1994 SAAB 9000 Aero review from North America

Purchased the car realizing that it needed a significant amount of work, so the amount of work I did here probably wouldn't be necessary on every Aero.

Replaced motor mounts and CV joints.

Replaced SCC unit, twice.

Replaced stereo system (previous owner installed an OEM system from the wrong car when the original failed.)

Replaced ACC unit.

Replaced headliner.

Replaced taillight and headlight units.

Replaced driver's side sun visor.

Cruise control doesn't work.

Can't get full boost.

Driver's seat is worn and is four-way instead of eight-way power due to failed motors.

Passenger's seat recline cables are bad, so reclining warps the seat.

Noisy transmission, may go in 10,000 miles.

Immensely practical, with a cavernous hatchback that can swallow almost as much as a minivan, and incredibly comfortable interior. There is significantly more passenger room inside than my father's 1995 Mercedes E-class.

The best seats that I've ever sat in, ideal for long rides and very supportive.

Even without full boost, very fast. Overtaking is a breeze. Going from 40 to 65 happens without even realizing it. Handles very well for such a large car, but occasionally reminds you that it's no Miata, as there's still a bit of wallowing in sharp turns. Can be tricky to park in the city.

Shares most of its parts with lowlier 9000s, so used parts can be had extremely cheaply.

Button heavy interior dates to 1985 and is a bit dated, but works very well. Subtle airplane-like touches like the overhead "Fasten Belts" sign are neat.

If you can find one and don't mind the slightly anonymous styling, the Aero is a staggering performance bargain.

The above list of replacements seems like quite a bit, but the car, when bought, needed a bit of work and was purchased very cheaply. Later I learned the vehicle was a flood victim - had I known I would have bought it regardless.