1990-1993 Saab 900/Turbo: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1993 Saab 900/Turbo and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (turbo)
- Handling/roadholding
- Antilock brakes (optional)
- Passenger and cargo room
Cons
- Automatic-transmission performance
- Wind noise
- Manual-shift linkage
- Ride (turbo)
Vehicle Highlights
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.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | 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 Score: | 45 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1993 Saab 900/Turbo. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1993 Saab 900/Turbo.
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.
Our road test for the 1990-1993 Saab 900/Turbo includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1993 Saab 900/Turbo and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1993 Saab 900/Turbo is right for you.
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.
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | 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 Score: | 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.
Our reliability study for this generation Saab 900/Turbo includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Saab 900/Turbo .
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 which 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 |
Our price chart for this generation Saab 900/Turbo details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1993 | |||
| 900 | $1,500-2,000 | $1,000-1,300 | $200-300 |
| 900 Turbo hatchback | $2,100-2,600 | $1,500-1,800 | $400-500 |
| Convertible | $2,600-3,100 | $1,900-2,300 | $500-700 |
| Turbo Convertible | $3,000-3,600 | $2,300-2,800 | $700-800 |
| 1992 | |||
| 900 | $1,300-1,800 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| 900 Turbo hatchback | $1,800-2,300 | $1,200-1,600 | $300 |
| Convertible | $2,300-2,800 | $1,700-2,000 | $400-500 |
| Turbo Convertible | $2,700-3,300 | $2,000-2,500 | $600-700 |
| 1991 | |||
| 900 | $1,100-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| 900 Turbo hatchback | $1,600-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $200-300 |
| Convertible | $2,000-2,500 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| Turbo Convertible | $2,400-2,900 | $1,700-2,100 | $500-600 |
| 1990 | |||
| 900 | $1,000-1,400 | $600-800 | $100 |
| 900 Turbo hatchback | $1,400-1,900 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| Turbo Convertible | $2,100-2,600 | $1,500-1,800 | $400-500 |
|
|
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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.
Specs for this generation Saab 900/Turbo include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
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 | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
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 | 175 | 195 | 5-speed manual: 21/28 | 5-speed manual: -- |
| Turbocharged dohc I4 | 2.0 / 121 | 160 | 188 | 5-speed manual: 22/29 3-speed automatic: 19/23 |
5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Built In: Sweden
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Saab 900/Turbo include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
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%. Sideimpact 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%.
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