If an automobile were an entirely rational purchase, there probably wouldn't be a lot of room in this world for cars like the
Saab 900.
We do not mean to suggest for a minute that the 900 is deficient in any of the key automotive virtues, such as performance, comfort and safety. It is just that Saabs tend to march to a different drumbeat.
For some, the difference has made the Saab an object of passion. The 900 Turbo, in particular, became one of the cult cars of the '80s, and a high proportion of Saab's modest U.S. sales went to black 3-doors.
Thanks to Saab's partnership with General Motors - GM now owns half of the Swedish company - the 900 got its first major redesign in 15 years for the 1994 model year. Using a number of elements from various Opel cars (Opel is GM's German subsidiary), Saab engineers were able to create an all-new 900, with the first V6 engine option in Saab history.
The resulting car was a singularly clever piece of work - a much more modern 900 that still preserved the unique character and appeal of the original.
The hatchback was the first of the all new 900 series
Saabs to make an appearance, rolling into showrooms at the beginning of the 1994 model year. It was quickly followed by the coupe, and the convertible arrived the next summer as a 1995 model.
Because the convertible is the latest addition to the line, that's what we'll concentrate on here, although we've been able to spend time with all three versions of the 900.
Like its predecessor, the 900 is a front-drive small midsize hatchback, a tad bigger than a Nissan Altima, slightly smaller than a Honda Accord. However, the 900's pricing starts at almost $24,000 - well above the midsize mainstream - and peaks at more than $40,000 for the SE V6 convertible. As a result, its key competitors are primarily from the European ranks, particularly the Volvo 850 and BMW 3-Series.
The 900 convertible competes most directly with the BMW 318i and 325i ragtops and the Audi 90 Cabriolet.
The 900's three body styles are available in both S and SE models. There are three engine choices: a 150-hp 2.3-liter 4-cylinder, a 185-hp turbocharged version of the same engine and a 170-hp 2.5-liter V6. All three feature the latest in Saab's advanced engine management electronics, even though the V6 was borrowed from Opel.
Transmission choices include a standard 5-speed manual and an optional 4-speed automatic. However, turbocharged models are available only with the manual.
Preserving the character of the original Saab 900 obviously started with the car's new exterior. Designers managed to soften the old version's hump-backed appearance without losing its distinctive profile. They also preserved the 900's roominess and exceptional cargo capacity while improving its aerodynamic efficiency and chassis.
The convertible is a slightly different bird. Convertibilizing any car invariably subtracts from its cargo space, and this is particularly true of hatchbacks. However, the much-improved structure of the hatchback also benefits the convertible. We think Saab's new convertible is less prone to buzzes, squeaks and rattles than the previous model.
