Faults:

Automatic box caused problems at about 70,000KM and had to be replaced.

The Traction Control System is no longer working properly, however I have no use for it anyway and just switch it off before every journey. Costs too much to fix.

General Comments:

This is the 4th convertible I've owned and my favorite.

I've had a Triumph Spitfire, BMW 325i, and a Rover 216i. The Saab is the comfiest, feels the most solid and has ample performance. It's no speedster, but when you kick down, there is more than enough power on tap.

It does however rattle and shake and fuel consumption is not very good, but certainly no worse than other similar cars.

Controls on the dashboard are well laid out, seats are exceptionally comfortable and the electric roof works well.

The boot is rather small, especially when the roof is down, but again, I didn't buy the car expecting a large boot.

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.