14th Apr 2004, 20:25
Fascinating to see the similarity in failures running through the various reviews.
My 1990 Saab 9000 Turbo 2.0L had the AC/heater blower fan fail at 152,000 miles. The automatic transmission is a weak link; although it continues to function and I am reluctant to have it overhauled yet. The motor mounts and part of the exhaust system on mine had to be replaced at 161,800 miles.
As with the review above, every time I think about trading in, I realize I don't like the new car I drive better than my old faithful Saab. Best regards.
31st Jul 2004, 08:58
I have a 9000 CD turbo and love it. I have had to replace the broken radio antenna and the drivers tail light. The felt on the interior roof needs replacing. My CV joints and boots are worn out and need replacing. But all in all I am willing to put a lot of money into this car because it runs very well even after having over 180,000 miles on it. Finding some parts has been a little difficult sometimes. It is the best car I have owned so far. The body is great and there is no rust or dents on it. -J.B.C Columbus Ohio.
21st Aug 2004, 00:40
I own a royal blue 1989 SAAB 9000 CD turbo made the year I was born. I live in Alaska the car runs great no matter how hot or cold it is. These cars are great in snow, rain, and ice.
15th May 2026, 12:59
In the 1980s, the Saab 9000 was a pretty good option in the US if you wanted an imported car that was as reliable and well-equipped as a Mercedes or BMW, but at the price of a Passat or a Peugeot 505.
I always wanted one but couldn't get one. In the early 1990s, I finally managed to buy a Saab, but it was a 900. I can only say good things about this brand.
16th May 2026, 21:45
Build quality in the 9000 varied a lot. Even if development was shared, SAAB simply didn't have the money to fully refine this model. Also the 9000 was not seen as a luxury car like the 5-series so profit margin was slim. However, the core engineering in these cars is good, especially the engines. They can take a lot of tuning. I know versions with +300 hp used as daily drivers without any reliability problems. But a handfull to drive, even with stock turbo setup. You would plow through the bends, and you had a lot of torque steer.
13th Jul 2003, 01:01
Someone above said "My car is also Edwardian Grey with the Bridge of Wier (sic) grey leather. I have yet to see a late '80's early 90's Saab 9000 any other colour, but Edwardian Grey."
Mine 9000CD's a '90 with the Buffalo coloured dark grey Bridge of Weir leather, but the exterior is the lighter, silver metallic, not the Edwardian grey. Gearshift bushing wear-out, flaky ACC/fan and signs of rust on the lower rear passenger doors are my only complaints at close to 200K kms - and 13 years after it was built ;-)