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.

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.

Audio system: Scratches or microscopic cracks in the rear-window heater grid cause interference in the radio when the rear defroster is turned on. (All)

Battery: Due to faulty time delay relay, electric cooling fan may not turn off. This usually results in a dead battery. (1989-98)

Climate control: If blower on the automatic climate control quits working, the control unit may have failed. (1994-98)

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. (1994-96)

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 minute after startup is corrected by replacing the engine-control computer. (1994-95)

Transmission leak: The gear-selector shaft seal is prone to leak on manual transmissions. (1994-96)

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.

1994 hatchback: Weld omitted from manual driver's-seat rails.

1994: On some manual front seats, trigger springs at fore/aft lever do not properly lock the seat rails.

1994: Weld points for side-protection beam in rear door may be out of position.

1994-95 w/manual shift: It is possible to move shift lever into reverse, remove key, and still be in neutral.

1994-95: Welds on recliner may be missing, allowing seatback to fall backward when under load.

1994-97: Corrosion can cause throttle lever to bind.

1994-98: Instructions for properly aiming headlights were omitted.

1995 convertible: Steering-column shaft may be misaligned.

1995 w/Bosch "Motronic 2.10.3": Upon startup, engine speed may fluctuate for up to 30 seconds.

1995: Some vehicles may have defective airbag electronic control units, causing an electrical short and possible deployment. Dealer will inspect and replace all affected parts.

1996: Seatbelt anchorage on some cars may not properly secure the occupant in an accident.

1997-98: Airbag alert label on driver's sunvisor was omitted.

1998: Static electricity can build up within the passenger-side airbag module and create enough of a charge to cause an inadvertent airbag deployment.

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.

The 900S comes with a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder, previously available only in the Saab 9000. It provides 150 horsepower at 5700 rpm and 155 pound-feet of torque at 4300 rpm. The 900SE 5-door comes with the new V6, a 2.5-liter unit derived from one used by both Vauxhall and Opel. It delivers 170 horsepower at 5900 rpm and 167 pound-feet of torque at 4200 rpm. With both engines, a 5-speed manual is standard and a 4-speed automatic is optional. The automatic is Saab's first 4-speed unit and features electronic controls that provide a choice of "sport," "economy," or "winter" settings. The latter allows the car to start out in third gear, to avoid wheel spin. While awaiting the arrival of new convertible models, Saab continues to sell holdover ragtops with either the 2.1-liter engine or the old 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. The 2.1-liter offers 140 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 133 pound-feet of torque at 2900 rpm. Saabs turbocharged 4-cylinder from the '93 model provides 160 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 188 pound-feet of torque at 4300 rpm. Saab is also providing 500 Commemorative Edition versions of these convertibles (both 900 and 900 Turbo models) with special black paint and trim, with the more potent 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder delivering 185 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 1994 pound-feet of torque at 2100 rpm.