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Photo of a Saab 900

Saab 900

Researched October 30, 2026 from 39 sources

Also called

  • Classic 900Fans use it for the original 900 to distinguish it from the later version.1
  • Flat nosesPre-facelift cars were named for the look of their front headlamps.2
  • SPGAn affectionate name for the 900 Turbo three-door with the Special Performance Group package.3
  • BumblebeeOwners' nickname for Monte Carlo Yellow Saab convertibles.4

At a glance

0100200
98.6–192 hpPower
0125250
182–230 km/hTop speed
0150300
167–286 N·mTorque
07501,500
1,265–1,438 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.4514151617

Layout
Front-wheel drive; Classic longitudinal, new 900 transverse510
Gearbox
Classic: 4/5-speed manual or 3-speed auto; new: 5-speed manual, auto, Sensonic51013
Built at
Trollhättan/Arlöv/Malmö, Sweden; Saab-Valmet, Uusikaupunki, Finland5
Units built
Classic: 908,817 total, including 48,888 convertibles6

The story

1978: May debut for the 1979 90019781982: Per Gillbrand's knock-sensing APC19821983: Frankfurt previews the convertible19831984: Europe gets the Turbo 1619841987: The Classic gets its sloping nose19871993: Two 900 generations share the stage19931995: Sensonic reaches Turbo buyers19951996: 40,000 km at 226.45 km/h19961998: Australia hands over to the 9-31998 Saab 92: From 1949Saab 92Saab 93: 1955–1960Saab 96: 1960–1980Saab 96Saab 99: 1968–1984Saab 99Saab 900 Classic: 1978–1993; convertible to 1994Saab 900 ClassicSaab 900 NG (NG): 1993–1997NGSaab 9-3 (900-derived): 1998–2002; convertible to 2003 19501960197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones589101220222324
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
From 1949Saab 92
1955–1960Saab 93
1960–1980Saab 96
1968–1984Saab 99
1978–1993; convertible to 1994Saab 900 Classic
1993–1997Saab 900 NG (NG)
1998–2002; convertible to 2003Saab 9-3 (900-derived)
1978May debut for the 1979 900
1982Per Gillbrand's knock-sensing APC
1983Frankfurt previews the convertible
1984Europe gets the Turbo 16
1987The Classic gets its sloping nose
1993Two 900 generations share the stage
1995Sensonic reaches Turbo buyers
199640,000 km at 226.45 km/h
1998Australia hands over to the 9-3
  1. 1978

    May debut for the 1979 900

    European launch engines spanned GL (99 hp), GLs (106 hp), injected EMS/GLE (116 hp) and Turbo (143 hp), all in three- or five-door hatchbacks.5

  2. 1982

    Per Gillbrand's knock-sensing APC

    The 900 Turbo gained Automatic Performance Control, adjusting boost to suit fuel quality so different gasoline grades could be used.67

  3. 1983

    Frankfurt previews the convertible

    A white prototype won public support at Frankfurt. Production followed at Saab-Valmet's Uusikaupunki factory in early 1986.58

  4. 1984

    Europe gets the Turbo 16

    The intercooled, twin-cam 16-valve engine delivered 173 hp; the Turbo 16 Aero's body kit helped it reach 210 km/h.5

  5. 1987

    The Classic gets its sloping nose

    A new grille and headlights joined revised bumpers, with a spoiler integrated into the front bumper.6

  6. 1993

    Two 900 generations share the stage

    The Opel Vectra/Calibra-based second generation arrived, while Classic convertibles carried on as 1994 models.359

  7. 1995

    Sensonic reaches Turbo buyers

    The 185 hp Turbo paired twin balance shafts with Trionic control; optional Sensonic kept the gearstick but removed the clutch pedal.1011

  8. 1996

    40,000 km at 226.45 km/h

    Six 900s tackled Talladega in October; the fastest Turbo averaged 226.45 km/h over 40,000 km.10

  9. 1998

    Australia hands over to the 9-3

    June's 9-3 facelift brought quicker steering, reinforced rack mounts, revised front suspension and active head restraints.12

Every generation

  • Saab 92
    Saab 92From 1949
  • Saab 93
    Saab 931955–1960
  • Saab 96
    Saab 961960–1980
  • Saab 99
    Saab 991968–1984
  • Saab 900 Classic
    Saab 900 Classic1978–1993; convertible to 1994
  • Saab 900 NG
    NG1993–1997
  • Saab 9-3 (900-derived)
    Saab 9-3 (900-derived)1998–2002; convertible to 2003

Power over the years

From 99 hp to 192 hp in 18 years.

050100150200 1980198519901995 hp 1979 · 99 hp · GL, Europe1979 · 143 hp · Turbo, Europe1984 · 173 hp · Turbo 16, Europe1986 · 125 hp · 900S 16V, US1986 · 153 hp · Turbo 8V, Europe, no catalyst1987 · 165 hp · SPG, US1989 · 126 hp · 900i 16, Europe1990 · 139 hp · Low-pressure Turbo, Europe1991 · 140 hp · 900/900S 2.1, US1993 · 185 hp · Turbo Commemorative Coupe, US1995 · 185 hp · 900SE Turbo1997 · 192 hp · 900SE Turbo, optional exhaust 192 hp 900SE Turbo, optional exhaust 99 hp GL, Europe
3456111418
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
197999GL, Europe
1979143Turbo, Europe
1984173Turbo 16, Europe
1986125900S 16V, US
1986153Turbo 8V, Europe, no catalyst
1987165SPG, US
1989126900i 16, Europe
1990139Low-pressure Turbo, Europe
1991140900/900S 2.1, US
1993185Turbo Commemorative Coupe, US
1995185900SE Turbo
1997192900SE Turbo, optional exhaust

Versions

12 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • GL / GLS / EMS / GLE

    Standard

    GL / GLS / EMS / GLE

    1979

  • 900 S / SE (second generation)

    Standard

    900 S / SE (second generation)

    1994–1997

  • Turbo 16S / Aero / SPG

    Performance

    Turbo 16S / Aero / SPG

  • Special

    Talladega

    1997

  • Special

    50th Anniversary 'Bumblebee' Convertible

    1997

  • Special

    Springtime in Sweden Turbo Convertible

    1988

  • Limited

    Carlsson

    185 hp
  • Ruby

    Limited

    Ruby

    185 hp
  • Finlandia / 900 CD

    Special

    Finlandia / 900 CD

  • Limited

    Turbo Commemorative Edition Convertible (US)

    1994

    185 hp

    500 built

  • Turbo Commemorative Edition Coupe (US)

    Limited

    Turbo Commemorative Edition Coupe (US)

    1993

    185 hp

  • Limited

    Monte Carlo Yellow Turbo Convertible

    1991

    300 built

How to spot one

Look for

  • Classic: a deeply curved windshield wraps around the cabin.5
  • Classic hatchbacks: long, sloping rear bodywork.25
  • Classic: the clamshell hood extends over the front wheelarches.51420
  • Second generation: a trapezoid-shaped grille.9
  • Second generation: a tall tail framed by broad C-pillars.9

Year by year

  1. 1980

    Double rear-light clusters replace the earlier lamps; the Turbo-style grille spreads across the range.35

  2. 1981–1984

    A four-door sedan joins for 1981; the two-door sedan follows in January 1984.5

  3. 1986–1987

    1986 adds side repeaters. Most 1987 cars gain a sloping nose and integrated bumpers; base two- and four-door cars keep the old front.356

  4. 1992

    Turbos gain asymmetric three-spoke alloys; S models get 15-spoke alloys. Convertible rear spoilers wrap forward to the A-pillars.3

  5. 1996

    Second generation: a revised decorative panel sits between the taillights.10

  6. 1997

    Second generation: revised wheels leave the lug nuts exposed.4

Don’t confuse it with

  • Saab 99

    The 900's longer nose is the giveaway; early hatchbacks share the 99 Combi Coupé's middle and rear body.5

  • Saab 9-3

    Look for the 9-3's 9-5-style grille and body-color panel between the taillights when comparing with the second-generation 900.12

Against its rivals

  • BMW 325i

    900 vs BMW 325i

    Skidpad grip

    9000.8 g
    BMW 325i0.8 g
    9

  • 900 vs VW Golf VR6 three-door

    Price lower is better

    90021,895 £
    VW Golf VR6 three-door18,190 £
    16

Prices

Value today $4.7K–$25.3K2930

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K 1990200020102020 Value today: $4,650–$25,250 1985 · $18,150 · US Turbo 3-door, base1993 · $32,605 · US Turbo Commemorative coupe1994 · $20,990 · US S 5-door, base1994 · $26,990 · US SE 5-door, base1994 · $33,275 · US S convertible, base1994 · $38,415 · US Turbo convertible, base1994 · $40,415 · US Turbo Commemorative convertible 1985 · $18,150 · US Turbo three-door base, 1985 model year 2015 · $4,400 · 1991 Turbo convertible, Fort Lauderdale2020 · $5,500 · 1997 Turbo convertible, Auburn Fall2023 · $17,250 · 1985 Turbo sedan, 93,000 miles, Bring a Trailer2023 · $12,250 · 1988 SPG, 193,000 miles, Bring a Trailer2023 · $8,750 · 1993 S hatchback, 136,000 miles, Bring a Trailer2024 · $25,900 · 1993 900 Turbo Commemorative Edition, 140k miles, BaT2024 · $10,500 · 1980 900 EMS 4-Speed, 68k miles shown, TMU, BaT2024 · $13,000 · 1993 900 S Hatchback, 55k miles, BaT2025 · $4,650 · 1996 SE Turbo automatic, 60k miles shown, BaT2025 · $6,600 · 1988 900 Turbo Convertible, 93k miles, BaT2026 · $6,500 · 1979 Turbo five-door, 74k miles shown, BaT2026 · $25,250 · 1986 Turbo SPG, mileage unknown, BaT2026 · $18,500 · 1988 900 Turbo SPG 5-Speed, 156k miles, BaT2026 · $4,600 · 1998 900 SE Turbo Convertible 5-Speed, 119k miles, BaT2026 · $3,250 · 1995 900 S, 132k miles, BaT $25.9K BaT, 2024
13141518282930313233343536373839
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1985Launch price$18,150US Turbo three-door base, 1985 model year
1985Price when new$18,150US Turbo 3-door, base
1993Price when new$32,605US Turbo Commemorative coupe
1994Price when new$20,990US S 5-door, base
1994Price when new$26,990US SE 5-door, base
1994Price when new$33,275US S convertible, base
1994Price when new$38,415US Turbo convertible, base
1994Price when new$40,415US Turbo Commemorative convertible
2015Auction sale$4,4001991 Turbo convertible, Fort Lauderdale
2020Auction sale$5,5001997 Turbo convertible, Auburn Fall
2023Auction sale$17,2501985 Turbo sedan, 93,000 miles, Bring a Trailer
2023Auction sale$12,2501988 SPG, 193,000 miles, Bring a Trailer
2023Auction sale$8,7501993 S hatchback, 136,000 miles, Bring a Trailer
2024Auction sale$25,9001993 900 Turbo Commemorative Edition, 140k miles, BaT
2024Auction sale$10,5001980 900 EMS 4-Speed, 68k miles shown, TMU, BaT
2024Auction sale$13,0001993 900 S Hatchback, 55k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$4,6501996 SE Turbo automatic, 60k miles shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$6,6001988 900 Turbo Convertible, 93k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$6,5001979 Turbo five-door, 74k miles shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$25,2501986 Turbo SPG, mileage unknown, BaT
2026Auction sale$18,5001988 900 Turbo SPG 5-Speed, 156k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$4,6001998 900 SE Turbo Convertible 5-Speed, 119k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$3,2501995 900 S, 132k miles, BaT
2026Value today$4,650–$25,250

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 12 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “40 FIA records at Talladega”
    • “900 Turbos raced on slicks in Britain”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 7 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 39 sources
  1. Hardcore Saab Fans Love 'Drive My Car' Too | GQ gq.com
  2. How to buy a classic Saab 900 | Lancaster Insurance lancasterinsurance.co.uk
  3. Saab 900 History - Saabnet.com saabnet.com
  4. Tested: 1997 Saab 900SE Turbo Convertible Dresses Up caranddriver.com
  5. Saab 900 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  6. Saab 900 model-year changes — The Saab Museum saabmuseum.com
  7. Saab 900 Turbo APC — 1983 on Bilweb Auctions bilwebauctions.se
  8. Designarkisto - Suomalaisen teollisen muotoilun verkkonäyttely elka.fi
  9. Tested: 1994 Saab 900SE Is No Swedish Skylark caranddriver.com
  10. Saab 900 (1994–97) model-year changes — The Saab Museum saabmuseum.com
  11. 1995 Saab 900SE Turbo Test: Handle with Care caranddriver.com
  12. Buying a used Saab 900/9-3 (1993-2002) - carsales.com.au carsales.com.au
  13. Saab for 1994: Pricing - Saabnet.com saabnet.com
  14. What to Buy: 1979–1993 Saab 900 caranddriver.com
  15. 1985 Saab 900 Turbo Test: Replacement for Displacement caranddriver.com
  16. The Independent Road Test: Turbo pioneer thrives on pressure: Saab was the first company in Europe to mass-produce turbocharged cars, and remains committed to them. Roger Bell drives its latest 900 SE the-independent.com
  17. Saab 900 Buyer's Guide - Goodwood Classic Solutions insurance.goodwood.com
  18. Saab Commemorative Editions saabce.com
  19. This Saab 900 Turbo Aero Is A Piece Of Sweden's Eden - Petrolicious petrolicious.com
  20. Saab 99 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  21. SAAB Commemorative Editions saabce.com
  22. Saab 92 history — The Saab Museum saabmuseum.com
  23. Saab 93 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  24. Saab 96 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  25. Saab Turbo Mobil Challenge - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  26. Saab 900 - Talladega Challenge - Motorsport Feature - European Car - Motor Trend Magazine motortrend.com
  27. 007`s SAAB 900 Turbo - MI6 - MI6-HQ.com mi6-hq.com
  28. 1991 Saab 900 Convertible | Fort Lauderdale 2015 | RM Sotheby's rmsothebys.com
  29. No Reserve: 1996 Saab 900 SE Turbo for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $4,650 on October 16, 2025 (Lot #215,129) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. No Reserve: 1986 Saab 900 Turbo SPG for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $25,250 on May 16, 2026 (Lot #242,896) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. 1997 Saab 900 Turbo Convertible | Auburn Fall 2020 | RM Sotheby's rmsothebys.com
  32. No Reserve: 1979 Saab 900 Turbo Hatchback 4-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,500 on March 3, 2026 (Lot #232,019) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. 1988 Saab 900 Turbo SPG 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $18,500 on October 14, 2026 (Lot #268,396) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. No Reserve: 26-Years-Family-Owned 1998 Saab 900 SE Turbo Convertible 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $4,600 on August 20, 2026 (Lot #258,857) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. No Reserve: Original-Owner 1995 Saab 900 S for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $3,250 on January 25, 2026 (Lot #227,698) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. 1988 Saab 900 Turbo for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,600 on September 10, 2025 (Lot #209,315) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  37. 1993 Saab 900 Turbo Commemorative Edition for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $25,900 on November 18, 2024 (Lot #171,049) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  38. 1980 Saab 900 EMS 4-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $10,500 on August 12, 2024 (Lot #158,090) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  39. 1993 Saab 900 S Hatchback for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,000 on April 6, 2024 (Lot #142,374) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • gq.com
  • lancasterinsurance.co.uk
  • saabnet.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • saabmuseum.com
  • bilwebauctions.se
  • elka.fi
  • carsales.com.au
  • the-independent.com
  • insurance.goodwood.com
  • saabce.com
  • petrolicious.com
  • motortrend.com

Photo credits

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