SAAB 900 Turbo - the best 80s classic car to buy?!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ก.ย. 2024
- SAAB 900 - the best 80s classic car?
The SAAB 900 is a car which comes in two generations: you’ve got the first running from 1978 until 1994 and then you’ve got second gen which feels relatively short-lived in comparison, because that only then runs on until 1998. It’s worth noting here that the Turbo wasn’t available until 1979 and the convertible Turbo is available from 1986.
SAAB really knew what they were doing with this one and designed not only for their core audience, but thought of the American market too, which is why you’ll note that longer nose. Well, that’s partially the reason.
This generation is built on the SAAB 99 chassis which had preceeded the 900 and of course, things had moved on since the 99 and the longer nose not only allowed for the turbo-charged engines and air con which wasn’t available when they’d designed the 99 but also to meet American crash regulations.
You’ll notice throughout this video that SAAB get things just right on pretty much every account and the Americans were so pleased with the design they billed the 900 as one of the safest cars around, or the US Highway Loss Data Institute certainly did.
That wasn’t the only accolade coming from the US, because the magazine American Car and Driver named the 16v engine as the best engine - not sure what it was up against but a SAAB brochure of the time proudly touted this as fact.
Although engines vary according to the year you go for, from 1985 onwards you get the 16-valve engine if you pump for the 900s or Turbo as we’ve got today. If you were watching the pennies and went for the basic 900 model, you got the earlier 8 valve engine.
In the earlier models, pre 1984 and I imagine, some stragglers which got registered late on, you get the B engine which is actually a Triumph derived design. Go later than this, and you’re going to be getting the Saab H engine, which was a redesign of that B engine.
So being the Turbo and a little more fancy than your base model, we’ve got the 2 litre 16v in this. That gives us 0-60 in 9 seconds and 145bhp, which is more than enough for a thrilling ride in a convertible.
The engine was then paired with a 4 or 5 speed manual, 3 speed Borg Warner or t-37 auto.
It wasn’t just the engine which upgraded throughout the production of the SAAB 900 Classic and the long run of the first gen meant a facelift was inevitable and SAAB undertook this in 1987. That’s when you see the new headlights, grille and bumpers.
There were in total around 200,000 first generation turbos and 50,000 convertibles and many survive today due to SAAB’s excellent build quality and high regard amongst motorists with a keen eye for a car which will last.
The 1980's SAAB interiors were awesome.. the seats were so comfortable.. like an aeroplane comfort !!
Aeroplane! Have you ever flown Ryanair? 😂
Well, they did make aircraft
@@drd6416 Ha ha ! ..I did actually know that !! lol
@@drd6416 Still do and b-d-y good ones too.
"Until next time, take care and drive safely" ( as Steph buries the loud pedal into the carpet..) 😂
I had a SAAB 95 HOT Aero from new, it was tuned and lowered by Hirsch SAAB. It wasn’t a car it was a missile. Best car I ever had. 🥰
Great review of one of my favourite cars. I like many others miss Saab, much better than today's bland offerings.
My mum used to have a Saab 9000 Carlsson. The main thing I remember about it is the robustness of the leather seats. Much better than modern cars today!
I drove Saabs for almost 30 years consciously from 99s to 9-3s and all 2/3 doors but no convertibles with the classic 900s being my favourites. Strangely I drive a little convertible sports car now.
I had a bright red SAAB 99 Turbo back in 1981, what a car! I used to regularly drive from Germany where I was stationed, to Hertfordshire and it just ate up the miles, it was so comfortable and really did deserve to be called drivers car, unlike a certain make that uses that tagline!
“Oh my God!” *small gasp. “Wow. Oh wow’ Steph that was an absolutely brilliant reaction to the turbo kicking in!!
Probably my favourite SAAB - I've not seen one for years
The OG 900 was the benchmark for the others back in the day . Owned 1 a few years ago had many OG 93s Inc currently for 4 years .Best car ever had ❤
Had my 1999 9-3 LPT convertible for 6 and half years. Being a low pressure turbo the acceleration is more linear in feel than the more powerful models , particularly with the auto gearbox , but still feels more than the 154bhp that’s quoted. The seats are wonderful in comfort and the gets admired by on lookers in a pleasing way. You also sense , although GM took ownership by the time this model came about , it feels very well made .
I could imagine Steph's face lighting up with surprise at the sudden burst of power. I felt the same thing when I bought my first "good" car - a VW Golf Mark 2 - after a couple of functional-but-staid Renault 5s. The 1.8 engine in the Golf (I had a GL rather than a GTi) had a good bit of power/torque when it was needed. I preferred the Mark 2 to the Mark 3 I had afterwards, even though that was my first brand-new car.
I recall first seeing these 900 models at the 1980 British Motor Show at the NEC. The crazy velour interior really drew me in. These were very popular where I lived in Germany. The visibility out the windows was simply beautiful. The "night mode" was cool; almost all the instrument lighting could be dimmed and even shut off to aid night time driving. The engines of the early '80s ones sounded a bit agricultural compared to my Honda, but they felt like they could last forever. The cabrio was THE model to get, though I liked the 4-door saloons for their practicality. I miss seeing these a lot. Mahalo for bringing back a fond memory.
I Drive a 2010 95 Aero still one of the last build it even has the playstation screen! I love it to bits, it goes like a rocket very sure footed!
I drive my red ‘89 900 Turbo convertible almost everyday during the summer, my favorite car I’ve ever owned. It’s so classy, fun to drive, comfortable and always turns heads!
Really miss this iconic brand, ao wished they were still with us. Great review as usual do enjoy your reviews of modern classics
I have a 00 9-3 2.0 lpt convertible, and it has that exact same 'LET'S GO' attitude that my other Saabs don't have. It's a real underdog and is happiest at 90 mph.
Got to admit I’ve always loved Saabs but never actually had one. I drove a 99 way back in the mid 70s that was a company car where I worked and loved it.
Yeah, no doubt. GM emasculated the brand so badly that Spyker could do nothing with it, so they sold it to a Chinese company and it died a merciful death.
Much better interior than most new cars.
I had the 9000.. another lovely motor !.. lovely dress btw !! Awesome review !!..watching now !!
Andy at Vintage Electronic Repair, a TH-cam channel in Manchester suggested your channel. The 900 is one of my classic collected cars. I think I heard you say this is a 1988 model, but I see some upgrades on that one that belong to the last model year from 1994 called the Commemorative edition. Specifically the wheels and the walnut dash fascia. Really nice job done and thank you.
1 car i dismissed when younger but as i get older coming to like them
Remember the TV advert?
"Sierra. Alpha. Alpha. Bravo."
Whoooosh! ✈️👀
Nice...
I've never driven a soft top one but i have had a shot of a mon turbo hard top and it was lovely. It felt very solid and had that great view down the long bonnet.
I agree. 80s and 90s cars are the golden age for me. Well engineered enough to be useable but not crammed full of all the modern stuff that disconnects you from the driving experience
Being a mid 70s boy, I'm a sucker for these 900s and would love to own one now. I was a teen when they were fairly new....but its parts that hold me back...love em❤
My 9000 was not a Turbo.. but it was a 2,0l rocket.. The controls were all easy.. I really miss that car !!
The irony of manufacturing a convertible car in Finland one of the coldest countries in the world. Even colder than Sweden. And then it is delivered to Britain where it hardly ever rains.🙂🙃
At one time Britain was the largest market for convertibles in Europe.🤷♂️
Interesting point you make about looking at how the car company promoted a particular model. That can reveal a lot about a model, and I think this approach is one of the reasons your videos have a lot of depth and nuance.
I’ve driven Saabs for 40 years. I currently have 2 - a 1991 900 SPG turbo and a 2001 Viggen convertible. Saabs are wonderful cars!
A couple of thoughts about the SAAB, after long-term use - yes, I love the Saab. The 99, 90 and 900 are surprising narrow car which is great as you can slip though gaps in confidence. Also, the power is fantastic, even in the slower carburettor cars - they go like a train, in that they just keep on pulling. That's lovely because its always there when you need it - that encourages you to drive in a relaxed style. Very easy. No hurry - but no body's going to get in your way. Very hard to go back to anything else and not compare it to the SAAB. A true milestone of quality and driver experience.
Great video Steph. Your of the Saab 900 enjoyment was palpable.
You have to like a SAAB, well before GM at least. Great review Steph thank you. 👍👍
Loved this Steph thank you. We’ve had 4 Saab turbos in the family over the years. Absolutely solid as a rock and the Turbo kick in is fantastic !😂 As you discovered. Great family car and took us all over Europe travelling without a hitch. Even rear ended by a van and not a scratch or dent on our car! Built like a tank 💜🇬🇧
Not sure about Europe, but in North America, these were popular among a subset of yuppies who wanted something different from a BMW (pr couldn't afford one). They were a bit quirky but cool. Thanks for the great video!
Always such a cool car! The golden age of motoring for sure. A great review!
I had a 900 and it was the most fun car I ever owned, and became our family favourite. I'd always wanted one since I was a child, and it totally exceeded my expectations. An absolutely wonderful car, and if we hadn't moved half way around the world I would never have sold it. I'm now trying to find another, but they are few and far between here in Canada.
Great car. I've never thought about a SAAB until recently. I think it may be worth getting one before people wake up and raise the prices
A really enjoyable video Steph- Thank you!! I remember having a Saab 900 as a courtesy car when my first Mercedes was being serviced in the 90's It was a lot of fun and I was almost swayed 😃
Always loved these and a great review as always ❤🎉
Great car way ahead of its time. Excellent review as always.
Good video Steph Nice dress A friend In the early 80's had a non turbo 900 loved riding in the car
I always loved these cars, particularly the convertible and the three door hatchback, and this was one of the few cars on which three spoke rims worked perfectly.
Owned three 900's. Only car I ever loved rather than liked. I couldn't help but smile watching you engage the turbo. Brought back great memories. Seems like the most I've noticed you enjoying a drive on video. Don't blame you for saying it maybe wasn't your type of car to drive. After all if you owned this one you'd never have any time for your other cars you'd be busy testing the turbo out. This vid certainly added to the "adventure". ❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉
Owned 10 or 11 of these...all turbos. All megamilers...150,250,350..tradeins at the dealer I managed...
Never did any serious work on the fleet.
Replace consumables, general light maintenance, tires, brakes,
bulbs..and 1 alternator!
And a blast to drive...a couple of mine were tricked out, and go hunting for guys in BMWs, especially on bad/wet roads.
I heartily recommend them.
We had a 99GLS, First edition 1978 black 99 Turbo, 900 16V Turbo, 9000 16V Turbo 2.0, 9000 2.3 16V Turbo very nostalgic to see the 900 again. That mid range power its brilliant
I've owned two 900 classics..a 900i and a 900GLS...great cars..also had three 9000 CSE's..currently have a 9-5 HOT Aero and a 9-3 TID estate....had Saabs for 35 yrs....suppose I'm a bit of a fan🤷♂️...
Great video you captured the things I like best about cars 👍🏻
I love this Saab, wanted this one and/or the BMW 325i E30 back in the days, and I still do. Great review
Soon as I saw that first speed bump Steph. Cookridge Lane.
A great review of a superb car Steph Thanks
These really don't age.... cool and quirky and bullet proof.
Seats and ergonomically pretty much faultless...
Brilliant
Hey Steph, you're looking younger and younger with every passing video, don't be hard on yourself.
One of the best Saab's ever made, I've owned 6 Saab's, 4 of which were the classic 900 ❤
Great video!
While the 9-second 0-60 time might not sound that impressive, Saabs were well known for their mid-range grunt. If you look at 30-70 mph acceleration times, they blew the rest away!
Also, at one time they were the most powerful front-wheel-drive production cars one could buy.
I do also like the way the sunlight caught your hair as you were driving the convertible 😊
Everyone goes on about the 0-60 time of a car, but for me it's the 50-70 acceleration that's more important. I had a Peuget 306 2.0 HDi which had very good 50-70 for overtaking and for speeding up after overtaking after getting stuck behind a lorry on a motorway. I was loaned a "sporty" 1.8 petrol version when my car was in for servicing. It had phenomenal 0-40 acceleration and I had to be careful not to let it catch me out around town, but then the poor thing ran out of puff: it was screaming along at about 4000 rpm at 70 on the motorway (rather than 2500 in my car), and it had truly *pathetic* 50-70 acceleration, in any of 4th, 5th or 6th gear. I was glad to get my own car back later that day.
Great video and great car!
On a small sidenote: The old triumph/saab engine was a bit of a joint venture, but saab didn't like the result; so they designed the B-engine around the concept of the triumph engine, as it had to fit in the same spot, but they are 2 different engines.
Thanks for sharing this
Good car, I like the area you were driving in, near Otley, all very nice
Nice review again, suggestions are Citroen CX, Lancias, Alfa Romeos.👍
Best car I ever owned
Thank you for this! I love my 88 turbo convertible. It feels so different from any other car
Absolutely my favorite 80’s (or 90’s) car!
Love this car! I drive 3 door 900 turbo S hatchback. Fun, plenty practical, great sounding engine, and that unique silhouette! Thanks for the review!
Ooooh! I want to have a go too! Fab one Steph & Fred :)
Another great review. Wish I could have been with you to experience that astounding turbo in person!
My Uncle Derek, who's now 86, has a light blue 9-3 Convertible based on the last generation of those cars. And there's at least 3 people I can remember when I wis growing who either had 900's or 9-3's. Cool cars like.
I had 4 SAAB,S from the 99 to the 93 but i really loved my saab900 turbo 3 door brilliant fast and sexy i mean the car .. ❤
I could see you loved driving that Steph! They are great cars, even the non turbo versions 😊
I owned a modified 5 door turbo that looked like a boring lpt turbo thst went like a stabbed rat. But my favourite one I oened was a G reg 4 door 900 16v S. It was an immaculate one owner with fssh and served us faithfully for years. It wasn't fast, but was just lovely to waft around in. Our time with a couple of GM era Saab's wasn't so enjoyabje and we moved onto other brands.
Headlight wiper moments... almost. I do absolutely agree with you about the multi media distraction stuff in modern cars (or driveable iPhones?). That's one of the reasons I was looking for a Citroën C1 five years ago. I found her. She has nothing to distract me. Thanks for the road test, Steph. See you soon on your channel. Take care »»» Martin/Southern Germany (not Munich)
Glad you enjoyed the 900 Steph, great review as always! Looking forward to mine coming home from its holiday (TLC) in Huddersfield!
This one was at Malbrad a couple of weeks ago too!
I was literally looking out for speed cameras as you were driving 😂
Yes, Moor Road in Bramhope, coming up to the parade of shops before you join the main road is 20. I think your speedo needle may have been a little above that.
Does anyone else play the "where is he/she?" game with test drives from Steph, Furious Driving and HubNut, looking for road signs or shop names? I must admit I was lost until I saw the sign to Old Pool Bank at the lights, despite being born and brought up in Oakwood in Leeds, and knowing the Post House at Bramham (after the lights on the double bend) from when I used to go there with my grandpa.
There's a reason for the key being between the seats. Saab wanted to move it away from the steering column, where it could hurt your knee in an accident. But that leaves you without a steering lock. So they devised a gear lever lock instead.
I hadn't realised that they moved the key away from the steering column because of kneecapping injuries. I knew it locked the gearlever in gear. I presume you get into the habit very quickly of either putting the car in neutral as soon as the key has been turned to release the lock, or else always starting the car with the clutch down. I got into the habit early on after I passed my test of always trying to waggle the gear lever from side to side before starting (to prove to myself that it really was in neutral) and likewise when I park or stop in traffic, always waggle the gear lever to prove it's in neutral and therefore it is safe to let the clutch up without catapulting into a wall or another car. It very quickly became second nature to do it without even thinking about it, just like I automatically put my seat belt on almost before my bum has hit the seat, and have done since I was a child, long before the seat belt laws of the early 1980s. Similarly for a quick check of fuel level, and that ignition and oil lights come on when I turn the ignition on and go out as soon as the engine is running. All part of what my driving instructor (ex police Class 1 instructor till he retired) rather pompusly described as "the cockpit drill".
oh love these things!!!! Well done Steph!!!
Love the car! Great video Steph!
I had a 99 and a 900 - some of the best cars I've ever owned. 🙂 I think the 99 was better though.
Watching your video's is like visiting a dear friend!
Striking outfit in great shape. Also the Saab was nice. Worked in NYC thrift shops. There were/are women who'd appoint you their finder of best vintage clothes.
Early Saab's, 99 and 900 are worthy cars from a clever company. Later ones are garbage, not a bad purchase as a classic, difficult to get parts etc in western Australia 😂
Functionality and fun. Great video and description.
The 2.0 turbo in this particular car is actually 175 bhp
I stand corrected as I said to somebody else. Pulled it from an old magazine 😕
So iconic!! One of the best exterior stylings ever. Twice I’ve almost bought a 90’s 9-3 and now there is a 2007 convertible with 120,000 miles for $6,000. Just can’t make it work rn. Hot take: the Buick Cascada is the modern version of this car. Think it was a Vauxhall or Opel for Europe. Instead of the Saab I’m thinking of getting a new Triumph Speed 400 and learn how to ride a motorbike
Beautiful
A lovely car, Steph. As usual, do ingirmative right off the hop. An unusual piece of information is about the engine. Triumph developed that 2 litre DOHC for the Triumph Dolomite Sprint. As it turned out, Saab ended up using it first. To make the rear wheel drive engine work in a front wheel drive car, the engine is mounted back to front with the transmission to the side. That outs the accessory drive and timing belt facing the lower cowl. Not ideal for servicing.
Beautiful ive had multiple Saab Convertibles & still own an 09 Sportwagon CTDI Vector.. First was a 96 N reg 900 Turbo se convertible which was quality wise buy far the best followed by a 55 plate 93 2.0Turbo Vector convertible. Ive Saab hadn't been ruined by GM then the complete loss as a manufacturer id still buy them. Wouldn't mind a Caddy BLS just to say id owned 1.
Great design idea to have to have to car in gear to take the key out…..added security and a guard against handbrake failure when parked on a slope
May interest SAABists... that the original 99 had extended a pillars that welded to the front arches. For the 900 these were cust short a few inches short of the inner arch . However on the 900 convertible ... they re-lengthened the a pillar sections for stiffness.
Good video 👍👍👍
Great cars. Very sturdy. Someone i know has the Viggen version (owned from new) which is complete nutter of a car. Turbo lag is very alarming though, coupled with near lethal torque steer, and the scuttle shake is very noticeable, and always was, even from new
Steph, this convertible car suits you!
Christer Glenning in the old Trafikmagasinet on SVT used to warn about the gearboxes on these. They can get knackered, apparently, so maybe that's what beginning to happen on this one (ref. clunky feeling 2nd).
Hello Steph!
SAAB 900 Turbo❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I bought one of the turbo sedans for my sister who didn't have the $ organised, the few times I drove it I noticed the turbo lag that was best measured using a calendar, in fact I was dragged of at the traffic light by an unladen steel struck. It was really comfortable but I never wanted to own one.
My 1st Saab was 99Turbo, which for the time was fairly quick, folled by a 1986 900 Turbo 16v S, not a convertible, then a couple of 9000's, followed by a succession of 3 9-5 HOT estate cars, the last of which expired in 2021, never been interested in the Convertible, they don't drive particularly well, the scuttle shake is quite pronounced, but having said that, would I have now, hell yes👍
I had a non-turbo early 900. It drove well, but I liked the non-turbo 99 more. The turbo engines of the time were utterly unreliable. I think SAAB was almost bankrupt by replacing so many engines. I know of three of them replaced under warranty.
They are a great quality car. Excellent build quality, then gm bean counters got involved with later models not the 9000 series
I think the Mk1 Astra/Opel Kadett D would have been car I drove with a high mounted radio.
175 bhp... The 8 valve was 145bhp
I always wanted one of these. not common here in NZ
Saab great brand tragedy that they have gone. Great review too.
I know a 40 something single gal that has owned one for many years. Someday a clever, lucky man will make her his gal. All 3 could be happy ever after.
Have you ever considered a Motorcycle/ Motor Scooter/ Moped?