@@basshead. ''A bucket seat is a car seat contoured to hold one person, distinct from a flat bench seat designed to fit multiple people. In its simplest form it is a rounded seat for one person with high sides, but may have curved sides that partially enclose and support the body.....'' source: wiki.
This is often a poorly-remembered Saab but rather than looking at it as the beginning of the end, it's good to view it as a rough start to a worthwhile extension on life Saab might not otherwise have had. I don't think it and the first generation 9-3 have aged particularly well, but the three door versions do look decent.
I have a 98 900 turbo with almost 300K miles on it. Another thing worth noting. The 2nd gen 900 was in development years before gm became 50% owner. When GM became part owner SAAB gained access to their chassis and was able to yank an opal chassis off the shelf, the car was originally slated to use a 9000 chassis. This is the very last SAAB designed and built BY SAAB before gm was intervening and trying to cut costs. SAAB technician here by trade as well. Source for information was the book "SAAB 900 story" It's also worth noting if GM hadn't bought 50% (with the agreement that they'd buy out the rest of SAAB automotive in 2000 if they didn't turn a profit) that SAAB would've died out in 1990. So hate all you want, but GM did keep SAAB alive for another 20 years.
I saw it as unrealistic expectations from both. GM thought they could make SAAB more mainstream and boost sales. SAAB thought they could have access to GM's money and research while continuing to do SAAB things the SAAB way. I remember reading an article around the time GM was going to cut some brands. A SAAB executive said they should have known there were going to be problems when he compared notes from within the company. SAAB people used terms like "joining" or "merger with" in talking about GM. GM employees said "bought" and "owned". I think there were similar problems when Chrysler and Mercedes joined. Despite the "Union of Equals" speeches, it became clear that Mercedes decided they were in charge from the beginning.
I've always loved this design. A handsome, clean, evolutionary design. A 5-door liftback body style is so much more practical than 4-door sedans. I don't know why Americans are so opposed to it. I never got the chance to own one, but if I could buy one new now, I'd highly consider it.
i know... its really a shame, i drive one and it feels like i'm driving a gokart it's super fun. truly a collectors item, its an honor to drive such an awesome rare vehicle
Here in Finland, they are quite common and cost virtually nothing. I paid 650€ for mine, and only twice it left me in trouble when the coolant pipe erupted. I believe the reason for their cheap price is some of the common problems they have, which fail their annual checkup, and fixing them is relatively tedious or expensive. The speedometer being completely dark is one common issue, that can be hard to fix.
Ahh the SAAB, it was the ''alternative luxury car'' every yuppie would drive in the 80's and 90's. Always wanted one, but couldn't afford one back than.
I miss my 2.3L 4 Cyl Red 900ng. Bought it off my father when I got my drivers licence and it was the best thing when it was on the road. Sadly as a young university student it was simply just too expensive to keep it on the road and parts were expensive here in Australia. Just grateful that I had the experience of owning one at least.
Another 90's car that's stood the test of time pretty well! Kids these days will claim anything that doesn't have "infotainment" or a rear backup camera is "so vintage."
2,3T in this body (9-3 model) was sold only as "Viggen" version. I had 2,0T SE Talladega with 185hp, it was enough. Later 9-3 model (same body as this one) in Aero variant (205hp) was the best one, the one to have, imho. A car of this class should give you the choice of a 6-cylinder engine, it was offered in BMW, Merc, even in Opel, why not SAAB?
Still don't understand why this car couldn't seem to make it...back in the day the 90's I honestly thought that it would be Audi that wouldn't make it up the ladder if one should fail, But Audi became exactly what I thought Saab would be
I was always a big fan of SAAB, I would like to have a three-door turbo version Saab 900 and the last convertible as well. But it had to be before GM ball the brand. I like the old school version because of the shape, wrap around front windshield, and large practicality. That side you can fit a refrigerator in the three door hatch or even a couch back there. I kind of believe it because of the size. But when GM bought SAAB it went down hill from there all the way to the 2008 recession, and it was obsolete.
Saabs were one of the most unique safest reliable cars of their time -of course it didn't help that GM got their dirty little grubby greedy hands on something and as we all know ruined everything they touched including their own products. When everything looks so cookie cutter across all lines Saabs and Volvos we're always something different something unique
SAAB's were never that reliable. My grandparents owned a dealership from the 70's to the end production and they kept several replacement long and short blocks transmissions ,both automatic and manual , and turbo assemblies. In fact the models developed under GM ownership were noticeably more reliable than when SAAB was independent.
@@williamegler8771 well I owned five of them in my lifetime and I never had any problems I guess I was just fortunate and or just took proper care of my cars
No they didn't, Saab was doomed before GM got their grubby hands on it, whilst they built class cars, they were also expensive and over engineered. The competition at the time were BMW, Audi and Mercedes, all of which produced cars that at the time were more desirable. It is sad to see them go, but they proved to be intransigent and refused to develop a more practical vehicle for the masses
My mom had a '94 5 door in the same color, though it had a tan cloth interior, 4 cyclinder/auto. It was reliable in the time she had other than going through 2 water pumps.
My friend had a V6 900 convertible. Ooh it was bad. Driving it felt like a heavy front end and rear end connected by corrugated metal. Not to mention the weak loud V6 with 30k timing belt intervals
the 4 cylinder non-turbo version of this car is rock solid reliable (I’ve owned 3 of them)
Yes non turbo 900 had one reliable like a Toyota
if its so reliable, why did you own 3?
@@alexander1485 the first one rusted out (expected in upstate NY after 25 years). The other 2 i still own and they run great.
@@alexander1485 Three great cars is better than one
Drove mine to over 200k
Saab has one of the best bucket seats ever
What a bold claim lol.
I just finished watching the video and it doesn't even have bucket seats lol.
Had!
@@basshead. ''A bucket seat is a car seat contoured to hold one person, distinct from a flat bench seat designed to fit multiple people. In its simplest form it is a rounded seat for one person with high sides, but may have curved sides that partially enclose and support the body.....'' source: wiki.
Saab 900S is best swedish car
This is often a poorly-remembered Saab but rather than looking at it as the beginning of the end, it's good to view it as a rough start to a worthwhile extension on life Saab might not otherwise have had. I don't think it and the first generation 9-3 have aged particularly well, but the three door versions do look decent.
Beginning of the end? Saab lasted 22 years past this model year. And the 9-3 got better and better during that time. This is a terrible assessment.
I have a 98 900 turbo with almost 300K miles on it. Another thing worth noting. The 2nd gen 900 was in development years before gm became 50% owner. When GM became part owner SAAB gained access to their chassis and was able to yank an opal chassis off the shelf, the car was originally slated to use a 9000 chassis. This is the very last SAAB designed and built BY SAAB before gm was intervening and trying to cut costs.
SAAB technician here by trade as well. Source for information was the book "SAAB 900 story"
It's also worth noting if GM hadn't bought 50% (with the agreement that they'd buy out the rest of SAAB automotive in 2000 if they didn't turn a profit) that SAAB would've died out in 1990. So hate all you want, but GM did keep SAAB alive for another 20 years.
I saw it as unrealistic expectations from both. GM thought they could make SAAB more mainstream and boost sales. SAAB thought they could have access to GM's money and research while continuing to do SAAB things the SAAB way.
I remember reading an article around the time GM was going to cut some brands. A SAAB executive said they should have known there were going to be problems when he compared notes from within the company. SAAB people used terms like "joining" or "merger with" in talking about GM. GM employees said "bought" and "owned".
I think there were similar problems when Chrysler and Mercedes joined. Despite the "Union of Equals" speeches, it became clear that Mercedes decided they were in charge from the beginning.
I've always loved this design. A handsome, clean, evolutionary design. A 5-door liftback body style is so much more practical than 4-door sedans. I don't know why Americans are so opposed to it. I never got the chance to own one, but if I could buy one new now, I'd highly consider it.
Saab 900S is 2.5 V6 170hp, 167 LB-Ft torque
We get charged more for them.
“its a turbo elaine! a turbo!!”
The washer fluid is NOT fine!
“The shifter is loose, have you been picking at it?”
3:41 Ha ha, I wish that 'Black Panel' switch was standard in today's cars, so we could dim those awful dashboard screens that seem to be everywhere.
A member of my family has an 07 9-3 aero. Very sweet ride…rides so well. I just love the many knob and button switches and controls😂
Real solid 0-60 n decent braking
These things are virtually extinct. What a shame.
i know... its really a shame, i drive one and it feels like i'm driving a gokart it's super fun. truly a collectors item, its an honor to drive such an awesome rare vehicle
Here in Finland, they are quite common and cost virtually nothing. I paid 650€ for mine, and only twice it left me in trouble when the coolant pipe erupted. I believe the reason for their cheap price is some of the common problems they have, which fail their annual checkup, and fixing them is relatively tedious or expensive. The speedometer being completely dark is one common issue, that can be hard to fix.
I like the way the Saab 900 NG looks. While the old 900 will always look timeless, I personally prefer the way this looks
For a moment I thought we were about to hear John Davis say “Quirks and Features”. I was thinking “Say it! Say Quirks and Features!”
lol
That comes with the double tshirts.
Ahh the SAAB, it was the ''alternative luxury car'' every yuppie would drive in the 80's and 90's.
Always wanted one, but couldn't afford one back than.
I miss my 2.3L 4 Cyl Red 900ng. Bought it off my father when I got my drivers licence and it was the best thing when it was on the road. Sadly as a young university student it was simply just too expensive to keep it on the road and parts were expensive here in Australia. Just grateful that I had the experience of owning one at least.
3:36 John: AS IS THE VERY SAAB FLOOR CENTER CONSOLE MOUNTED IGNITION LOCK! LOL
0 dislikes. apparently everyone love Saab!
Another 90's car that's stood the test of time pretty well! Kids these days will claim anything that doesn't have "infotainment" or a rear backup camera is "so vintage."
Proud 1994 Saab 900s Owner! 133,000 Miles & Counting!
Manual transmissions and actual colors to pick from!
GM destroyed sub brands like they always have.
Saab wasn’t a brand that needed to die
Very sad thing how they went out
A cool car brand
@@Butchcub75 Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Holden
@Butchcub75 thankfully Suzuki and Isuzu is doing just fine on the other side of the planet
Leave it to Government Motors to destroy good brands like Pontiac, Oldsmobile and Saab through its sorry top heavy corporate so called management
You’re right there…a quirky, unique brand diluted and then left for dead.
Love love love this car 🚙
GM buying Saab was a huge, fatal mistake. I am hoping someone will revive this iconic brand someday.
I had a ‘94 900S. Great car.
2.3T would be my first chioce. I don't know why they have made V6 when the 2.3T is quicker.
It wasn't an option in '94. The 2.0T or the N/A 2.3.
2,3T in this body (9-3 model) was sold only as "Viggen" version.
I had 2,0T SE Talladega with 185hp, it was enough.
Later 9-3 model (same body as this one) in Aero variant (205hp) was the best one, the one to have, imho.
A car of this class should give you the choice of a 6-cylinder engine, it was offered in BMW, Merc, even in Opel, why not SAAB?
Still don't understand why this car couldn't seem to make it...back in the day the 90's I honestly thought that it would be Audi that wouldn't make it up the ladder if one should fail, But Audi became exactly what I thought Saab would be
Now I want one
The 4-cylinder turbo was a much better motor than the V6.
I was always a big fan of SAAB, I would like to have a three-door turbo version Saab 900 and the last convertible as well. But it had to be before GM ball the brand. I like the old school version because of the shape, wrap around front windshield, and large practicality. That side you can fit a refrigerator in the three door hatch or even a couch back there. I kind of believe it because of the size. But when GM bought SAAB it went down hill from there all the way to the 2008 recession, and it was obsolete.
RIP Saab
Thanks again, GM
Had the 1995 3 door 2 ltr in black great car don't know why I let it go
Just watched a great review of an early nineties convertible on Curious Cars. Best car review channel on RUclips.
Saabs were one of the most unique safest reliable cars of their time -of course it didn't help that GM got their dirty little grubby greedy hands on something and as we all know ruined everything they touched including their own products. When everything looks so cookie cutter across all lines Saabs and Volvos we're always something different something unique
They weren't reliable just had issues
SAAB's were never that reliable.
My grandparents owned a dealership from the 70's to the end production and they kept several replacement long and short blocks transmissions ,both automatic and manual , and turbo assemblies.
In fact the models developed under GM ownership were noticeably more reliable than when SAAB was independent.
@@williamegler8771 well I owned five of them in my lifetime and I never had any problems I guess I was just fortunate and or just took proper care of my cars
5:04..........."Look, Junior, I expect this to be fixed with quality GM parts!"
The shifting feels "typically rubbery...but very precise?" Interesting description 😛
GM killed Saab...
No they didn't, Saab was doomed before GM got their grubby hands on it, whilst they built class cars, they were also expensive and over engineered.
The competition at the time were BMW, Audi and Mercedes, all of which produced cars that at the time were more desirable.
It is sad to see them go, but they proved to be intransigent and refused to develop a more practical vehicle for the masses
WOOO YEA BABY A 900 GM EDITION
gorgeous car
My mom had a '94 5 door in the same color, though it had a tan cloth interior, 4 cyclinder/auto. It was reliable in the time she had other than going through 2 water pumps.
Gm parts non withstanding.
I love how the exhaust shakes on take, almost like it will fall off ❤️ 😂
That’s how all cars are my guy
Never really got the appeal of Saab, but they were plenty driving around in the 80s and 90s. I never see them anymore even at cars and coffee.
Clearly, MotorWeek does not own a crystal ball. RIP Saab and thanks, GM. Well-honed twist beam?
Had a ‘96 900 SE Turbo. Least reliable car I ever owned. Still love Saabs tho!
damn I am thinking about buying the EXACT same model. I thought the 90s saabs were still very reliable :/
@@snufkinsnufkin2528own a 94 900s 2.3 4 cylinder convertible
100% reliable ❤
I wish someone would bring SAAB back with all of its quirks and features, but as a EV only
Wow that has got reliability!
Least reliable car Saab ever made. Ruined the brand's reputation in the home market.
@@jakobholgersson4400 Disagreed, the Saab is good reliability cars till round 2001.
@@fv7765
Not as good as Volvo was, not as good as older Saab were.
Model 9-5 entered the market already in 1998, iirc.
@@fv7765 Jakob was referring to this model and he is right,
the previous model SAAB's were reliable in comparison.
@@fv7765 ohh, and the reason why this change happened, many say because of GM ownership of SAAB, pre-GM ownersip of SAAB cars were GOAT.
I wish that black panel button would come back into vogue
Bring Saab back and also Oldsmobile and Pontiac.
Love my Saab. She’s getting old.
Saab
"Big loads go in the huge trunk!"
It almost looks like a mid-to-late 1990s Nissan Sentra with a hatch.
I can't get my head round, why GM would put a plastic gearknob and gaiter from an economy car, in an expensive flagship car with leather interior.
My first car in red
Had a new one of these after x3 900 classics that all went around the clock and some (company cars). It was fine but not as good as the 80s 900s.
HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DAY EVERYONE ✌️
You have an even better one! 🤠
saab forever
Yeah, that didn't last very long. GM totally destroyed the brand and then killed it.
Does anyone know what Saab stands for?
Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget, something like "Swedish Aeroplane Shareholdercompany". Many swedish companies end with AB, like german Gmbh.
Nice video
when SAAB's engine go from longitudinal to transverse, it marked the downfall. And it's when a SAAB is no longer a SAAB
LOL! " Tröllhat Tradition "
Give me this car with Apple/android CarPlay……….and I’m good to go.
My friend had a V6 900 convertible. Ooh it was bad. Driving it felt like a heavy front end and rear end connected by corrugated metal. Not to mention the weak loud V6 with 30k timing belt intervals
love how MW contradicts themself by saying GM's 900 is "still pure Saab" while also having a Vauxhall developed V6 motor
I like saab
Saab Still
I had a 95 900s convertible. Great car, but seriously Something Almost Always Breaks. Both axles snapped off at 140k.
It might have been a good car, but NO, it was not ever “pure Saab.”
They missed an opportunity to make the base price end in 94 for the '94 model year.
Nice saab
thanks GM for destroying Saab...
This was a biased review, forgot the MISSES.
Big loads go in the back.
Big loads go in the huge trunk......thats what she said
I owned a 96 900 and it was a great car. Check it out in my channel.
My dad had one for two years, and then it totally crapped out. Saabs were way cool, but their reliability was awful.
As soon as they said GM had something to do with the engine. pause trash
GM destroyed the Saab brand when they took over!🤮👎
It's okay, but I like the pre-GM SAAB cars better
I never really liked Saab I thought their cars were kind of ugly
This was the Model S before there was Tesla.
GM destroyed Saab. The 9-3/900 was the beginning of the end as quality became bad and there was too much rebadging by GM.
Performed terribly in the Euroncap safety ratings!!!!!
crappy but it could pass for a 2005 car
saab had the ugliest wheels
Saab not that good cars
You will never know how good a Saab is until you crashed one