1997 SAAB 900 S review from North America

Let me list what did NOT go wrong... engine and transmission.

Disposable message centre units, faulty radioS, noisy/leaky exhaust, temperamental electricals, noisy suspension, most switches went out on me... total CRAP!

This car was the worst lemon I have ever owned. I upgraded to a Honda Civic after this... what a relief. To me reliability is most important. After 3 years of ownership the service manager recognized my voice on the phone. In the first year alone the total value of the warranty repairs was $20K!!! I paid $18K for the darned thing.

It rarely started when it was really cold (wasn't this thing made in Sweden!!!) so I had to boost it repeatedly with my 18 year old Oldsmobile... how embarrassing. It idled like a lawnmower from day 1.

I drove to the dealer more than once with 1 or more window down because it would not go back up.

DO NOT BUY A SAAB! The service manager admitted that my experience was not far off from the norm... NONE of the mechanics at this dealer (largest in the area) drive Saabs!!! It speaks volumes about these cars.

The ONLY positive marks are stellar braking, impressive handling and remarkable versatility.

I had read bad reviews about this car when I bought it, but mine had the extended warranty (thank God! I would have gone bankrupt keeping it on the road!!). At the time I thought "it could not be THAT bad!"... guess what, it CAN and it IS!

Stay away... you've been warned. In case you still buy one... "I told you so"...