1997 SAAB 9000 Griffin review from UK and Ireland

I bought new tyres, had the vehicle serviced (including ABS sensor replaced on the front offside) and installed new speakers after purchase.

The car has performed reliably since that date and, apart from a winter service (including battery replacement) at the local independent SAAB specialists (Bourne Motors (one of only two garages that I would ever recommend) ) it has outperformed all my expectations.

The combination of performance, comfort, reliability and safety is exceptional.

As one who has always shunned automatics, I was dubious at first. The 4-speed auto box and the 2.3 Turbo are well matched however, providing comfortable motorway cruising, civilised progression in town and phenomenal overtaking capacity on tap whenever required (do not worry about turbo lag).

Although the Griffin is only available in the saloon body, it is still capable of taking a family on holiday, push-chair and travel cot included, without resort to either filling the cabin or adding a roof box.

Would I buy another SAAB? Without a doubt.

Would I buy another 9000? Yes; I must confess that I would be tempted to go for the Aero (225bhp, manual & hatchback) but I think that the Griffin might still win through.

There are better, larger and faster cars out there; but the SAAB 9000 is arguably the best option if you are looking for the best combination at the best value.