Skip to main content

1996
Saab 900

Starts at:
$23,995
Shop options
New 1996 Saab 900
See ratings
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Shop Cars.com
Browse cars & save your favorites
Dealers near you
Find & contact a dealership near you
no listings

We're not finding any listings in your area.
Change your location or search Cars.com to see more!

Change location

Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 3dr Cpe S Manual
    Starts at
    $23,995
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr Sdn S Manual
    Starts at
    $24,695
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr Sdn S Manual w/Child Seat
    Starts at
    $24,945
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 3dr Cpe S Manual w/Sunroof
    Starts at
    $24,990
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 3dr Cpe S Auto
    Starts at
    $24,990
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 3dr Cpe S Manual w/Leather
    Starts at
    $25,290
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr Sdn S Manual w/Sunroof
    Starts at
    $25,690
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr Sdn S w/Sunroof/Child Seat
    Starts at
    $25,940
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr Sdn S Manual w/Leather
    Starts at
    $25,990
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr Sdn S w/Leather/Child Seat
    Starts at
    $26,240
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 3dr Cpe S Manual w/Sunroof/Leather
    Starts at
    $26,285
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr Sdn S Manual w/Sunroof/Leather
    Starts at
    $26,985
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr Sdn S Man Sunrf/Lthr/Chld Seat
    Starts at
    $27,235
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 3dr Cpe SE Turbo Manual w/Sunroof
    Starts at
    $28,995
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr Sdn SE Turbo Manual w/Sunroof
    Starts at
    $29,695
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr Sdn SE Turbo Sunroof/Child Seat
    Starts at
    $29,945
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr Sdn SE V6 Auto
    Starts at
    $31,195
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr Sdn SE V6 Auto w/Child Seat
    Starts at
    $31,445
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Convertible S Manual
    Starts at
    $33,995
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Convertible SE Turbo Manual
    Starts at
    $39,995
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Convertible SE V6 Auto
    Starts at
    $42,495
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

The good & the bad

This vehicle doesn't have any good or bad insights yet.

Use our comparison tool to look at this model side-by-side with other vehicles or view the full specifications list .

Start your comparison

Expert 1996 Saab 900 review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

One of the better-kept secrets on the American automotive scene is the performance capabilities of the Swedish-built Saab.

Saab is an acronym for Svenska Aeroplan Aktiobolaget, or Swedish Aircraft Co.

The company’s automobiles have a strong technological tie with aircraft design and construction. And product-wise, the company has always marched to its own beat.

The newest of these products line is a 1996 Saab 900 S 5- door, a front-wheel drive, five-passenger sedan.

The five-door combines the potential for sports sedan performance with family car utility, depending on what lies under the hood. The model’s four-cylinder motors are not large, but they are muscular, especially in turbocharged form.

By adding the letter E to denote a turbocharged 5-door, and going to a 2-liter (121-cubic-inch) turbo engine instead of the normally aspirated (non-turbo) 2.3-liter (140-cubic-inch) or a 2.5-liter (152-cubic-inch) V-6, performance picks up in a rather sprightly manner.

The 900 SE Turbo 5-door is a rather graphic demonstration of the power potential associated with running a pressurized intake manifold system.

While the normally aspirated 2.3- liter four-cylinder motor is 19 cubic inches larger than the 2 liter, there is a 35-horsepower difference in favor of the smaller 121-cubic-inch turbo engine. Even the larger V-6, at 2.5 liters, doesn’t come up to the turbo’s 185-horsepower.

All these engines have double overhead cams — in the case of the V-6, four overhead cams — and four valves per cylinder. With the hammer down, the turbo, with its superior torque characteristics, really puts wings to its four wheels.

Generally speaking, speed costs money. Cars running a blower pass everything but a gas station. Saab solves this problem with its LPT (light pressure turbo) technology and Trionic engine management system. With the five-speed standard manual transmission, both the 5-door S and SE are rated at 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The SE V-6 is rated at 19/26 mpg.

An automatic four-speed is optional with the Turbo 4 and pays a slight penalty in gas mileage, but not much. Fuel consumption ratings for the automatic are 18/25 mpg.

From an appearance standpoint, Saab always has had its own styling cues. With its distinctive front end and body configuration, you can tell it’s a Saab almost a mile away.

The SE is dressed up a bit over the S with the addition of 16-inch Michelin tires mounted on Viking Aero three-spoke alloy wheels. A rear spoiler complements a lowered sports chassis.

The layout of the speedometer, tachometer, fuel and temperature gauges are the same as in American cars. Also included with the SE instrumentation is a turbo boost gauge, and the dash possesses a “Black Panel” feature that darkens unnecessary gauges during nighttime driving. For those of a more aesthetic bent, there is an optional walnut trim for the dash.

For an American driver sliding behind the wheel of an SE for the first time, there are no trick con trols. The gearshift is located in a center console. Climate and temperature controls are in the center of the dashboard. It may take a few moments to acquaint yourself with the stereo buttons, but everything is clearly marked.

It is average in size for a midsized sedan, with a wheelbase of 102.4 inches and overall length of 182.6 inches. The moderately light weight of 3,020 pounds and low 0.30 coefficient of drag are primary contributors to the car’s performance characteristics.

All good things come with a price, of course. The SE Turbo’s base price is $29,695, which puts it squarely in the luxury car category.

1996 Saab 900 review: Our expert's take
By

One of the better-kept secrets on the American automotive scene is the performance capabilities of the Swedish-built Saab.

Saab is an acronym for Svenska Aeroplan Aktiobolaget, or Swedish Aircraft Co.

The company’s automobiles have a strong technological tie with aircraft design and construction. And product-wise, the company has always marched to its own beat.

The newest of these products line is a 1996 Saab 900 S 5- door, a front-wheel drive, five-passenger sedan.

The five-door combines the potential for sports sedan performance with family car utility, depending on what lies under the hood. The model’s four-cylinder motors are not large, but they are muscular, especially in turbocharged form.

By adding the letter E to denote a turbocharged 5-door, and going to a 2-liter (121-cubic-inch) turbo engine instead of the normally aspirated (non-turbo) 2.3-liter (140-cubic-inch) or a 2.5-liter (152-cubic-inch) V-6, performance picks up in a rather sprightly manner.

The 900 SE Turbo 5-door is a rather graphic demonstration of the power potential associated with running a pressurized intake manifold system.

While the normally aspirated 2.3- liter four-cylinder motor is 19 cubic inches larger than the 2 liter, there is a 35-horsepower difference in favor of the smaller 121-cubic-inch turbo engine. Even the larger V-6, at 2.5 liters, doesn’t come up to the turbo’s 185-horsepower.

All these engines have double overhead cams — in the case of the V-6, four overhead cams — and four valves per cylinder. With the hammer down, the turbo, with its superior torque characteristics, really puts wings to its four wheels.

Generally speaking, speed costs money. Cars running a blower pass everything but a gas station. Saab solves this problem with its LPT (light pressure turbo) technology and Trionic engine management system. With the five-speed standard manual transmission, both the 5-door S and SE are rated at 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The SE V-6 is rated at 19/26 mpg.

An automatic four-speed is optional with the Turbo 4 and pays a slight penalty in gas mileage, but not much. Fuel consumption ratings for the automatic are 18/25 mpg.

From an appearance standpoint, Saab always has had its own styling cues. With its distinctive front end and body configuration, you can tell it’s a Saab almost a mile away.

The SE is dressed up a bit over the S with the addition of 16-inch Michelin tires mounted on Viking Aero three-spoke alloy wheels. A rear spoiler complements a lowered sports chassis.

The layout of the speedometer, tachometer, fuel and temperature gauges are the same as in American cars. Also included with the SE instrumentation is a turbo boost gauge, and the dash possesses a “Black Panel” feature that darkens unnecessary gauges during nighttime driving. For those of a more aesthetic bent, there is an optional walnut trim for the dash.

For an American driver sliding behind the wheel of an SE for the first time, there are no trick con trols. The gearshift is located in a center console. Climate and temperature controls are in the center of the dashboard. It may take a few moments to acquaint yourself with the stereo buttons, but everything is clearly marked.

It is average in size for a midsized sedan, with a wheelbase of 102.4 inches and overall length of 182.6 inches. The moderately light weight of 3,020 pounds and low 0.30 coefficient of drag are primary contributors to the car’s performance characteristics.

All good things come with a price, of course. The SE Turbo’s base price is $29,695, which puts it squarely in the luxury car category.

Factory warranties

Currently no warranties for this model year
This vehicle doesn’t currently have warranty details.
You can still learn about car warranties, review what’s best, and identify coverage that may be right for you.
Cars.com warranty hub

Consumer reviews

4.3 / 5
Based on 13 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.2
Interior 4.2
Performance 4.2
Value 4.3
Exterior 4.7
Reliability 4.2

Most recent

  • 1996 blue 900 se cabrio

    great car, it has an amazing shape, interior full of leather and wood, reliable engine, good handling, ... and overall amazing driving expirience. would reccomend 100%
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Missing My SAAB

    Used to own this. Like a dummy, co-worker in need of a car because her son wrecked hers. At the time I had Saab and Jeep. Sold Saab at mechannic's suggestion. Worst advice I ever took. Have missed that car since. Jeep eventually needed its SECOND transmission - I trashed it. And, I don't even want to know because I am sure my Saab is still running.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Wonderfully reliable car

    Driven only in summer Housed in private home-owners garage No body work ever needed Serviced at least once a year for 20 years
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Wonderfully reliable car

    The car has been a joy to own, and has been trouble free from the beginning. We are selling because we are downsizing to two cars rather than three.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Wonderfully reliable car

    Owned for 20 years, and serviced regularly. Always reliable. Driven only by myself or my wife. Housed in a garage, and driven only in the summer. No body work ever needed.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • So far, so good

    Purchased a used 1996 Saab 900 SE turbo convertible because I always wanted to won a Saab and was in the market for a convertible. Love the car so far, it of course is used with 116,000 miles on it so it is not new, but I am enjoying it and look forward to summer days with the top down.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most reliable car I ve ever owned!

    My car has over 260000miles on it and has just required routine matinence which I was able to do at home in my own garage due to the accesability of the parts and ease of repair. Large engine cavity makes it so easy to get at anything you need plus it gets great milage!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • 181,000 and still going

    My saab has 181,000 miles on it original engine and manual transmission. The only think major i had to replace is the top but only because of the back window the actual top is in good condition and it was NOT garage kept. I love this car and will drive it until it drives no more and maybe after that i might just put another motor in it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • fantastic convertible

    1996 Saab 900 S convertible. Bought with 130,000 miles. Have thoroughly enjoyed driving for a year, loved it so much I bought a 2002 9-3 SE turbo on a semi-impulse. Turns heads, incredibly fun to drive with top down. Visibilty out the back with top up is better on the 9-3. Handles really well, much better feel for the road than my previous cars, Mazda 626, Nissan 240SX, Acura Integra. Most fun car to drive I've had since my 1982 280ZX turbo. Fairly reliable, a couple trips to the saab specialist but nothing major considering the mileage.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Reliability and cost to repair make it a nightmare

    I purchased a 1996 900S convertible earlier this year. The handles very well and has reasonable acceleration. It also very subtly attractive. It is "near luxury" car with leather seats, premium sound, and other bells and whistles. But within 2 months, the convertible top failed to a cost of $2800 even though it had been fixed the previous year. In addition, other minor but expensive failures make me extremely nervous about overall reliability. I think Saab/GM was still experimenting when they designed this car and I have heard that reliability has improved. However, I cannot recommend this model.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great car for the money

    I have wanted one of these for 14 years. I finally got one and it has over 120K miles on it. This car has a lot of pick up, the 2.0 liter engine with the turbo is outstanding. Mechanically it is very sound but you need to be someone who doesn't mind getting your hands dirty because the repair facilities act like it's a BMW. Parts are expensive at a dealer but you can get them reasonably from independent part shops and it is easy to work on. I loved my SAAB, but the back seat is a bit too snug with 3 kids.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 3.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • SAAB 900 Turbo

    This car has been a repair nightmare. Major components fail at an alarming rate turbo($1400), fuel pump ($900), power steering pump ($920), plastic idler pulley failure , transmission mounts, front end work ($1100), and what seems like about a million repairs for various electronic component failures. The "Check Engine Light" is a feature that really gets a workout on this car. Now the check engine light is on, again and the transmission is hard up-shifting/down-shifting. This car drives great to and from the repair shop. Purchased SAAB when 4 years old and had 45,000 miles.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

Latest news from cars.com

See all news

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1996 Saab 900?

The 1996 Saab 900 is available in 7 trim levels:

  • S (5 styles)
  • S w/Leather (3 styles)
  • S w/Sunrf/Lthr (1 style)
  • S w/Sunroof (3 styles)
  • S w/Sunroof/Leather (2 styles)
  • SE (4 styles)
  • SE w/Sunroof (3 styles)

Is the 1996 Saab 900 reliable?

The 1996 Saab 900 has an average reliability rating of 4.2 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1996 Saab 900 owners.

Is the 1996 Saab 900 a good Coupe?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1996 Saab 900. 76.9% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.3 / 5
Based on 13 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.2
  • Interior: 4.2
  • Performance: 4.2
  • Value: 4.3
  • Exterior: 4.7
  • Reliability: 4.2
Your list was successfully saved.
 
 
 
 
Save list Compare
[{"cat":null,"stock_type":"used","bodystyle":"Coupe","page_type":"research/make-model-year","oem_page":false,"search_fuel_types":[null]}]