1990-1998 Saab 9000 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Saab 9000. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Saab 9000.

1990-1998 Saab 9000 Review

Saab introduced the 9000 series back in 1986, as a step up from the long-lived 900 series. Like the smaller Saab, the 9000 was front-wheel drive. By 1990, two body styles were on sale: a 4-door notchback and a 4-door hatchback. Two 2.0-liter dual-overhead-cam 4-cylinder engines were available: a 130-horsepower version, and a 165-horsepower Turbo. During the 1990 model year, a new 2.3-liter engine replaced the standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, developing 150 horsepower. Any model might have either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic. The lineup included an S hatchback, Turbo hatchback, a CD notchback, and a CD Turbo notchback. All models had a driver-side airbag.

Year to Year Changes

1991 Saab 9000: A new entry-level 9000 hatchback joined the lineup, and a 2.3-liter engine went into Turbo models (rated at 200 horsepower).

1992 Saab 9000: Turbo models gained traction control this year. A new top-line, limited-production Griffin Edition sedan joined the line. Only 400 Turbo Griffins were to be built.

1993 Saab 9000: Model designations were shuffled for 1993, and equipment lists modified. The former base hatchback was now called CS, while the luxury 9000S hatchback earned a CSE badge. The luxury version of the notchback 4-door adopted a CDE tag. The Turbo engine now was an option for all four models. Hatchbacks adopted front and rear styling similar to the notchback sedans, adding four inches to overall length. An Aero edition arrived later in the model year.

1994 Saab 9000: A passenger-side airbag went into 1994 models. The lineup consisted of CS and CS Turbo hatchbacks, a CDE Turbo notchback, CSE and CSE Turbo hatchbacks, and a 9000 Aero hatchback. The CD notchback sedan was gone. The normally aspirated engine now produced 146 horsepower. The 9000 Aero got a 225-horsepower Turbo engine, while other Turbos again were rated at 200 horsepower.

1995 Saab 9000: A 200-horsepower Turbo remained available in the CSE hatchback, but the new 210-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 could be installed instead. The performance-oriented Aero hatchback again used a 225-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder. The sole remaining notchback model, the CDE, got front and rear styling similar to the CS. Only an automatic transmission was available with V6 models.

1996 Saab 9000: Only hatchback 4-doors remained after '95 as the CDE sedan faded. The V6 engine remained available as an option in the CSE.

1997 Saab 9000: Little change was evident in 1997.

1998 Saab 9000: For 1998, the final season for the 9000, only a low-production CSE was on sale. An all-new premium model--the 9-5--was in the works for '99.

1990-1998 Saab 9000 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Antilock brakes	Noise

Acceleration (Turbo)	Ride (Turbo)

Handling/roadholding	Acceleration (1990 non-Turbo)

Passenger and cargo room	Automatic climate control

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

The Turbo is a well-balanced sport sedan with super performance and fine handling. Acceleration is the sort that you'd expect of a sporty car in this price range. Base-engined 9000s feel underpowered. But, acceleration improved with the arrival of the normally aspirated 2.3-liter engine. Even so, it ranks no higher than adequate. The 2.3-liter also is quieter and better isolated than the 2.0-liter engine, making for far smoother performance. The V6 is smooth and quiet, providing strong acceleration and brisk passing power--though not much real gusto. The 4-speed automatic that comes with the V6 shifts smoothly and downshifts quickly for passing. A firm (yet compliant) ride is the 9000's hallmark. With its sport suspension and lower-profile Z-rated tires, the 9000 Turbo sacrifices the pliant ride of its siblings for one that's jiggly, nervous, and noisy. Interior room is generous for four large adults. But, like the 900, there is too much road and tire noise. Also the climate-control system has too many buttons and resets itself each time the car is restarted.

Value for the Money
A lot of premium sedans are on the market with similar prices, from the BMW 3-Series and Lexus ES 300 to the more recent Mazda Millenia and Oldsmobile Aurora. So, check out several before buying.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Saab 9000 CSE	Rating

Performance	6

Fuel Economy	4

Ride Quality	6

Steering/Handling/Braking	6

Quietness	5

Controls/Materials	5

Interior Room	6

Room/Comfort (rear)	4

Cargo Capacity	4

Value within Class	4

Total:	50

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1990-1998 Saab 9000 Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Climate control: The automatic climate control may store false trouble codes which requires a new controller to eliminate. (1990-93)

Dashboard lights: The check-engine light may come on although there is no problem. Saab offers a new EGR wiring harness to fix the problem. (1990)

Dashboard lights: A small number of cars will illuminate the SRS light although there is no problem. The company offers to replace the control module. (1995)

Hard starting: Engine may not start due to a cracked hose on the fuel-pump assembly in the tank. (1990-92)

Hood/trunk: Jammed hood may require a replacement lock mechanism. (1997-98)

Vehicle noise: Front tires rub against the wheel wells when steering turned to full lock position. (1992)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$630

Alternator	$455

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$1,005

Brakes	$370

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$570

Constant Velocity Joints	$530

Exhaust System	$590

Radiator	$335

Shocks and/or Struts	$620

Timing Chain or Belt	$160

NHTSA Recall History

1990: Problem in back-up-light circuit could result in fire.

1991: Ball in automatic-transmission linkage could separate from socket.

1992-93: Fuel-filler and tank-vent hoses may crack.

1992-94 w/"MK II" ABS: Moisture can result in false illumination of ABS or brake-warning lights.

1992-94 w/engine oil cooler: In frontal crash, crossmember can contact portion of hose assembly and cause breakage.

1992-94: Airbag could deploy inadvertently, due to moisture entering control module.

1993: Piston in brake-light switch may stick.

1994 CD/CSE: Brake-light bulb may be improperly wired.

1997-98: Airbag alert label on driver's sunvisor was omitted.

1990-1998 Saab 9000 Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1990
9000	$1,000-1,400	$600-800	$100
9000 Turbo	$1,200-1,600	$700-1,000	$100-200

1991
9000	$1,100-1,500	$700-900	$100-200
9000 Turbo	$1,400-1,800	$900-1,200	$200

1992
9000	$1,300-1,700	$800-1,100	$200
9000 Turbo	$1,600-2,000	$1,100-1,300	$200-300

1993
9000	$1,600-2,100	$1,100-1,400	$200-300
9000 Turbo	$2,000-2,500	$1,400-1,800	$300-400

1994
9000	$1,900-2,400	$1,300-1,700	$300-400
9000 Turbo	$2,300-3,000	$1,700-2,200	$400-600

1995
9000	$2,300-2,900	$1,700-2,100	$400-600
9000 Turbo	$2,800-3,700	$2,100-2,800	$600-800

1996
9000	$2,700-3,500	$2,000-2,600	$600-800
9000 Turbo	$3,300-4,000	$2,600-3,200	$800-1,000

1997
9000	$3,200-4,000	$2,500-3,100	$800-1,000
9000 Turbo	$3,900-4,900	$3,200-4,000	$1,200-1,500

1998
9000 Turbo	$4,500-5,300	$3,700-4,400	$1,600-1,900

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1990-1998 Saab 9000 Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	1990-92 4-door hatchback	4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	105.2	105.2

Overall Length, in.	183.7	188.7

Overall Width, in.	69.4	69.4

Overall Height, in.	55.9	55.9

Curb Weight, lbs.	3089	3260

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	56.9	17.8

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	17.4	17.4

Seating Capacity	5	5

Front Head Room, in.	38.5	38.5

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.5	41.5

Rear Head Room, in.	37.4	37.4

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	38.7	38.8

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Over the 1990-97 span, a bewildering variety of dual-overhead-cam engines went into the Saab 9000, starting with normally aspirated and turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinders. Engines soon grew to 2.3-liter size, adding considerable power. Strongest of the lot was the 225-horsepower Turbo, installed in the 9000 Aero. Not until 1995 did the larger Saab get the choice of a V6 engine. Saabs might have either 5-speed manual shift or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Only automatic was offered with the V6.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

dohc I4	2.0 / 121	130	128	5-speed manual: 21/28 4-speed automatic: 18/24	5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: --

Turbocharged dohc I4	2.0 / 121	165	195	5-speed manual: 20/26 4-speed automatic: 18/24	5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: --

dohc I4	2.3 / 140	146-150	151-157	5-speed manual: 19/27 4-speed automatic: 17/27	5-speed manual: 23.6 4-speed automatic: --

Turbocharged dohc I4	2.3 / 140	170	192	5-speed manual: 21/29 4-speed automatic: 18/27	5-speed manual: 22 4-speed automatic: --

Turbocharged dohc I4	2.3 / 140	200-225	238-244	5-speed manual: 21/29 4-speed automatic: 17/25	5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 18.9

dohc V6	3.0 / 180	210	200	4-speed automatic: 18/27	4-speed automatic: 19.7

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: Sweden

Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

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Also in the 1990-1998 Saab 9000 Review:

Saab 9000

Saab 9000 Road Test

Saab 9000 Reliability

Saab 9000 Prices

Saab 9000 Specs & Safety

Saab 9000 Photos

Saab 9000 Full Review