked to in everyday driving.

Packaging wise, although the boot is big, rear seat legroom leaves a bit to be desired and the cabin's definitely too narrow, another hang up from its Cavalier underpinnings I guess.

Overall though I've got fond memories of this car, it felt like it'd go on forever and I'd happily have another, or a 9-3, maybe a Turbo next time!

Replaced by an X-reg Omega, which I've got to say, mainly feels lightyears ahead on most counts, although I do miss that Saab-ness!

Faults:

Heater Controls Need Replacing.

Center Console Above Radio Loose.

Bonnet Badge Missing.

General Comments:

This Swede certainly knows how to make someone happy!

It's the first time I've owned, or indeed driven, a Saab. After doing my research on the NG (new generation) 900 coupe, I found that it's a Vauxhall (opal) Vectra...

But, I'm not deterred, not one bit. The seats are an absolute joy to sit in, very comfortable. The controls are right at hand and the instrument cluster is very clear to read, thanks to the 'black panel' Only the lights that need your attention show up!

The engine, is one of the best things about this car. Very very smooth, thanks to double balance shafts and timing chain, yup. A chain! it revs freely all the way up to its 6200 red line.

Fuel consumption is OK, but not fantastic. But a car this size and weight, with a 2 liter engine..

I'm still trying to get used to the keys having to go behind the gear lever! Another Saab doing to stop broken knee caps in the event of an accident, as well as stop hot wiring!

Safety wise, you could not ask for more in a base model car. Twin air bags, ABS, belt pretensioner, anti-submarine seats. But Saab are world renowned for their safety. This is a car you feel safe in, very safe.

This car has road presence. People do not want to mess with these things.

On driving, I am still trying to get over how quiet it is. It's very easy to get speed behind you without you realising. Round town, refined, easy to park, light and airy inside.

On the motorway, it could sit happily at 80mph, if not more, all day.