Saab 900 1986–1993 car dimensions: 4686 mm long, 1690 mm wide and 1420 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,205 kg. Braked towing is 900 kg.
The cabin is driver-focused with instruments angled toward the driver and the ignition switch between the seats. Heated front seats come on S and Turbo grades. Air conditioning is standard on US models with manual fan, temperature and distribution controls plus a recirculation switch. Cruise control is standard on S and Turbo models. No electronic driver aids appear in the equipment lists.
The 5-door liftback offers 600 litres with seats up. Fold the rear seat for 1600 litres of flat load space. The large hatch opens from bumper level for easy access.
Maximum trailer weight is 900 kg braked or 450 kg unbraked. A factory tow hitch option mounts to existing bolt holes. Payload is listed at 422 kg. The SPG grade adds firmer springs, dampers and anti-roll bars for heavier loads.
The cabin offers orthopaedically designed front seats with built-in electric heaters that warm automatically and a rheostat for the driver's seat on higher models. Seats adjust for legroom, height and slope on the driver side, with reclining backrests and height-adjustable head restraints. A flow-through ventilation system with pollen filter, air conditioning and adjustable panel vents keeps the interior comfortable. Higher trims add leather upholstery, power windows, central locking and an electric sliding steel sunroof. The layout puts controls within easy reach with aircraft-inspired ergonomics, and the five-door liftback provides room for passengers plus versatile cargo space.
Fuel tank holds 16.6 US gallons. later models enlarge to 18 gallons.
Use unleaded gasoline of 87 octane or higher. premium recommended for some turbo models.
Engine oil and filter change every 7,500 miles on naturally aspirated models, every 3,750 miles on turbos.
Three-point safety belts at all outboard positions with seat belt reminder.
Driver-side airbag and ABS become standard from 1990.
Doors include impact beams. collapsible steering column and strong roof pillars for crash protection.
The car runs on unleaded gasoline. The fuel tank capacity is listed as 16.6 US gallons on earlier examples in this generation, with an increase to 18 gallons on 1990 and later cars. A low-fuel warning light activates when roughly 1.8 gallons remain. Some turbo versions call for higher-octane premium fuel.
Scheduled maintenance includes engine oil and filter changes at the intervals noted above, with more frequent service under severe conditions such as short trips or extreme temperatures. An exhaust system maintenance reminder light appears every 30,000 miles on certain engines. Authorized dealers handle the full service program covering filters, belts and other items.
Safety equipment centers on three-point belts for outboard seats, adjustable head restraints and a reminder system. From 1990 onward every model adds a driver-side airbag and anti-lock brakes. The body uses thicker steel, door impact beams that keep doors closed yet operable after a 30 mph impact, a collapsible steering column and roof pillars strong enough for rollover protection. The design meets or exceeds period collision standards including offset frontal tests.
Keeping the car involves regular oil changes to protect the timing chain and turbo where fitted, plus attention to common wear items such as seat foam, headliner and leather if equipped. Parts remain available through specialists. The front-wheel-drive layout and solid build support high mileage when serviced on schedule.
Length 4686 mm, Width 1690 mm, Height 1420 mm, Wheelbase 2517 mm (900 1986–1993)
Sources: manufacturer data, Wikipedia, 1988 Saab brochure excerpts and Autocentrum.