Saab 900 second generation

Saab 900 second generation
Photo: Bene Riobó / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

The Saab 900 second generation (1994–1998): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 30 versions in the United States and Canada.

Model codes: GM2900

Dimensions, weights and capacity

SpecificationEuropeNorth AmericaWikipedia
Dimensions
Length4,640 mm RDW–4,637 mm
Width1,710 mm Traficom–1,711 mm
Height1,440 mm RDW–1,436 mm
Wheelbase2,600 mm RDW–2,600 mm
Front track1,446 mm ASTRA––
Rear track1,443 mm ASTRA––
Weights and towing
Kerb weight1,278–1,435 kg RDW––
Mass in running order1,378–1,535 kg RDW––
Gross vehicle weight1,770–1,870 kg RDW––
Towing, braked trailer1,600 kg RDW––
Towing, unbraked trailer500–727 kg RDW––
Seats and space
Seats4–5 RDW––
Doors2–4 RDW––
Luggage space (EPA)–368–680 L EPA–
Passenger space (EPA)–2,265–2,605 L EPA–
Performance
Top speed200–205 km/h RDW––
Torque177–227 Nm ASTRA––

Tyre sizes (most common first): 185/65R15, 195/60R15, 205/50R16

Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Wikipedia, Traficom type approvals (Finland), ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), US EPA fuel economy data. Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Reliability and owner reports

UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age

Age at testPass rateUK averageTests
13 years and older68.3% (66.1–70.4)69.2%1,815

What the MOT finds

AreaThis modelUK average, same ages
Brakes38.7%36.4%
Suspension36.6%41.6%
Body, chassis and structure30.4%18.6%
Lights and electrics30.2%28.8%
Tyres29.1%31.2%
Noise, emissions and leaks26.7%17.1%

First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)

Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)

193 complaints for model years 1995–1998. 7 crashes · 6 fires · 10 injuries

  • Electrical system 29
  • Transmission and drivetrain 25
  • Airbags 24

Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints

All 30 versions of the Saab 900 second generation

Show all 30 versions

United States 19 versions

Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.

Years and versionEngineFuelGearboxDriveConsumption (combined)CO₂
1998B204L3 FFS,TURBO, 2MODE2.0 LPetrol4-speed automaticFront-wheel drive19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA291 g/km
1998B204L3 FFS,TURBO, SIL2.0 LPetrol5-speed manualFront-wheel drive21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA263 g/km
1998B234I3, SIL2.0 LPetrol5-speed manualFront-wheel drive22 MPG (10.7 L/100 km) EPA251 g/km
1998B234I3, SIL2.3 LPetrol5-speed manualFront-wheel drive22 MPG (10.7 L/100 km) EPA251 g/km
1998B234I3, 2MODE2.3 LPetrol4-speed automaticFront-wheel drive20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA276 g/km
1997B204L3 (FFS,TRBO), 2MODE CLKUP2.0 LPetrol4-speed automaticFront-wheel drive19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA291 g/km
1997B204L3 (FFS,TRBO), SIL2.0 LPetrol5-speed manualFront-wheel drive20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA276 g/km
1994–1997(FFS) · (FFS), SIL · B234I3 (FFS), SIL and 1 more trim2.3 LPetrol5-speed manualFront-wheel drive21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA263 g/km
1997B234I3 (FFS), 2MODE CLKUP2.3 LPetrol4-speed automaticFront-wheel drive20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA276 g/km
1996–1997B258I3 (FFS), 2MODE CLKUP · B258I3 (FFS), 2MODE CLKUP2.5 LPetrol4-speed automaticFront-wheel drive19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA291 g/km
1996B204L3 (FFS,TRBO), 2MODE CLKUP2.0 LPetrol4-speed automaticFront-wheel drive18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA307 g/km
1996B204L3 (FFS,TRBO), SIL2.0 LPetrol5-speed manualFront-wheel drive20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA276 g/km
1996B234I3 (FFS), 2MODE CLKUP2.3 LPetrol4-speed automaticFront-wheel drive19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA291 g/km
1995(FFS,TRBO), SIL2.0 LPetrol5-speed manualFront-wheel drive20–21 MPG (11.2–11.8 L/100 km) EPA263–276 g/km
1995(FFS)2.3 LPetrol4-speed automaticFront-wheel drive20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA276 g/km
1994–1995(FFS)2.5 LPetrol5-speed manualFront-wheel drive19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA291 g/km
1995(FFS)2.5 LPetrol4-speed automaticFront-wheel drive20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA276 g/km
1994(FFS), 2MODE CLKUP FW2.3 LPetrol4-speed automaticFront-wheel drive19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA291 g/km
1994(FFS), 2MODE CLKUP FW2.5 LPetrol4-speed automaticFront-wheel drive19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA291 g/km

Canada 11 versions

Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).

Years and versionEngineFuelGearboxConsumption (combined)CO₂
1997–1998Mid-size2.0 LPetrol4-speed automatic12.5–13.0 L/100 km 5-cycle288–299 g/km
1998Mid-size2.0 LPetrol5-speed manual11.5 L/100 km 5-cycle265 g/km
1997–1998Mid-size2.3 LPetrol4-speed automatic11.6–11.8 L/100 km 5-cycle267–271 g/km
1997–1998Mid-size2.3 LPetrol5-speed manual11.1–11.4 L/100 km 5-cycle255–262 g/km
1995–1997Mid-size · Subcompact2.0 LPetrol5-speed manual11.6–11.8 L/100 km 5-cycle267–271 g/km
1997Mid-size2.5 LPetrol4-speed automatic12.3 L/100 km 5-cycle283 g/km
1995–1996Mid-size · Subcompact2.3 LPetrol4-speed automatic11.6–12.1 L/100 km 5-cycle267–278 g/km
1995–1996Mid-size · Subcompact2.3 LPetrol5-speed manual11.2–11.9 L/100 km 5-cycle258–274 g/km
1995–1996Mid-size · Subcompact2.5 LPetrol4-speed automatic11.8–12.2 L/100 km 5-cycle271–281 g/km
1995Mid-size · Subcompact2.0 LPetrol4-speed automatic12.6 L/100 km 5-cycle290 g/km
1995Mid-size · Subcompact2.5 LPetrol5-speed manual12.5 L/100 km 5-cycle288 g/km

Similar models from other brands

Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.