1996 SAAB 9000 Aero 2.3 turbo from North America

Summary:

Amazing vehicle

Faults:

Engine mounts - common problem - easily replaced.

A/C compressor making noise - disabled using a shorter belt.

Rear brake pads.

General Comments:

This car was well taken care of by previous owners and has proved to be a great, reliable daily driver. I've taken on several long trips - Erie to Chicago, etc. with no issues.

Averages 28 MPG on my daily drive of mixed driving, which usually includes several incursions into the upper RPM range. The car is fun to drive. The biggest complaint I have with the car is the weak transmission - it prevents fully exercising that great engine / turbo combination. The trans in my car is in great shape, but I rarely horse it.

It is a great car, but am considering updating to something newer - however I may regret that choice if I make it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th April, 2013

1996 SAAB 9000 CSE 2.3 turbo from Sweden

Summary:

Comfort and power on demand

Faults:

Was bought with the following faults on the car:

Leaking exhaust, downpipe/turbo and exhaust manifold gasket. Changed the gasket and two broken exhaust studs in the cylinder head.

Changed a bulb in the instrument cluster, and some other bulbs in the interior that had died.

Changed a faulty cabin fan and the fan speed controller.

Changed thermostat due to check engine light.

Intermittently working central locking (not fixed yet).

I've also done a proper service to the car, including all oils, filter and serpentine belt, inclusive of both pulleys.

General Comments:

A very comfortable car on the highway, where it shows its best. Cruise control, low road noise, comfortable seats and 200 HP from the 4 cylinder turbo in perfect symbiosis.

Good fuel economy on the highway, although a little bit higher in the city, but that's pretty normal as it's a big car.

Also, here in Sweden, spare parts aren't that hard to find, due to many junkyards with plenty of parts from cars that have been crashed.

Can highly recommend the car, especially to the "long distance runner".

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th April, 2012

26th Jul 2012, 18:22

Now nearly reached 240000 km, and the car still runs as a train. No new problems, and the earlier problem with the central locking is now solved with a new ECU/relay.

7th Apr 2013, 14:26

With nearly 255000 km reached on the odometer, some people tried to steal it just last week. Hopefully it will be back on the road as soon as possible; I miss the torque when putting the pedal to the metal in third gear at 70 km/h.

1996 SAAB 9000 CSE 2.3 turbo from North America

Summary:

The best blend of performance, reliability and practicality

Faults:

The only things to go wrong with the car have been: fuel pump (replaced twice due to defective parts), water pump, turbo vacuum valve, and two tires.

General Comments:

This car is extremely easy to work on if you are mechanically inclined. I have done all the repairs myself. Being that the car is now 13 years old, parts are readily available in junk yards for next to nothing.

This car is quite comfortable and handles nicely. It offers good fuel economy (26.2 average mpg over all).

The turbo is responsive and allows you to overtake people when passing with ease. I was never a fan of Saabs until I bought this one as a back-up. I have since sold my 2000 Volkswagen Jetta and use the Saab full-time. I also just recently purchased a 1997 Saab 9000 Aero with a 5-speed manual.

This car completely changed my perception of Saab! I would highly recommend this car to any one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th September, 2009

1996 SAAB 9000 CSE 2.3 from North America

Summary:

This is an extraordinary piece of machinery - a technological masterpiece

Faults:

Power door locks are inconsistent.

General Comments:

The car is seriously quick and handles like it's on rails (truly exactly what I wanted to express)

Reliability and comfort are outstanding.

Winter handling with all weather tires has been great.

Climate control system works flawlessly.

Wonderful sound system - Harmon Kardon.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd January, 2009