Saab 96

Advantages: Solid, well built, safe
Disadvantages: Boring

...What is the fixation with SAAB and the number 9? For the last 30 years all their cars have had the number 9 in them, we have had, that I can recall, the 95, 96, the 900, the 9000, and lately the 9-3 and 9-5. They must have the most unimaginative car naming department in the entire global motor industry. But what about the cars themselves. I have recently been driving a SAAB 9-3 turbodiesel. The car has a 2.2 litre diesel engine which knocks out about 115bhp. This is a good figure for such a diesel but whilst it competes on power at the level of a Passat or 406 or Laguna it always seems Saab see their product a little higher up the automotive pecking order than this. Saab are of course owned by GM these days and if you wanted a mid-range car there is the Vectra. The standard equipment on the basic Saab is quite low eg no remote locking... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Comfortable, supposedly reliable, cheap 2nd hand
Disadvantages: Unreliable, boring to drive, expensive to fix

...Bought a 1998 Saab 9-5 with 90k miles and FSSH, expecting a few years of cheap motoring. The car has good specification inc. leather, climate control, electric windows, heated seat etc. Very good on motorways, comfotable seats and plenty of space. Until the failures it was a safe and comfortable car to own. The bad news is that despite maintaining a full service record, within 5k the Turbo blew which was £1200 to repair at Saab and 2 year later the big end bearing has gone (apparently quite a common failure). This is much more expensive as the engine needs replacing. The SID panel on the centre console is also unreliable and prone to failure, this is a common failing with Saabs. As such I am extremely unsatisfied with the Saab 9-5 and will never consider purchasing a Saab again.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Safe, reliable, quirky design, all mod cons
Disadvantages: heavy, expesive repairs, high fuel consumption

...SAAB 900 - you either love 'em or you hate 'em. I have always loved them and last year I got the opportunity to buy a second hand 1998 S model. The main thing to check on a used SAAB 900 is the gear box as they wear quickly and repair or replacement is costly. Other than that they are very well built cars with quality engines that can do well over 200,000 miles with regular servicing. My model is the 2.0L with electric windows, cd, dual airbags, air-con and power steering. The on board computer informs me of any problems such as low windscreen washer fluid and the seats are the most comftable of any car I've driven. Finnaly I like my Saab because they are unusual and stylish. A bit like me.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful