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4.4 Overall rating

(23 reviews)

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Jim L

4.0

Reviewed a 1996 Saab 2 Dr S Hatchback on Dec 1, 2007

This Swede certainly knows how to make someone happy! It's the first time I've owned, or indeed driven, a Saab. After doing my research on the NG (new generation) 900 coupe, I found that it's a Vauxhall (opal) Vectra... But, I'm not deterred, not one bit. The seats are an absolute joy to sit in, very comfortable. The controls are right at hand and the instrument cluster is very clear to read, thanks to the 'black panel' Only the lights that need your attention show up! The engine, is one of the best things about this car. Very very smooth, thanks to double balance shafts and timing chain, yup. A chain! it revs freely all the way up to its 6200 red line. Fuel consumption is OK, but not fantastic. But a car this size and weight, with a 2 liter engine.. I'm still trying to get used to the keys having to go behind the gear lever! Another Saab doing to stop broken knee caps in the event of an accident, as well as stop hot wiring! Safety wise, you could not ask for more in a base model car. Twin air bags, ABS, belt pretensioner, anti-submarine seats. But Saab are world renowned for their safety. This is a car you feel safe in, very safe. This car has road presence. People do not want to mess with these things. On driving, I am still trying to get over how quiet it is. It's very easy to get speed behind you without you realising. Round town, refined, easy to park, light and airy inside. On the motorway, it could sit happily at 80mph, if not more, all day.

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Aaron B

3.0

Reviewed a 1996 Saab 4 Dr SE Turbo Hatchback on Jul 22, 2009

The performance of this car is outstanding for what it is. With the 2.0L 4cyl engine with a turbo, this thing really gets up and goes, and can get around 30 mpg doing it. The looks of this car make it a sleeper of sorts, because it doesnt look like its fast, in fact, it looks more like a mid 40 something person would drive it. The design however, in my opinion, is more for utility than sheer beauty. The hatchback can swallow an incredible amount of cargo. On top of that, the car is loaded with just about everything you could want from a power moonroof, heated leather seats, 6 speaker sound system and just about power everything else. This car is immensely fun to drive, both because of the powerplant and the 5 speed transmission. As with any twelve year old car however, there have been problems, but again that comes with the territory of owning a used car. Saabs have a good reputation of lasting forever if well taken care of.

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Tomasz G

5.0

Reviewed a 1996 Saab 4 Dr SE Turbo Hatchback on Nov 11, 2008

The most beautiful car ever built. Maybe on level terms with the classic SAAB 900 or 9000. With 250 HP 390 NM it really does give pleasure from simply driving it around the block. It's a great car for a great price. Why drive a car when you can pilot a SAAB? :)

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David B

4.0

Reviewed a 1996 Saab 4 Dr S Hatchback on Jul 2, 2008

I love everything about this car. For a non-turbo, it's still a blast to drive. It get's phenominal gas mileage even with my foot in the engine and is one of the most comfortable cars I've owned. Saab being a nightmare to work on is a load of crude. I'll work on my Saab over a domestic any day. My next one will have a turbo.

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