Cars service manual

Saab 9000 Reviews Specs

Introduced in 1984, the Saab 9000 occupies the upper end of the companys North American model range. The 9000 has always been a spirited performer, sporting numerous variations of the companys turbocharged engines. In 1995 the 9000 received a 3.0-liter normally-aspirated V6 as a result of General Motors acquiring 50 percent of Saabs automotive operations.



The 9000 combines performance and practicality; its hatchback body and folding seats create a surprisingly large cargo area. Saab celebrates 50 years of automobile production in 1997; the Swedish company that still makes fighter aircraft decided to branch into cars and trucks at the end of World War II. 1998 is the last year for the 9000, with its replacement, the 9-5, slated to take its place in the spring of 1998.


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.

Vehicle Overview

The Saab 9000 is at the end of the line in 1998. A limited run of 1,300 cars will be offered in the States before Saab introduces its all-new 9-5 later this year.

The 9000 will be missed because of its great use of space and power. This year, the only model offered will be the CSE Turbo edition. With a five-speed transmission matched to an Ecopower turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 225 horsepower and 252 foot-pounds of torque, this full-size car is capable of out accelerating many sport coupes and most other sport sedans. Interiors are comfortable and roomy enough for five adults and all the gear they require for a weekend getaway. The best feature of all on the 9000 CSE is its price tag; the car costs only slightly more than most midsized prestige models, such as the Lexus ES300 and Acura 3.2TL

The only problem with the 9000 is that it will be replaced by the all-new Saab 9-5 early this spring. Although were not convinced that the 9-5 is a better car than the 9000, you may end up kicking yourself for spending $35,000 on yesterdays news. If you love Saabs because of their uniqueness, buy a 9000 today. If you love Saabs because of their safety and performance, wait til the 9-5 comes out. A faster, friendlier vehicle may reward your patience.

About Saab

SAAB was created in Sweden back in the thirties as a manufacturer of military aircraft. In the forties, it expanded into the car market with the SAAB 92001. Today, SAAB is known as an executive car maker and is owned by General Motors. It is the winner of a number of industry awards and in 2002 the SAAB 9-3 was awarded a maximum five star rating in the Euro NCAP collision test awards, proving SAABs ongoing commitment to safety.

With over 90 franchised dealers in Great Britain, SAAB is now firmly established in the premium sector of the UK market. Its range includes one of the UKs best selling convertible models.

Pros: Small exterior, roomy and exceptional interior, excellent handling, response and power, good gas mileage.

Cons: No good warranty service currently available in New Mexico.

Overall Review: Super great car, looks deceptively tame on the outside, drives however and wherever you would like it to. Handles excellent, so far no problems. Saab likes to try to think about everything. A real thinking-mans car.