1995 SAAB 900 Convertible review from UK and Ireland

Before purchase I was aware that Saab made aeroplanes too, but after driving the 900 convertible it appears they also do a mean line in boats. Driving the 900 reminds me of the 80's VISA card advert: "your flexible friend" although there isn't much friendly about a car whose boat-like handling forces me to select first gear at every roundabout and watch Reliant Robins and Merc A-Classes pass me on bends.

Note for Saab: why not replace the existing speedometer with one that displays knots. I actually feel seasick on my drive to work such is the wallowing characteristics of the drive.

Saab drivers are rightly seen as the brave, and as a turbo-charged convertible owner, I can see why!

Firstly to take the insults and derisive sneers from German and Japanese car driving colleagues, and secondly to risk your life every time a corner approaches. Distinctive looks help it to sit apart from other cars, while its atrocious handling often has it sitting off the road. Small consolation is the powerful engine as it powers you helplessly out of control whenever a course alteration is required, and a turbo-charged engine that gets through bearings like a hungry sheep through a bale of hay (both of which you'll often see as you spin off into countryside fields).

The trademark Saab "heads-up" dashboard is very good, however. Very good at informing me of the obscene amounts of fuel I'm burning and how shortly it will be before I pull into another garage. All in all, a great car to talk about, a great car to look at (if you like its odd design) but not a car you'd ever want to drive.