Saab 900 Convertible
19.8 MPG The 1997 Saab 900 Convertible 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 1987–1997 run it averages 19.4 MPG, improving by 0.8 MPG over 9 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 MPG | 17.4 | 24.6 | $3110 | 445 | 5 |
| 1992 | 18.8 MPG | 17 | 22 | $3325 | 476 | 4 |
| 1991 | 19 MPG | 17 | 22 | $3300 | 473 | 2 |
| 1990 | 19 MPG | 17.5 | 23 | $3300 | 473 | 2 |
| 1989 | 20 MPG | 17.5 | 23 | $3150 | 449 | 2 |
| 1988 | 20 MPG | 18.5 | 22 | $3125 | 445 | 2 |
| 1987 | 19 MPG | 17 | 21.5 | $3275 | 469 | 2 |
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 229 subcompact cars models tracked here, the Saab 900 Convertible ranks 169 on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Audi RS 5 (20), BMW 325i Convertible (20), BMW 325i/325is (20), BMW 650i Convertible (20), Chevrolet Cavalier Convertible (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 Convertible get?
The 1997 Saab 900 Convertible is rated at 19.8 MPG combined by the EPA — 17.2 city and 24.6 highway. Across all 9 model years in the database it averages 19.4 MPG, ranging from 17 to 22 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Saab 900 Convertible 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 Convertible become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 19 MPG in 1987 to 19.8 in 1997 — an improvement of 0.8 MPG, or 4% across 9 model years.
Is the Saab 900 Convertible efficient for its class?
It ranks 169 of 229 in the Subcompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG. That is 4.4 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.