1995 SAAB 900 SE Convertible 2.5l V6 from North America

Summary:

Sensible extravagance

Faults:

CD changer not working -- dealer replaced at no charge.

Rear seat ashtray not secure in console -- dealer replaced console at no charge.

General Comments:

I was not prepared to like this car when I first stopped in at dealership, but a brief test drive quickly changed my skeptical attitude.

The car has very hefty, solid feel -- tracks true in crosswinds. V6 engine reasonably powerful (I'm used to V8's).

Cowl shake and chassis flex very minimal. All body panels & windows seat/seal perfectly (a small amount of wind noise noticable at the joint between left side windows, only objectionable because interior so quiet!).

Seats VERY comfortable -- firm & supportive without clumsy bolstering -- great for long distance motoring. Plus, I have the satisfaction of a prestige car without being flashy about it. HIGHLY recommended.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd July, 2000

1995 SAAB 900 i 2.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

It does everything SAAB said it would do

Faults:

Nothing since I've had it but the service history indicates a squeaky door window which was attended to.

General Comments:

Quite why the 900 gets such bad press regarding its handling is a mystery to me.

The grip on turn-in is good and, provided the power is kept on through the corners, the car tracks very well.

I recently drove briskly along a known back road route in the 900 and covered it as quickly as I had done previously in my MKII Golf GTI.

The brakes are the best I have ever used, loads of feel and plenty of power.

The seats too are the best I have ever sat in.

The power steering retains lots of feel too, unlike recent Fords and Vauxhalls I have driven.

General quality of the plastics and paint is high too.

Dealer service costs were reasonable but at least they attempt to make you feel you are getting something for your money.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th April, 2000

1995 SAAB 900 Convertible 2.0 turbo from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Before purchase I was aware that Saab made aeroplanes too, but after driving the 900 convertible it appears they also do a mean line in boats. Driving the 900 reminds me of the 80's VISA card advert: "your flexible friend" although there isn't much friendly about a car whose boat-like handling forces me to select first gear at every roundabout and watch Reliant Robins and Merc A-Classes pass me on bends.

Note for Saab: why not replace the existing speedometer with one that displays knots. I actually feel seasick on my drive to work such is the wallowing characteristics of the drive.

General Comments:

Saab drivers are rightly seen as the brave, and as a turbo-charged convertible owner, I can see why!

Firstly to take the insults and derisive sneers from German and Japanese car driving colleagues, and secondly to risk your life every time a corner approaches. Distinctive looks help it to sit apart from other cars, while its atrocious handling often has it sitting off the road. Small consolation is the powerful engine as it powers you helplessly out of control whenever a course alteration is required, and a turbo-charged engine that gets through bearings like a hungry sheep through a bale of hay (both of which you'll often see as you spin off into countryside fields).

The trademark Saab "heads-up" dashboard is very good, however. Very good at informing me of the obscene amounts of fuel I'm burning and how shortly it will be before I pull into another garage. All in all, a great car to talk about, a great car to look at (if you like its odd design) but not a car you'd ever want to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th January, 2000

1st Apr 2001, 04:16

I don't really understand what this user is talking about. I often get praise from Japanese and German driving companions.

Handling is fine.

2L fuel burning?

Take a drive and decide for yourself.

13th Jan 2002, 04:06

I echo the previous writer's comments. As far as my experience goes, the only cabriolets that don't suffer flexibility/handling problems cost twice that of the 900/9-3 convertible. All of the problems outlined would be highlighted on any test drive so the question that I find in the back of my head is, "why buy it in the first place?"

24th Jan 2002, 10:59

Gotta say that I miss my 1987 16v turbo convertible like mad. I had it for 12 months and loved it. Never felt wallowy and a new hood made the whole car look like new. The downside was the array of things that needed repairing/replacing. I budgeted around £400 per annum for servicing every 6k and had a great warranty from a brilliant specialist, but it still crippled me each time I got the bill (three in total) and mine had an FSH! oddly enough, I'd buy another, especially at the prices they are now!!

10th May 2002, 06:51

I have never driven the convertible, but my 5 door Family hatch handles like a Ferrari compared to what you describe.

Are you sure you're driving a Saab?

9th Oct 2004, 02:36

SAAB cars require experienced drivers. Voted as top 10 drivers car, for 10 years in a row, by Car and Driver magazine! All the ones I drove were very impressive.

25th Dec 2009, 10:14

Did you test drive it before buying or what went wrong? What other cars have you had?

1995 SAAB 900 S 2.3 from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Interior lights, windscreen washers, wheel bolts too long for space saver spare, leaving me stranded!

General Comments:

Heavy clutch, woolly handling, noisy interior on motorway.

Very good fuel economy, relaxed tourer, huge boot.

9-3 is miles better!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 31st January, 1999