The Saabs from Sweden always have been among the most distinctive cars traveling America's highways. There are just enough of them on the road - about 26,000 were sold in the United States in 1990 - and they last long enough so that their unusual sloping frames are immediately recognizable.
Of course, Saab only changes looks every half-century or so, so maybe that's why they seem so familiar.Actually, the Saab 9000, which was introduced in 1985, looks downright modern. But we're here today to talk about the Saab 900S, part of a line that came out in 1978 when Bjorn Borg was beating Jimmy Connors at Wimbledon.
I'd guess that most Americans who buy Saabs don't do it for the sheet metal. Instead, they consider safety, durability and European cachet, and Saab scores well on those points.
Safety may be factor No. 1 among Saab buyers. The Highway Loss Date Institute recently reported that the Saab 900 four-door sedan had the lowest overall injury rate of any car in its size category. The 900S, which is just an entry-level 900 with more whistles and bells, comes standard with driver's-side air bags and anti-lock brakes. Alloy wheels, power mirrors, a sunroof, power windows, leather seats, fog lamps and cruise control are part of the 900S package.
For 1991, shoppers will find a new 140-horsepower, 2.1-liter naturally aspirated engine. Other new features are a headlight wiper-washer system and redesigned front seats.
Saab increased its prices on June 1. The 900S now has a suggested retail price of $23,895.
Here's our report:
THE RIDE: We took this car everywhere, from Modesto, Calif., to Monterey, Calif., covering nearly 600 miles in a week. It's a vehicle with a smooth, solid feel. The shifting has been improved from previous models. Front seating is comfortable, and the thick, rubber rim of the steering wheel feels good in the hands. Once at highway speed, the 900S likes to run. But it was a fairly slow accelerator through the early gears.
THE LOOK: Saab continues to produce these very distinctive cars. I keep wavering back and forth as I try to decide whether they look classy or just odd. The light blue test vehicle really looked great on sunny days.
INSIDE: The interior of the 900S had a dated look. Open the door and you could be stepping into a 20-year-old car. The doors and handles look rather cheap, and the armrests are too narrow. The seats are firm and comfortable, if slightly hard to adjust. Headrests are found in front and back. And there's plenty of room all around.