1990-1993 Saab 900/Turbo Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Saab 900/Turbo. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Saab 900/Turbo.

1990-1993 Saab 900/Turbo Review

While the basic design for the 900 model of the early '90s was 20 years old, these cars aged well. Taking a look at the model lineup, both the base 900 and 900S came in 2-door hatchback and 4-door notchback formats, powered by a standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. The 128-horsepower engine came paired with either a 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission. Next in line were the three Turbo models in 2-door hatchback, 4-door notchback, and 2-door convertible configurations, plus the top-end Turbo SPG 3-door. All featured a turbocharged version of Saab's 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, also available with either a 5-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic gearbox. Features added in 1990 included antilock brakes, a driver-side airbag, and a new 18-gallon fuel tank.

Year to Year Changes

1991 Saab 900/Turbo: For 1991, Saab enlarges the 900's naturally aspirated engine and a drops the slow-selling 4-door Turbo model. The previous 2.0-liter engine is replaced with a 2.1-liter twin-cam unit, with horsepower increasing by 12, to 140. New front seats, similar to those in the more expensive Saab 9000 are added to both the 900 and 900S, as are rear-seat headrests.

1992 Saab 900/Turbo: Saab discontinues its top-line 900 Turbo SPG with its body flairs and rear spoiler. Otherwise, these premium sedans carry over with only subtle alterations.

1993 Saab 900/Turbo: Base hatchbacks and sedans shed last year's 900 tag and pick up the 900S designation. An all-new 900 would be ready for the '94 model year.

1990-1993 Saab 900/Turbo Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (turbo)	Automatic-transmission performance

Antilock brakes (optional)	Manual-shift linkage

Handling/roadholding	Ride (turbo)

Passenger and cargo room	Wind noise

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Nonturbo versions are not able to match the acceleration of other cars in this price class. So the standard 5-speed manual is the transmission of choice for wringing what power there is out of both the 2.0-liter and 2.1-liter 4-cylinder engines. However, shift action can be notchy at times, as the lever balks going into gear. Turbo models are much more spirited performers, but more costly as well. Their stiffer suspension delivers a rougher ride, and the performance tires produce noticeable thumping over rough pavement. We prefer the suspension on 900S models, which are wonderfully supple over bumps, yet firm at speed. Body lean is the rule in fast turns, but these cars stick to the pavement very well. Saab 900's chairlike seating positions and spacious interiors provide ample room for four adults, though three-abreast seating in back is not recommended. Gauges are simple and controls close at hand. However, Saab retains a piece of its quirky heritage by being the only production car with the ignition switch located on the floor between the front seats. On hatchbacks and sedans, luggage space varies from ample with the rear seats up to cavernous with it folded down.

Value for the Money
All-in-all, the 900 of the early '90s is a bit too trouble-prone and quirky for our tastes, but it makes an interesting choice for someone looking for a luxury car that defies the norm.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Saab 900S	Rating

Performance	4

Fuel Economy	6

Ride Quality	6

Steering/Handling/Braking	6

Quietness	5

Controls/Materials	4

Interior Room	4

Room/Comfort (rear)	3

Cargo Capacity	4

Value within Class	3

Total:	45

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1990-1993 Saab 900/Turbo Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Engine fan: The battery may go dead because the cooling-fan relay, which allows the fan to run 10 minutes after the engine is turned off, keeps the fan on. (1990-93)

Hard starting: The turbo bypass valve is secured with plastic clamps that break, causing hard starting and poor drivability. (all)

Poor drivability: Stumble, stalling, or hesitation during the first minutes after startup is corrected by replacing the engine-control computer. (1990-93)

Power seat: The rheostat for the heated driver's seat on cars with velour upholstery gets damaged by static-electricity discharges. (1991-92)

Spark plugs: The owner's manual lists the wrong spark plugs. The correct plugs are NGK BCP5EV. (1992)

Tail/brake lights: The brake-light switch tends to go out of adjustment causes the brake lights to stay on and kill the battery. (1990-92)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$605

Alternator	$335

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$1,245

Brakes	$205

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$385

Constant Velocity Joints	$620

Exhaust System	$400

Radiator	$315

Shocks and/or Struts	$480

Timing Chain or Belt	$715

NHTSA Recall History

1993: Front brakes are not adequately protected from road slush, salt, or water.

1990-1993 Saab 900/Turbo Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1990
900	$1,100-1,500	$700-900	$100-200
900 Turbo hatchback	$1,500-2,000	$1,000-1,300	$200-300
Turbo Convertible	$2,200-2,700	$1,600-1,900	$400-500

1991
900	$1,200-1,700	$700-1,000	$100-200
900 Turbo hatchback	$1,700-2,200	$1,100-1,500	$300
Convertible	$2,100-2,600	$1,500-1,800	$400-500
Turbo Convertible	$2,500-3,000	$1,800-2,200	$500-600

1992
900	$1,400-1,900	$900-1,200	$200
900 Turbo hatchback	$2,000-2,500	$1,400-1,800	$300-400
Convertible	$2,400-2,900	$1,700-2,100	$500-600
Turbo Convertible	$2,800-3,400	$2,100-2,600	$600-700

1993
900	$1,600-2,100	$1,100-1,400	$200-300
900 Turbo hatchback	$2,300-2,800	$1,700-2,000	$400-500
Convertible	$2,700-3,200	$2,000-2,400	$600-700
Turbo Convertible	$3,100-3,700	$2,400-2,900	$700-900

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1990-1993 Saab 900/Turbo Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	2-door convertible	2-door hatchback	4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	99.1	99.1	99.1

Overall Length, in.	184.2	184.5	184.3

Overall Width, in.	66.5	66.5	66.5

Overall Height, in.	55.1	56.1	56.1

Curb Weight, lbs.	2950	2770	2810

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	10.7	56.5	53.0

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	18.0	18.0	18.0

Seating Capacity	4	5	5

Front Head Room, in.	36.8	36.8	36.8

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.7	41.7	41.7

Rear Head Room, in.	--	37.4	37.4

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	--	36.2	36.2

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

In 1990, both the base 900 and uplevel 900S are powered by a standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. The engine provides 128 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 128 pound-feet at 3000 rpm. It comes paired with either a 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission. For 1991, Saab enlarges the 900's naturally aspirated engine. The 2.0-liter engine is replaced with a 2.1-liter twin-cam unit, with horsepower increasing by 12, to 140 at 6000 rpm. Torque is up by 5 pound-feet, to 133 pound-feet at 2900 rpm. Next are the two turbocharged versions of the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. The first powers three Turbo models and provides 160 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 188 pound-feet of torque at 3000 rpm. The top-end Turbo SPG 3-door, dropped for the '92 model year, features the same engine, but a separate turbocharger. It delivers 175 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 195 pound-feet of torque at 3000 rpm.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

dohc I4	2.0 / 121	128	128	5-speed manual: 22/28 3-speed automatic: 19/22	5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: --

dohc I4	2.1 / 129	140	133	5-speed manual: 20/26 3-speed automatic: 18/21	5-speed manual: 20.1 3-speed automatic: --

Turbocharged dohc I4	2.0 / 121	160	188	5-speed manual: 22/29 3-speed automatic: 19/23	5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: --

Turbocharged dohc I4	2.0 / 121	175	195	5-speed manual: 21/28	5-speed manual: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: Sweden

Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

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Also in the 1990-1993 Saab 900/Turbo Review:

Saab 900/Turbo

Saab 900/Turbo Road Test

Saab 900/Turbo Reliability

Saab 900/Turbo Prices

Saab 900/Turbo Specs & Safety

Saab 900/Turbo Photos

Saab 900/Turbo Full Review