From the September 2023 concern of Automotive and Driver.

Echoing the design of the long-running 99 that preceded it, the up to date and modernized Saab 900 was the automotive that introduced the perimeter Swedish model into its closest proximity to the mainstream, which truthfully wasn’t that shut. Once we drove a Saab in 1977, we stated, “Once you get all accomplished cracking Saab jokes, you may discover the one factor that’s much more enjoyable is driving Saabs.”

From launch the 900 was out there with a turbo, and the boosted fashions are way more fascinating, significantly when mated with the five-speed guide transmission (a three-speed Borg-Warner computerized was optionally available). Uncommon notchback four-door sedans lack the cargo capability and standout form of the two- and four-door hatches. A considerably flexy convertible arrived for 1986. Automobiles from 1990 and later obtained fashionable security updates reminiscent of anti-lock brakes and airbags.

Gas financial system, front-wheel-drive traction, ride-and- dealing with stability, panoramic visibility, and progressive options (seat heaters, a center-console-mounted ignition change, a cabin air filter) are hallmarks of the 900. So too is Saab weirdness, current in its pinnacle and unbiased kind right here, earlier than Basic Motors purchased and diluted the model.

Engine

Most 900s got here with a 2.0-liter fuel-injected inline-four (naturally aspirated variations grew to 2.1 liters in 1991) mounted longitudinally beneath a front-hinged clamshell hood and driving the entrance wheels. First-year common 900s made 115 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque, whereas Turbos had 135 horses and 160 pound-feet. The powerband was peaky, with the turbos coming alive above 2500 rpm, accompanied by a definite whistle.

For 1985, a brand new double-overhead-cam 16-valve head and intercooler on the Turbo gave it 160 horsepower. The midrange 900S obtained a 125-hp naturally aspirated 16-valve engine in 1986. Additionally launching in 1985 was the Particular Efficiency Group (SPG) bundle, that includes a physique equipment and tri-spoke wheels. In ’87, SPGs obtained a bump to 165 horses, which rose to 175 in 1990.

Worth

Saab 900s are climbing in worth, however not as rapidly as contemporaries such because the E30 BMW 3-series or the Volvo 240. Turbos and SPGs are extra extremely prized—a 246-mile 1987 Turbo convertible offered in August 2022 for a surprising $145,000—however strong Turbo examples, even convertibles, are nonetheless out there for beneath $20,000. Purchase now or sob later.

Downside Areas

Rust is your enemy. Slide again the plastic trim that rims the wheel arches to search for rot. And remember to verify the suspension mounting factors, entrance and rear; catastrophic oxidation right here is widespread and really difficult to restore. Whereas engines are sturdy, you must verify the timing chain and tensioner for put on. Transmissions are additionally strong however present their preliminary weaknesses in first and reverse; if it pops out of both, the gearbox is a candidate for a rebuild. Ignition tumblers put on out, as do the seat heaters, turn-signal stalk, and vacuum-actuated cruise management. Comradely restore and components help is offered at saabnet.com.

Latest Gross sales

1985 900 Turbo sedan (February 2023)
Value: $17,250 Mileage: 93,000 miles
1993 900 S hatchback (June 2023)
Value: $8750 Mileage: 136,000 miles
1988 900 SPG (March 2023)
Value: $12,250 Mileage: 193,000 miles
(Gross sales from Convey a Trailer.)

1985 Saab 900 Turbo
160-hp 2.0 liter inline-4, 5-speed guide, 2908 lb
TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 8.5 sec
1/4-mile: 16.5 sec @ 83 mph
High Velocity: 128 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 217 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.75 g
From C/D, December 1984. Acceleration occasions adhere to our outdated rollout rule of three mph.

Contributing Editor

Brett Berk (he/him) is a former preschool trainer and early childhood heart director who spent a decade as a youth and household researcher and now covers the subjects of children and the auto business for publications together with CNN, the New York Instances, Widespread Mechanics and extra. He has revealed a parenting guide, The Homosexual Uncle’s Information to Parenting, and since 2008 has pushed and reviewed 1000’s of vehicles for Automotive and Driver and Street & Observe, the place he’s contributing editor. He has additionally written for Architectural Digest, Billboard, ELLE Decor, Esquire, GQ, Journey + Leisure and Self-importance Truthful.