1972 SAAB Sonett 1.85 from North America

Summary:

A blast to drive!

Faults:

Exhaust system.

Fiberglass body lasted, but the underside completely rusted out. Had to sell the car for parts.

General Comments:

The best handling car I have ever driven. It had a low drag coefficient, got great mileage (40 MPG on the highway). It was like driving a motorcycle on rails. I could take a turn at twice the limit that the road signs recommended.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd February, 2007

1968 SAAB Sonett V4 1.5L V4 from North America

Summary:

Quirky little car

Faults:

Well when I bought the car, the gas tank was rusting from the inside out. So I had to pull the gas tank and get it lined.

Due to the filth in the gas tank, most of the fuel system has been screwed up. So I have had to clean the fuel pump and filter, blow out the fuel lines, and I also am going to pull the carb, because that is also filled with rust material.

The body is fiberglass and has some cracks in the paint (but I'm not complaining).

The electrical system is a cobbed nightmare, but I hope to pay someone to sort that out :)

General Comments:

Considering that this car did not run when I purchased it, I really like this little car.

The body is very unique, I have had the interest of the neighbors.

The V4 engine is very interesting. Oddly enough, Ford produced that engine, which is still used in forklifts and other small machinery.

The performance is good, about 0-60 in 12 seconds, this was fast for 1968.

I hope to have her on the road next summer :)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st November, 2005

13th Jan 2006, 23:45

I love those Sonett's (I think I spelt it right?). I hope Saab will bring it back and from what I've heard, it's quite possible. They're awesome looking cars and in fact remind me a bit of the Fiero (perhaps it's the fiberglass), regardless I think they're awesome cars and I hope you like yours. They're quite rare to find I'd imagine. If they brought back the Sonett I wouldn't be surprised if it had an ECOTEC L4 instead of a Ford V4.

14th Jan 2006, 07:00

And I would not be surprised if the new Sonett, if and when it ever appears, turns out to be a slightly modified version of the Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky, consistent with the "S" thing ya know.

The original Sonett was kind of sporty looking, but slow slow slow!

16th Jan 2006, 20:37

Well they did not make very many Sonett V4's, but about two times as many Sonett III. Both cars have the same engine and frame setup, just the body is different. As for speed, these cars are not the fastest, but more collector items than anything else. For a nice one plan on spending $3,500. It is currently a good time to buys these cars since the value is expected to jump rather soon. Sooner if GM makes a new Sonett! I have one, they corner very well and get a lot of comments at shows or in the parking lot. Just a neat little car.

2nd Oct 2006, 23:40

With slight modifications my '74 Sonett III performs quite nicely. A friend of mine was not very impressed when I had time to park my car, get out and walk away from my car when he was following me up McCullah turn pike last year in his '76 Morgan 8.