Why do YOU like the Saab 900 Turbo?

Quirky rides like the Saab 900 usually aren't loved for one specific reason. So what's the driving force behind your passion for this super Swede?
by Christopher Smith on Dec. 14, 2009 - 11:25 a.m.
  • One time Saab owner
    I owned the original Saab 900 Turbo 3-door back in 1979. It was a great all-around vehicle with good passenger confort. Room for people or cargo and a large hatch for easy loading. Performance was decent for the time. It got a lot of attention because it looked like nothing else. But ownership costs were out of control. In 4 years of ownership I paid 50 percent of the original purchase price in repairs. My first and last Saab. If it had been reliable, I'd still be driving Saab's today..
  • Mike
    I'm on my fifth Saab 900 -- so-called "Classic" 900 to differentiate from the later GM-built 900. I love these cars. Why? Primarily because they are so different. Different than anything else. I've always loved the looks of the car, and the different thinking that went into making the car always makes me smile. Front-wheel drive, but longitudinally oriented engine. Exhaust tuned for a subtle low burbling growl. Heated seats when no other maker was thinking about such things. Obsessive safety testing, to the point of developing a test to improve protection against collisions with moose. Of course, any list of things to like about the 900 would be incomplete without turbocharging and the ignition switch between the seats. There are so many practical angles that I've lost track of them all. Any 900 owner will tell you that there are very few things that households need that cannot be transported in a 900 hatchback. The flat floor, wide opening and huge space make it a very practical car to own. Saab seating is legendary for comfort and support, and the 900 goes one better with more upright, natural seating. For a very tall driver as I am, the 900 is still a great fit. Driving my 900 has always put a smile on my face with precise handling (with a little understeer), and a beautiful acceleration through the gears. It's always a fun car to drive in the curves!
  • Oh yeah!! It's about time that someone recognized the SAAB 900 for what it truly is. I've had 6 of them and my current 1991 900 SPG has about 60,000 miles on it and shows as brand new. For those of you that think the charm and fun of the 900 are no longer available my tip is to buy a 2004-2007 Subaru WRX or STi. I have a couple of STis and they are the only cars that have ever come close to the SAAB for fun and feel.

    I also have a bunch of other cars including a few Porsches, an EVO X and a Bonduraunt Mustang. They are all fun but when someone asks me what my favorite is I don't have to think about it. The 900 Turbo is the king!!
  • mark
    I currently own a 1995 new generation 900 convertible but I do miss the 1983 900 turbo that sacrified itself when a teenager rear ended me on a stop light. The 83 was a blast to drive, it was unique and in those days whenever encontering another SAAB we acknowledge each other on the road. My perception was that original SAAB had better longevity in that GM seems to have assembled the newer car with parts from ther lowest bidder and quality of parts have not held up to the original SAAB standard. If looking for a fun and novel car with its unique quirps, get a hold of any pre GM SAABs.
  • Scott "Bugs" Allen
    I'm currently driving my 4th Saab a '95 900SE Turbo. The previous three were an '85, an '87 and a '92 pure Trollhatten versions (all non-turbo). Even my current GM/Opel derived 900 is an exclusive conversation piece. Timeless and ergonomically unequalled, it has features which in 1995 were forward thinking for a mid-priced Euro driver's car. Back then if your car had a 6 CD changer, heated power seats with 2 driver memory, head lampwashers and premium leather, you were in a BMW (3 series) or a Mercedes (C Class) and neither of those cars had a base engine over 150 horse power for less than $35k or rear a/c-heat vents. My 900 (3 door) gives me coupe styling with hatch utility, a gutsy 185hp turbo motor, tight handling, crisp shifting, controls at my fingertips, and the cool Saab "Black Panel" (non essential dash light blackout for optimum night vision). People still think it's a newer car because of it's clean sporty looks and rarity around town. It's been pretty reliable, inexpensive to maintain and still returns 32 MPG Hwy according to the in dash trip computer which is still as good as any offered in 2009. Being in the car business, I could get a great deal on a new car tomorrow, but I have no motivation to part with my Saab. It's an identity thing, I guess.
  • Since 1974 I have owned 6 SAAB cars. The 99 LE was great, I owned it in New Hampshire and it was fast, steady, comfortable and beat the BMW 2002 in BOTH acceleration and handling, as the mag. ads said at the time. The best, however, was the 900 SPG 1987, that was the best looking and handling Saab yet. Comfortable, it could haul my family (5 of us) as well as set of 6 chairs we bought! No car, , not even a suv or a van, can do that and still perform well while doing it. That car was fast and handled really well. The only problem I have ever had with Saabs is that there are few dealers in places like New Hampshire (Rindge) or El Paso Texas. My latest SAAB is a Saab 93 Aero 2006 that is one powerful sedan, with the same features that have made Saab great. I must add that my favorite memory is when I came home one night when living in NH (Jaffrey) and I turned thru the mound of snow the plow had left on the side of the road to go down my driveway, without snow tires, and I drove through 1/4-1/2 mile of snow that was over the hood-myhead lights were under the snow, without a problem. When the plow came they thought that my driveway had already been plowed. The Saabs engender loyalty but Saab should reciprocate by making dealers more accesable in all parts of the country.
  • BJK
    I can't get enough of my ole trusty gift from a friend who I call the best. It is my 6th Saab between 1980 and 1993: 4 900's and 2 9000's* Another blog... Besides the thrill of washing, and blow drying the little beast top down at 60mph. I will have no other weekend love affair. My return to the best front wheel snow car I have ever owned is attributed to its safety and reliability. I have been tboned, rearended, and blew threw a deer at 80mph. Lived through every incodent/accident and always repaired or replaced with another Saab...There is something about the long production run of the 4cyl 16 valve turbo's that say endure! Not too mechanicly inclined but always curious and comitted enough to actually by a service manual and preparing twins for their future love affair outside of high school. PS Need deceng Edwuardian Grey Leather front bucket seats. Let me know if you have something worth salvaging. PS Thanks GM for screwing up another great product in the history of Automobiles.
  • GEORGE W THOMAS
    WE BROUGHT A NEW 87 SAAB SPG FOR MY WIFE. IT WAS A GRAY METALLIC COLOR WITH MATCHING EDWARDIAN GREY LEATHER SEATS. IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL CAR. THE DEALERSHIP IN DALLAS WHERE WE PURCHASED THE SPG DID FURTHER TWEAKS ON THE BLACK BOX WITH THE RESULT THAT IT WAS A FAST CAR. IN MANY WAYS I LIKED IT BETTER THAN MY 86 VETTE, IT CERTAINLY WAS MORE COMFORTABLE.
  • The more I talk to people, the more I want to buy a classic 900. I know the core Saab enthusiasts frown upon the later GM-era cars but let me relay this true story: A very good friend of mine t-boned a full-size Cadillac in his 95 Saab 900; he was running 60 down a two-lane road and the Caddy pulled out right in front of him. The car was absolutely totaled, but my friend and his passenger walked away. In fact, he was actually able to open his driver side door and get out of the car. He wrote a letter to Saab the following week, thanking them for building such an amazing car. We've been talking about the classic 900 to this point, but now let's hear it for company. Let GM know that Saab is worthy of survival!
  • peter g
    saabs are great rides... from the best seats on the 9-5 to the practicality of the hatchbacks, sportcombi 9-3 in the current model line up. And now with xwd, Saab's own all wheel developed technology. I've owned a 9-5 and now a 9-3 sportcombi. love them both. turbo, a Saab pioneered technology, is great on the 4 cylinder engine. I'll keep my Saab going as long as possible. Will never buy GM though. They let Saab go south.
  • Mike900
    I love my c900 Aero. I also own a Viggen (which is also an amazing car, warts and all)..... but when I get back into the 900 it just feels like home. Fits like a glove, smells like engine mixed with leather, pleasure to drive. Cool :-)
  • Markac
    I had a (1984) C900 turbo hatch for 10 years. I have a 1999 9-3SE now, but I still miss the character and charm of the older car. I hope saab gets to build somethig like it again. Hopefully it will use the 99 and C900 as a template for a modern day 900. Frankly since GM bought Saab, the cars have got more more and more ordinary. With any luck, that might change now?
  • I have an 1988 900 Turbo (red convertible) that I love with all my heart. This car is clearly head and shoulders above any American auto in that generation (and IMO, this one either). It has only 140k miles and handles like a dream. But I am getting flack from my boss and my family as to why I will not part with this car. Everyone is insisting that I have a sentimental attachment to it and that I should just get over it and buy another vehicle. I absolutely cannot. I know it may sound silly, but when I even think about getting another car, my heart just aches with sadness. I am in love with this car. I love Saabs and especially this one that now approaches its 23rd birthday, with its original motor, turbo and paint. Please tell me I'm not crazy, but just normal for a Saab owner!!
  • BK
    Somewhere a place for us! A majority of drivers especialy those mocking, nocking or scoffing our quirky Swedish habit have never driven owned or even drivin a classic Saab. Your in the right with a desire to drive the rag top into the sunset. I have owned American, Assian, and German Cars. The only one I keep going back to is the Saab. It makes for a great daily driver but I'm trying to preserve this gem for my grand children who are at least another 20 years from driving age....You will kick yourself if you ever trade it or leave it for anything but expensive Italian or German super uber cars. Hope to meet you at a Saab Rally someday.
  • mike900
    Saabgirl88- What you are experiencing is what we refer to as normal behaviour for a Saab owner..... other people just don't understand. As an owner of the non-convertible version of your car, I can suggest a nice workaround though. About 6 months ago I bought a black Viggen to own in addition to the red 900 (which I will never, ever sell). They complement each other very well..... and Viggens are also available in a convertible !!!! Your life will soon be in balance, and passengers will be so fearful of your Viggen that they'll never speak an unfavourable remark towards you again. Mike :-) Siblings2
  • Dear Mike 900: I forgot to mention that I also own a 93 960 Volvo wagon which I absolutely adore. "Great White" as I refer to her, is fast, heavy and imposing with its horsepower and reminds me of my late Mother's Chrysler Newport (the LandYacht) variety, that once tromping on the gas pedal, took off like a rocket headed for Mars..... I have had 2 Swedish cars simultaneously for the last 30 years. I think I have a slight addiction..... Sadly though, my Volvo's timing chain broke and she sits in her mechanics house, nice and warm, but not repaired yet.... This economy stinks..... Today the Saab gets new shoes.... 4 new Bridgestones to keep me safe..... Have a great day! Stephannie Robinson, Legal Assistant Douglas G. Brown, Attorney at Law 117 Manly Street - Suite 200 Greenville, South Carolina 29601 (864) 672-4675 (Direct Line) (864) 672-0026 (Fax) srobinson@dgbrownlawfirm.com (Email) WEBSITE: www.dgbrownlawfirm.com
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  • Saab lives on. I'd love to say it was because of little publication here, but I suspect it has something to do with the passionate owners and enthusiasts out there. Good on you my friends.
  • If GM closes Saab & Saturn they be able to sell off the equipment and other company property. As a result, GM can't just give them away. Dating Advice
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