Skip to main content

1997
Saab 900

Starts at:
$25,470
Shop options
New 1997 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
    $25,470
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 3dr Cpe S Auto
    Starts at
    $25,470
    19 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 3dr Cpe S Manual w/Sunroof
    Starts at
    $25,470
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 3dr Cpe S Auto w/Sunroof
    Starts at
    $25,470
    19 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr Sdn S Manual
    Starts at
    $26,470
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 3dr Cpe SE Turbo Auto
    Starts at
    $30,470
    18 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 3dr Cpe SE Turbo Manual
    Starts at
    $30,470
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr Sdn SE Turbo Manual
    Starts at
    $31,470
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr Sdn SE V6 Auto
    Starts at
    $31,470
    19 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Conv S Manual
    Starts at
    $35,670
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Conv SE V6 Auto
    Starts at
    $41,470
    19 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Conv SE Turbo Manual
    Starts at
    $41,470
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    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 1997 Saab 900 review

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

Some years ago, Hollywood produced a less-than-notable epic, The Yellow Rolls-Royce.

For the second half of 1997, the Swedish automaker Saab stages its own yellow production, the Monte Carlo Yellow Saab 900 Convertible, an eye-catching automobile that celebrates Saab’s soft-top heritage.

Available exclusively on the ’97 Saab 900 convertible, the color’s official name was coined by Saab’s former chief designer, Bjorn Envall, for a bright flower that is common in Monte Carlo.

With the attention-grabbing Monte Carlo Yellow accented by charcoal leather upholstery and a power-operated black soft-top, the 900 is a set of wheels that represents the good life.

Monte Carlo is the mecca for the jet set, and the brightly colored open air Monte Carlo 900 swings right along, with a variety of engine options and trim levels. Available in S or SE form, the gamut of motors runs from normally aspirated four-cylinder engines to a V-6 for the 900 SE version.

Convertibles used to be fair-weather automobiles, but no more. The Saab soft-top is an all-seasons vehicle that offers the option of fresh-air motoring or the snugness of a closed coupe.

The Monte Carlo 900 convertible is not a converted coupe that had its roof sawed off. It has been engineered as an open car from the start, with every inch of the chassis designed around the absence of a stressed roof structure.

The body is heavily reinforced at crucial stress points such as the base of the windshield and at the door sills. The car’s A (forward) pillars are formed by a continuous G-shaped support that runs down the hinge posts and into the sills.

These designs add to an already-rigid chassis without adding convertible weight, and the current generation 900 convertible is 73 percent stiffer in torsion than its predecessor.

Structural integrity and safety go hand in hand, and the Monte Carlo 900 combines both. Dual airbags, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, industry-leading 5 mph self-restoring bumpers, side-impact reinforcement, and Saab’s safety cage construction with front and rear crumple zones are all part of the standard Saab safety package.

With the 2.0-liter, 185-horsepower turbocharged engine, great emphasis has been placed on cockpit design and ergonomic controls. The thinking is that before a driver goes fast, he or she must feel comfortable.

The front seats are slightly elongated for better thigh support and are reshaped to provide a more supportive seating position. Deeper side bolsters provide more lateral support in high-speed corners.

There are revisions to the gearshift mechanism when the Monte Carlo uses a manual transmission. It enhances precise gear changes. A four-speed automatic also is available with the Turbo motor and the normally aspirated (non-turbocharged) 2.5-liter 170-horsepower V-6.

Instrumentation is inspired from Saab’s aircraft heritage and is designed to give the driver information quickly and clearly. Dials and controls are arranged in logical groups, with a four-gauge instrument layout of speedometer, tachometer, temperature and fuel gauges.

An innovative “black panel” allows the driver to darken all controls and all gauges except the speedometer for night driving. Darkened displays will appear on a “need-to-know” basis, such as when the fuel is low or the engine temperature is high.

A convertible is on the luxury end of things, with Saab soft-top running from about $35,000 to the mid-$42,000 range. In keeping with the upscale affect, the Monte Carlo’s SE model’s dashboard is trimmed with genuine California walnut. Other SE standard features include automatic climate control, a 160-watt stereo system with trunk-mounted six-CD changer, power seats and 16-inch tires mounted on three-spoke alloy Viking Aero wheels.

The convertible dimensions are the same as the Saab 3-door and 5-door sedans: 102.4 inches of wheelbase and 182.6 inches of overall length. They are, however, a little heavier due to the structural bu lwarking . An SE V-6 automatic weighs in at 3,300 pounds versus 3,170 for the sedan.

The Monte Carlo Yellow 900 celebrates Saab’s 50th anniversary as a car builder. Even the most jaded will admit that it sort of dazzles the eyes. It also is a fitting way to launch Saab on the next 50 years.

1997 Saab 900 review: Our expert's take
By

Some years ago, Hollywood produced a less-than-notable epic, The Yellow Rolls-Royce.

For the second half of 1997, the Swedish automaker Saab stages its own yellow production, the Monte Carlo Yellow Saab 900 Convertible, an eye-catching automobile that celebrates Saab’s soft-top heritage.

Available exclusively on the ’97 Saab 900 convertible, the color’s official name was coined by Saab’s former chief designer, Bjorn Envall, for a bright flower that is common in Monte Carlo.

With the attention-grabbing Monte Carlo Yellow accented by charcoal leather upholstery and a power-operated black soft-top, the 900 is a set of wheels that represents the good life.

Monte Carlo is the mecca for the jet set, and the brightly colored open air Monte Carlo 900 swings right along, with a variety of engine options and trim levels. Available in S or SE form, the gamut of motors runs from normally aspirated four-cylinder engines to a V-6 for the 900 SE version.

Convertibles used to be fair-weather automobiles, but no more. The Saab soft-top is an all-seasons vehicle that offers the option of fresh-air motoring or the snugness of a closed coupe.

The Monte Carlo 900 convertible is not a converted coupe that had its roof sawed off. It has been engineered as an open car from the start, with every inch of the chassis designed around the absence of a stressed roof structure.

The body is heavily reinforced at crucial stress points such as the base of the windshield and at the door sills. The car’s A (forward) pillars are formed by a continuous G-shaped support that runs down the hinge posts and into the sills.

These designs add to an already-rigid chassis without adding convertible weight, and the current generation 900 convertible is 73 percent stiffer in torsion than its predecessor.

Structural integrity and safety go hand in hand, and the Monte Carlo 900 combines both. Dual airbags, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, industry-leading 5 mph self-restoring bumpers, side-impact reinforcement, and Saab’s safety cage construction with front and rear crumple zones are all part of the standard Saab safety package.

With the 2.0-liter, 185-horsepower turbocharged engine, great emphasis has been placed on cockpit design and ergonomic controls. The thinking is that before a driver goes fast, he or she must feel comfortable.

The front seats are slightly elongated for better thigh support and are reshaped to provide a more supportive seating position. Deeper side bolsters provide more lateral support in high-speed corners.

There are revisions to the gearshift mechanism when the Monte Carlo uses a manual transmission. It enhances precise gear changes. A four-speed automatic also is available with the Turbo motor and the normally aspirated (non-turbocharged) 2.5-liter 170-horsepower V-6.

Instrumentation is inspired from Saab’s aircraft heritage and is designed to give the driver information quickly and clearly. Dials and controls are arranged in logical groups, with a four-gauge instrument layout of speedometer, tachometer, temperature and fuel gauges.

An innovative “black panel” allows the driver to darken all controls and all gauges except the speedometer for night driving. Darkened displays will appear on a “need-to-know” basis, such as when the fuel is low or the engine temperature is high.

A convertible is on the luxury end of things, with Saab soft-top running from about $35,000 to the mid-$42,000 range. In keeping with the upscale affect, the Monte Carlo’s SE model’s dashboard is trimmed with genuine California walnut. Other SE standard features include automatic climate control, a 160-watt stereo system with trunk-mounted six-CD changer, power seats and 16-inch tires mounted on three-spoke alloy Viking Aero wheels.

The convertible dimensions are the same as the Saab 3-door and 5-door sedans: 102.4 inches of wheelbase and 182.6 inches of overall length. They are, however, a little heavier due to the structural bu lwarking . An SE V-6 automatic weighs in at 3,300 pounds versus 3,170 for the sedan.

The Monte Carlo Yellow 900 celebrates Saab’s 50th anniversary as a car builder. Even the most jaded will admit that it sort of dazzles the eyes. It also is a fitting way to launch Saab on the next 50 years.

Factory warranties

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
6 years

Consumer reviews

4.1 / 5
Based on 11 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.2
Interior 4.1
Performance 4.1
Value 4.3
Exterior 4.6
Reliability 3.9

Most recent

  • You get much car for the money

    I bought my NG900 talladega in the winter 2017 from a eldery woman. It was covered in snow and ice and haven't been driven for months. Bought it for just 200 dollars or 1800 SEK. The fuel pump was broken and shock absorber was history. Fixed the essential part but as you can expect there was rust on the fenders as it is a common problem with Saab. As of now it drives like a dream and have tuned it to about 280hp. The comfort isn't the best as is the design but it is a reliable if you take care of it and give it affection. Performance is stunning for a stock car and are known to be easily tuned because of the Trionic engine system. Ofcourse if you speed demon get a EVO or Skyline but for the money i have put in my Saab i think it is much performance and car for the currency.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • First convertible I’ve owned

    Amazing find. Reliable front wheel drive convertible with 50,000 miles 22 year old classic. After tires, shocks and detailing car looks and drives new. Only downside is being careful where I park.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Fun to drive

    50,000 mile convertible nice looking and reasonable. Just needdd tires and shocks along with a good rub out. Midlife crisis that didn’t break the bank
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Easy to drive, good mile, easy to repair ,reliable

    This is a great car for the money, paid $500 for it,2 years ago ,had 93,000 miles but had been sitting g outside for about a year but started right up, and with a bit of TLC hasn't had a major problem since . We do all repairs and while parts are not hard to replace mechanically,or expensive, they are hard to find locally and we find ourselves waiting around for either hours or days to complete repairs. My only gripe is that we dont have two.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    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
  • Fun to drive, performance with mileage

    The Saab 900 SE Turbo Convertible is a classic combination of style and performance. Put the top down, find some twisty back roads, feel the wind in your hair. The car makes the trip from point a to point b enjoyable.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Money pit!!! Beware!!

    Car owned 3 years. Replaced tires, battery, ignition lock, power steering, gaskets, convertible top leaks, now needs brakes. 179k.. Off to the junkyard it goes..
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 1.0
    1 person out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • So Much Fun! Glides down the road

    I have had my Saab convertible for the last 3 years and it's been going like a champ. Nothing like driving with the top down on a nice sunny day! The Turbo is nothing short of amazing.
    • 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
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Saab 900 convertible

    I bought my 1997 Saab 900 SE convertible in October 2010. It is the special edition Talledega convertible with Saabs 2.0T engine, leather seats, wood grain dash, electric seats, heated seats, driver memory, dual airbags, ABS and most saftey features you would expect on a modern family car. It is very much a drivers car. The gear box and clutch are a bit clunky but the car is a lot of fun to drive regardless. The 16' alloys and low profile tyres stick to the road and the turbo privides plenty of extra power coming out of the corners. Being a convertible the base is strengthened meaning there is very little body role. If you want a practicle car you won't be buying this car but rest assured that you can carry up to 4 people relitivly easily if you need to and when the roof is up bootspace is fairly reasonable. 1997 was the last year for the 900 before 1998 when the 9-3 was introduced, although the 9-3 does have thousands of small ajustments, active head restraints and a reworked back lights cluster is does take on GM engines. The '97 900 uses a GM platform but still uses Saab engines and major mecanicle conponents. The interior looks good with white leather inserts ad wood dash. The exterior is one of the 900's strengths, the classic 900 grill looks great and the car is nicely understated. When I bought the car there were a few minor foults such as 1 electric window not working, the roof locking system not working, worn badges, aerial not working properly ect. With a convertible there are lots of things to go wrong and with an old luxury car there are lots of gadjets that could fail but all in all most thins work fine, particually mecanical conponents. Being a Scandinavian car it is treated against rust and is built well for cold conditions. A great luxury car for a great price.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • great gas milage

    I bought this saab used from a friend. I have put a new alternator, struts,water pump, radiator and clutch cable. I also have put 30,000 miles on it in one year. Aside from the money I have spent on repairs I feel that this car will easily reach 250,000. The engine is top notch
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Good Car but the '80s 900s were better

    If you like turbo acceleration, huge headroom, European design and road feel but want to carry around 2 mountain bikes, this is about the only such car out there besides maybe an Avant. There are 3 major reliability problems, so check to see if they have occurred: the wheels, the main belt and the ignition coil. The wheels get bent and I had to buy used wheels for $200 at 60k. The belt went at 80k and the coil at 100k. The latter two cost around $700 each. I have had some problems like seat, antenna and hatch breaking - each cost around $100. Other than that it has just been normal maintenance. But if you want a classic, get a turbo that is 1985 through 93. Those were great cars.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 2.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • stylish and reliable

    I used to own the same car for years. I only had to replace some minor things, but that's to be expected after 140,000 miles. This car is both stylish and reliable - plus all the ladies dig the convertable!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

Latest news from cars.com

See all news

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1997 Saab 900?

The 1997 Saab 900 is available in 2 trim levels:

  • S (6 styles)
  • SE (6 styles)

What is the MPG of the 1997 Saab 900?

The 1997 Saab 900 offers up to 21 MPG in city driving and 29 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 1997 Saab 900 reliable?

The 1997 Saab 900 has an average reliability rating of 3.9 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1997 Saab 900 owners.

Is the 1997 Saab 900 a good Hatchback?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1997 Saab 900. 90.9% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.1 / 5
Based on 11 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.2
  • Interior: 4.1
  • Performance: 4.1
  • Value: 4.3
  • Exterior: 4.6
  • Reliability: 3.9
Your list was successfully saved.
 
 
 
 
Save list Compare
[{"cat":null,"stock_type":"used","bodystyle":"Hatchback","page_type":"research/make-model-year","oem_page":false,"search_fuel_types":["Gasoline Fuel"]}]