Saab 900
19.8 MPG The 1997 Saab 900 is EPA-rated at 19.8 MPG combined (17.2 city / 24.6 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 758 gallons, $2424 a year in fuel, or $0.162 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1984–1997 run it averages 19.7 MPG, essentially flat across 14 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.126 | $1263 | $1894 | $2525 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.152 | $1515 | $2273 | $3030 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.162 | $1616 | $2424 | $3232 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.177 | $1768 | $2652 | $3535 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.202 | $2020 | $3030 | $4040 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.227 | $2273 | $3409 | $4545 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.253 | $2525 | $3788 | $5051 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 19.8 MPG | 17.2 | 24.6 | $3150 | 449 | 5 |
| 1996 | 19.4 MPG | 16.6 | 24.4 | $3220 | 459 | 5 |
| 1995 | 20.2 MPG | 17.4 | 25 | $3080 | 441 | 5 |
| 1994 | 19.5 MPG | 17 | 24 | $3213 | 457 | 4 |
| 1993 | 19.6 MPG | 17.4 | 23.2 | $3320 | 456 | 5 |
| 1992 | 19.8 MPG | 17.5 | 23 | $3163 | 451 | 4 |
| 1991 | 20 MPG | 17.8 | 23.6 | $3270 | 447 | 5 |
| 1990 | 20.5 MPG | 18 | 24.3 | $3292 | 436 | 6 |
| 1989 | 20.4 MPG | 18.2 | 24 | $3220 | 439 | 5 |
| 1988 | 19.9 MPG | 18.1 | 22.9 | $3243 | 450 | 7 |
| 1987 | 19.4 MPG | 17.6 | 22.3 | $3314 | 459 | 7 |
| 1986 | 19.2 MPG | 17.6 | 22.6 | $3250 | 465 | 5 |
| 1985 | 18.8 MPG | 16.8 | 22.3 | $3338 | 477 | 4 |
| 1984 | 19.3 MPG | 17 | 22.8 | $3238 | 464 | 8 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 227 compact cars models tracked here, the Saab 900 ranks 187 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: BMW 325xi (20), BMW 330xi (20), BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe (20), Cadillac CT4 V (20), Infiniti G35 (20).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 449 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.7 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Saab 900 get?
The 1997 Saab 900 is rated at 19.8 MPG combined by the EPA — 17.2 city and 24.6 highway. Across all 14 model years in the database it averages 19.7 MPG, ranging from 17 to 22 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Saab 900 cost in fuel per year?
At 19.8 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 758 gallons — roughly $2424 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.162 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1997 model is $3150.
Has the Saab 900 become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 19.8 MPG today against 19.3 in 1984 — essentially flat across 14 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Saab 900 efficient for its class?
It ranks 187 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 6.8 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.