1985 SAAB 900 review from North America
"A costly curiosity"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Manual trans-axle 3rd gear lost a tooth at 38000 miles, failed completely (lockup) at 43000 miles. 3rd gear, cluster gear, reverse gear, synchronizers and bearings all required replacement to restore normal operation. Exceedingly expensive repair for a car so young and carefully maintained and driven.
General comments?
Electrically-heated seats are very nice on a bitterly-cold Florida morning.
Exceptionally-strong carbody free of rattles.
Good fuel economy.
Excellent brakes.
Good sunroof design, simple and effective.
Manual trans-axle gears are inadequately sized or trans-axle case insufficiently rigid for engine torque output resulting in characteristic gear-root failure.
Engine reliable.
Nice speedometer and other guages.
Recommended Reviews:
  | 1985 - 900 4 cylinder 8v non-turbo This is the greatest car I have ever owned |
| Reliable and bulletproof if maintained |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 1987 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 1990 |
| Engine and transmission | L4 turbocharged Manual |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 6/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 21000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 74500 miles |
| Previous car | Mercedes-Benz 220 |
| Date of Entry | 21st April, 2004 |