Saab 900 II

Saab 900 in brief

The classic 900 (1978–1993, convertible until 1994) was built on the Saab 99 platform. It was produced in 3 and 5-door hatchback, 2 and 4-door saloon bodies, and from 1986 onwards, also as a convertible. The second generation (1994–1998) was developed during the General Motors era, using the Opel Vectra platform, and offered in 3 and 5-door hatchback and convertible bodies.

The Saab 900 stands out with its aeroplane-inspired interior, driver-focused dashboard, and ignition switch between the front seats. Saab was one of the first manufacturers to widely adopt turbochargers in production cars, so turbo versions are still highly prized today.

Saab production ceased in 2011, but spare parts are still available: some are supplied by the former Saab parts company, many NG900 components are shared with Opel models, and Saab clubs help track down rarer parts. Finding certain body and interior parts can take time.

Classic 900 and NG900 — what's the difference

The classic 900 features a long bonnet, a sloping front windscreen, and an unusual layout: the engine is mounted longitudinally, 'backwards', with the gearbox underneath. It's a sturdy and safe car for its time, but today it's mostly bought not for daily driving, but as a collector's item. The most valuable are well-preserved Turbo, Turbo 16 models, and convertibles.

The NG900 is more modern and comfortable for daily use, although much of the technology is borrowed from Opel. Early models were criticised for their build quality. The 1998 model was significantly improved and renamed the Saab 9-3.

For daily driving, the NG900 is more practical, but for those seeking the true Saab character and a car whose value depends on its originality, the classic 900 is the way to go.

Engines and gearboxes

The classic 900 came with four-cylinder petrol engines: 2.0-litre, and later models had a 2.1-litre option. Naturally aspirated versions produced around 100–130hp, while turbo versions offered around 145–175hp. The most powerful were the 16-valve Turbo 16 models. There were no diesel engines in this model.

The NG900 is most commonly found with 2.0-litre (around 130hp) and 2.3-litre (around 150hp) petrol engines, 2.0-litre turbo (around 150–185hp), and 2.5-litre V6 (around 170hp).

The classic 900 had a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic gearbox. The NG900 came with a five-speed manual, four-speed automatic, and some turbo models featured the rare Sensonic gearbox without a clutch pedal.

What to check when buying a used Saab 900

The condition of an older car is largely determined by rust. Check the sills, wheel arches, underbody, door sills, and boot floor, and ask if the body hasn't been welded. The convertible roof should be solid, and its mechanism should work.

In the case of turbo engines, check if the engine isn't smoking, if the turbo doesn't have gaps, and if there are no oil leaks. The classic 900 gearbox and clutch are more difficult to repair than usual, so the gears should engage smoothly and easily. For NG900 cars, check the ignition cassette, information display, and other electronics.

Request registration and technical inspection documents, and compare VIN numbers. It's worth choosing a car that's as complete and original as possible, as finding missing interior and body parts is the hardest. Cars older than 30 years that meet the requirements can be registered as historic vehicles.

Versions

The trim levels of the Saab 900 varied by market and year, so we list the most commonly encountered versions.

Comparison of the most common versions

The cheapest and most practical choice for daily use is the NG900 with a 2.0 or 2.3 engine. The classic 900, especially the Turbo or convertible, is worth choosing for comfort and collectability, but its body condition is more important than any features.

Frequently asked questions