Against 241 other 4-cyl cars rated 1996–1998, the 900 trails their 24.8 mpg average by 2.8 mpg, about $197 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 2L 4-cyl (1984–1998), does 21.3 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.5L 6-cyl (1994–1997), 19.3: $187 a year apart.
Every Saab 900 engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 18.6 / 25.8 | 1984–1998 | $1,803 | |
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 18 / 26 | 1994–1997 | $1,829 | |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 17 / 23.3 | 1994–1997 | $1,990 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Audi A4 gets 21.7 mpg, the Volkswagen Jetta 28.3 mpg and the Subaru Legacy 23.3 mpg, next to 22 mpg for the 1998 900.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1998) | $0.145 |
| Fuel per year | $1,745 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,725 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1996–1998 | +$197 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,992 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1998 Saab 900 gives up 6 mpg in town: 26 on the highway against 20 in the city, $443 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1998) | 20 mpg | $1,920 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 26 mpg | $1,477 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +6 mpg (30%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the 900 changed over the years
The 900 peaked in 1998 at 22 mpg (20 city, 26 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1997 at 20 — 2 mpg apart, or $175 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1998 model gains 2 mpg against 20 for the 1997, with 1 version instead of 2.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 20 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1997 | 17.5 / 24.5 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 1996 | 17.5 / 24.5 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 1995 | 17.5 / 25 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 1994 | 17.5 / 24.5 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 1993 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1992 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1991 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1990 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1989 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1988 | 19 / 25 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1987 | 18 / 24 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1986 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1985 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1984 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
- Fuel profile built from your actual mileage and local prices
- Fuel tracker: what you really spend, month by month
- Insurance and fuel folded into 5-year cost to own
- Compare any two cars on total cost, not sticker price
- No ads, no tracking — and much more
How we count
This page rests on 19 EPA ratings of the Saab 900 — 3 engines across 1984–1998. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,992. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1998 Saab 900 get?
22 mpg combined, 20 city and 26 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the 900 has averaged 20.8 mpg.
Is the 1998 900 more efficient than the 1997?
Yes: 22 against 20 mpg combined, about $175 a year less to run.
Which 900 year has the best gas mileage?
The 1998, at 22 mpg combined (20 city, 26 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the 900 get better gas mileage than the Audi A4?
About the same: 22 mpg for the 1998 900 against 21.7 for the 1999 Audi A4.
Mark ForCar as a preferred source and our data shows up first in your Google results. One click, no account.