I didn't like the early 900 when I saw it first time. Yes it looked solid compared to contemporary cars, but it wasn't harmonic shape as it was a 99 with some add-ons at the front and back. It wasn't a new and clean design. As a result, the wheelbase was short compared to the body length as the longitudinal engine hangs out in front of the front axle. There were some nice details, such as the wrap around windscreen, the clamp shell bonnet. But basically, I didn't like the look of the car.
The 9000 benefited from Giugiaro design, although this did not connect with old Saab models; only the front grille looked like Saab. The early models had this 'greenhouse' hatch which didn't look so good. But it was still an upmarket car at the time ~1985 compared to anything else at the time, it was positioned in price with a Jaguar; large room, high performance 175bhp. The CSE ~1992 had major improvement in styling and is still quite a handsome car. It also feels well put together.
Certainly, Saab could benefit from more pointers to nostalgia models, but sadly the styling of volume cars these days is dictated by 'low risk' marketing.