1994 Saab 900 | Retro Review

GM's new ownership of Saab was a concern for many Saab enthusiasts. Did they have anything to worry about?
Show 1314 | Original Airdate 12-08-1993
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[@swizzlstyx]

the 4 cylinder non-turbo version of this car is rock solid reliable (I’ve owned 3 of them)

[@henryovalles1163]

Yes non turbo 900 had one reliable like a Toyota

[@alexander1485]

if its so reliable, why did you own 3?

[@swizzlstyx]

@@alexander1485 the first one rusted out (expected in upstate NY after 25 years). The other 2 i still own and they run great.

[@MrCarGuy]

@@alexander1485 Three great cars is better than one

[@glennjones6574]

Drove mine to over 200k

[@CoasterTurbo]

Saab has one of the best bucket seats ever

[@basshead.]

What a bold claim lol.

[@basshead.]

I just finished watching the video and it doesn't even have bucket seats lol.

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Had!

[@KenanTurkiye]

@@basshead. ''A bucket seat is a car seat contoured to hold one person, distinct from a flat bench seat designed to fit multiple people. In its simplest form it is a rounded seat for one person with high sides, but may have curved sides that partially enclose and support the body.....'' source: wiki.

[@fernandorocha901]

Saab 900S is best swedish car

[@JDMHaze]

“its a turbo elaine! a turbo!!”

[@GTC4cam]

The washer fluid is NOT fine!

[@rodonis88]

“The shifter is loose, have you been picking at it?”

[@capang9555]

I have a 98 900 turbo with almost 300K miles on it. Another thing worth noting. The 2nd gen 900 was in development years before gm became 50% owner. When GM became part owner SAAB gained access to their chassis and was able to yank an opal chassis off the shelf, the car was originally slated to use a 9000 chassis. This is the very last SAAB designed and built BY SAAB before gm was intervening and trying to cut costs. SAAB technician here by trade as well. Source for information was the book "SAAB 900 story" It's also worth noting if GM hadn't bought 50% (with the agreement that they'd buy out the rest of SAAB automotive in 2000 if they didn't turn a profit) that SAAB would've died out in 1990. So hate all you want, but GM did keep SAAB alive for another 20 years.

[@Yormsane]

3:41 Ha ha, I wish that 'Black Panel' switch was standard in today's cars, so we could dim those awful dashboard screens that seem to be everywhere.

[@Misaniovent]

This is often a poorly-remembered Saab but rather than looking at it as the beginning of the end, it's good to view it as a rough start to a worthwhile extension on life Saab might not otherwise have had. I don't think it and the first generation 9-3 have aged particularly well, but the three door versions do look decent.

[@johnrobinson1328]

Beginning of the end? Saab lasted 22 years past this model year. And the 9-3 got better and better during that time. This is a terrible assessment.

[@palebeachbum]

I've always loved this design. A handsome, clean, evolutionary design. A 5-door liftback body style is so much more practical than 4-door sedans. I don't know why Americans are so opposed to it. I never got the chance to own one, but if I could buy one new now, I'd highly consider it.

[@fernandorocha8459]

Saab 900S is 2.5 V6 170hp, 167 LB-Ft torque

[@uncouthboy8028]

We get charged more for them.

[@radudeATL]

These things are virtually extinct. What a shame.

[@logan8709]

i know... its really a shame, i drive one and it feels like i'm driving a gokart it's super fun. truly a collectors item, its an honor to drive such an awesome rare vehicle

[@goldbullet50]

Here in Finland, they are quite common and cost virtually nothing. I paid 650€ for mine, and only twice it left me in trouble when the coolant pipe erupted. I believe the reason for their cheap price is some of the common problems they have, which fail their annual checkup, and fixing them is relatively tedious or expensive. The speedometer being completely dark is one common issue, that can be hard to fix.

[@GalenlevyPhoto]

GM destroyed sub brands like they always have.

[@josephandreuccetti7270]

Saab wasn’t a brand that needed to die Very sad thing how they went out A cool car brand

[@sutherlandA1]

@@Butchcub75 Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Holden

[@aaryeshg.6526]

@Butchcub75 thankfully Suzuki and Isuzu is doing just fine on the other side of the planet

[@AbronHawkins]

Leave it to Government Motors to destroy good brands like Pontiac, Oldsmobile and Saab through its sorry top heavy corporate so called management

[@jasone1290]

You’re right there…a quirky, unique brand diluted and then left for dead.

[@JJPMustang]

Manual transmissions and actual colors to pick from!

[@E_tiBEAMERBOY]

Real solid 0-60 n decent braking

[@BucksMom218]

A member of my family has an 07 9-3 aero. Very sweet ride…rides so well. I just love the many knob and button switches and controls😂

[@jonnyronnyguy]

I miss my 2.3L 4 Cyl Red 900ng. Bought it off my father when I got my drivers licence and it was the best thing when it was on the road. Sadly as a young university student it was simply just too expensive to keep it on the road and parts were expensive here in Australia. Just grateful that I had the experience of owning one at least.

[@GTC4cam]

For a moment I thought we were about to hear John Davis say “Quirks and Features”. I was thinking “Say it! Say Quirks and Features!”

[@KenanTurkiye]

lol

[@KenanTurkiye]

That comes with the double tshirts.

[@jeremyanderson1139]

I like the way the Saab 900 NG looks. While the old 900 will always look timeless, I personally prefer the way this looks

[@davidaubin3902]

3:36 John: AS IS THE VERY SAAB FLOOR CENTER CONSOLE MOUNTED IGNITION LOCK! LOL

[@TheSenseiWoe]

Proud 1994 Saab 900s Owner! 133,000 Miles & Counting!

[@Spheredalai]

0 dislikes. apparently everyone love Saab!

[@KenanTurkiye]

Ahh the SAAB, it was the ''alternative luxury car'' every yuppie would drive in the 80's and 90's. Always wanted one, but couldn't afford one back than.

[@jamesarmstrong9908]

Love love love this car 🚙

[@davidbusch8912]

Now I want one

[@ravisriram6746]

GM buying Saab was a huge, fatal mistake. I am hoping someone will revive this iconic brand someday.

[@fv7765]

2.3T would be my first chioce. I don't know why they have made V6 when the 2.3T is quicker.

[@chicagoui9299]

It wasn't an option in '94. The 2.0T or the N/A 2.3.

[@jareknowak8712]

2,3T in this body (9-3 model) was sold only as "Viggen" version. I had 2,0T SE Talladega with 185hp, it was enough. Later 9-3 model (same body as this one) in Aero variant (205hp) was the best one, the one to have, imho. A car of this class should give you the choice of a 6-cylinder engine, it was offered in BMW, Merc, even in Opel, why not SAAB?

[@TheBTG88]

The 4-cylinder turbo was a much better motor than the V6.

[@kurtw.rudiger6422]

I had a ‘94 900S. Great car.

[@busybee2033]

Still don't understand why this car couldn't seem to make it...back in the day the 90's I honestly thought that it would be Audi that wouldn't make it up the ladder if one should fail, But Audi became exactly what I thought Saab would be

[@Spheredalai]

WOOO YEA BABY A 900 GM EDITION

[@Spheredalai]

gorgeous car

[@AdamG1983]

RIP Saab Thanks again, GM

[@erinfreize4717]

Just watched a great review of an early nineties convertible on Curious Cars. Best car review channel on KZbin.

[@cigarsgunsandgasoline8032]

GM killed Saab...

[@brettheeley3836]

The shifting feels "typically rubbery...but very precise?" Interesting description 😛

[@jamierobb2186]

Had the 1995 3 door 2 ltr in black great car don't know why I let it go

[@krisp.1593]

Saabs were one of the most unique safest reliable cars of their time -of course it didn't help that GM got their dirty little grubby greedy hands on something and as we all know ruined everything they touched including their own products. When everything looks so cookie cutter across all lines Saabs and Volvos we're always something different something unique

[@DANNYN224]

They weren't reliable just had issues

[@williamegler8771]

SAAB's were never that reliable. My grandparents owned a dealership from the 70's to the end production and they kept several replacement long and short blocks transmissions ,both automatic and manual , and turbo assemblies. In fact the models developed under GM ownership were noticeably more reliable than when SAAB was independent.

[@krisp.1593]

@@williamegler8771 well I owned five of them in my lifetime and I never had any problems I guess I was just fortunate and or just took proper care of my cars

[@landyachtfan79]

5:04..........."Look, Junior, I expect this to be fixed with quality GM parts!"

[@ericbritton9346]

I was always a big fan of SAAB, I would like to have a three-door turbo version Saab 900 and the last convertible as well. But it had to be before GM ball the brand. I like the old school version because of the shape, wrap around front windshield, and large practicality. That side you can fit a refrigerator in the three door hatch or even a couch back there. I kind of believe it because of the size. But when GM bought SAAB it went down hill from there all the way to the 2008 recession, and it was obsolete.

[@MPi-KM]

My mom had a '94 5 door in the same color, though it had a tan cloth interior, 4 cyclinder/auto. It was reliable in the time she had other than going through 2 water pumps.

[@chicagoui9299]

Gm parts non withstanding.

[@KennethDPedersen]

I wish that black panel button would come back into vogue

[@ThePrissy11]

Love my Saab. She’s getting old.

[@johnjones393]

Never really got the appeal of Saab, but they were plenty driving around in the 80s and 90s. I never see them anymore even at cars and coffee.

[@Microjoey02]

I love how the exhaust shakes on take, almost like it will fall off ❤️ 😂

[@kennorcott7074]

That’s how all cars are my guy

[@jared5449]

"Big loads go in the huge trunk!"

[@boostedcrxvids]

Wow that has got reliability!

[@jakobholgersson4400]

Least reliable car Saab ever made. Ruined the brand's reputation in the home market.

[@fv7765]

@@jakobholgersson4400 Disagreed, the Saab is good reliability cars till round 2001.

[@jareknowak8712]

@@fv7765 Not as good as Volvo was, not as good as older Saab were. Model 9-5 entered the market already in 1998, iirc.

[@KenanTurkiye]

@@fv7765 Jakob was referring to this model and he is right, the previous model SAAB's were reliable in comparison.

[@KenanTurkiye]

@@fv7765 ohh, and the reason why this change happened, many say because of GM ownership of SAAB, pre-GM ownersip of SAAB cars were GOAT.

[@razvandobos9759]

Bring Saab back and also Oldsmobile and Pontiac.

[@PH-kl5qq]

My first car in red

[@vladgladkov237]

Nice video

[@arevee9429]

Clearly, MotorWeek does not own a crystal ball. RIP Saab and thanks, GM. Well-honed twist beam?

[@TimJoseph08031990]

It almost looks like a mid-to-late 1990s Nissan Sentra with a hatch.

[@stupidvideos1449]

7.4 seconds is pretty quick for the time

[@Latsaaben]

Saab

[@ormsk954]

Had a new one of these after x3 900 classics that all went around the clock and some (company cars). It was fine but not as good as the 80s 900s.

[@FrightfulAccountant]

I can't get my head round, why GM would put a plastic gearknob and gaiter from an economy car, in an expensive flagship car with leather interior.

[@sharriffwinnhouser237]

saab forever

[@Spheredalai]

LOL! " Tröllhat Tradition "

[@ericfitzgerald9139]

Had a ‘96 900 SE Turbo. Least reliable car I ever owned. Still love Saabs tho!

[@snufkinsnufkin2528]

damn I am thinking about buying the EXACT same model. I thought the 90s saabs were still very reliable :/

[@Nthstar]

​​@@snufkinsnufkin2528own a 94 900s 2.3 4 cylinder convertible 100% reliable ❤

[@vladgladkov237]

Nice saab

[@the_jarmel]

HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DAY EVERYONE ✌️

[@KenanTurkiye]

You have an even better one! 🤠

[@vladgladkov237]

I like saab

[@LearnAboutFlow]

Yeah, that didn't last very long. GM totally destroyed the brand and then killed it.

[@cgreenfield6655]

Does anyone know what Saab stands for?

[@bingoberra18]

Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget, something like "Swedish Aeroplane Shareholdercompany". Many swedish companies end with AB, like german Gmbh.

[@Andy-kw5nw]

Give me this car with Apple/android CarPlay……….and I’m good to go.

[@Trance88]

Another 90's car that's stood the test of time pretty well! Kids these days will claim anything that doesn't have "infotainment" or a rear backup camera is "so vintage."

[@omostim2385]

My friend had a V6 900 convertible. Ooh it was bad. Driving it felt like a heavy front end and rear end connected by corrugated metal. Not to mention the weak loud V6 with 30k timing belt intervals

[@weirdshibainu]

I wish someone would bring SAAB back with all of its quirks and features, but as a EV only

[@stupidvideos1449]

Think it's nice

[@user-cj4sm8hv9y]

Saab Still

[@plin20000]

when SAAB's engine go from longitudinal to transverse, it marked the downfall. And it's when a SAAB is no longer a SAAB

[@AmraphelofShinar]

Big loads go in the back.

[@TheoRhoades]

I had a 95 900s convertible. Great car, but seriously Something Almost Always Breaks. Both axles snapped off at 140k.

[@justdna4385]

They missed an opportunity to make the base price end in 94 for the '94 model year.

[@ryanandrew87]

Big loads go in the huge trunk......thats what she said

[@user-ii5os7jh3s]

thanks GM for destroying Saab...

[@Drj2021]

As soon as they said GM had something to do with the engine. pause trash

[@EnthusiastCarHangar]

I owned a 96 900 and it was a great car. Check it out in my channel.

[@braddietzmusic2429]

It might have been a good car, but NO, it was not ever “pure Saab.”

[@Spheredalai]

love how MW contradicts themself by saying GM's 900 is "still pure Saab" while also having a Vauxhall developed V6 motor

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

GM destroyed the Saab brand when they took over!🤮👎

[@stratfordbaby]

This was a biased review, forgot the MISSES.

[@jefferypease3920]

I never really liked Saab I thought their cars were kind of ugly

[@brendanharrell4249]

This was the Model S before there was Tesla.

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

It's okay, but I like the pre-GM SAAB cars better

[@farcinue]

My dad had one for two years, and then it totally crapped out. Saabs were way cool, but their reliability was awful.

[@julianroberts5407]

Performed terribly in the Euroncap safety ratings!!!!!

[@michaelsimko7694]

GM destroyed Saab. The 9-3/900 was the beginning of the end as quality became bad and there was too much rebadging by GM.

[@PaulTC777]

crappy but it could pass for a 2005 car

[@alexander1485]

saab had the ugliest wheels

[@DANNYN224]

Saab not that good cars

[@pizzasquirrel65]

You will never know how good a Saab is until you crashed one