Used 1996 Saab 9000 Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1996 9000, so we've included reviews for other years of the 9000 since its last redesign.
One of the Great Cars ever !
Gerry, 03/28/2006
1995 Saab 9000 CSE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
The Saab 9000 CSE Turbo is one of the great cars ever. Key in the console, jet-fighter inspired interior and plenty of power under the hood. The last of the classic Saabs. But a constant pedal pressure is necessary to get the greatest turbo effect. But for a luxury ride with Saab excitement in every ride, this is a classic and I still miss mine, three cars later. Doesn't have the greatest reliablity, but I still would drive it today.
A great car to own
drfig, 01/12/2010
1996 Saab 9000 CS Turbo 4dr Hatchback
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Looking back, this has been one great car. Nearly 13 years and 151,000. This was my 5th SAAB. Still fun to drive and looks perfect. other than a minor clear coat issue, I have never had a major problem with car. Usual maintenance, plus water pump (2x), belt tensioner, brakes, tires, exhaust. Thats almost nothing! Shame on GM for messing up and may close SAAB down.
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See all 0 listingsSTILL PERFECT... but
Laurent, 07/06/2006
1996 Saab 9000 Aero Turbo 4dr Hatchback
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Last time, I made an issue about the interior. (It hasn't change since its intoduction in 1986) I still do. BUT this car has 152K on it and she still flys!! I had gone 125mph racing Mustangs, BMW, and Corvettes. The fastest I ever went was appox 137mph. I cannot believe the engine is still this strong. I did not modify anything on this car. The car still gets a mix loop (city/highway) of 26mpg.
I miss my Saab...
elleapril, 01/03/2012
1996 Saab 9000 CS Turbo 4dr Hatchback
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought this car for $1500 with 166k miles and it was running amazing. After a few months I wanted everything fixed up real nice so I put about $1000 into it. It always started up for me, even in cold weather (Minnesota) and I loved it. I had no repairs done that were urgent. About 7 months after I bought it I was rear-ended and pushed into another car. My airbags went off and saved me from what could have been a lot worse. I didn't think that much about safety before and just happened to buy a Saab. I am so thankful I did! It's totaled now which is horrible. I miss it quite a bit. I would buy another.
Saabs save lives
eliteboi, 02/04/2012
1995 Saab 9000 CSE 4dr Hatchback
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I've owned this car for 8 months. I've had and driven so many cars over the years i've started to lose count. A Saab 9000 has always been on my list of cars to buy. Why would I specifically want this model? A CSE over an CS or Aero? Well, that's simple cheaper insurance then an Aero but almost the same power. Last week while letting my friend drive my car, we swerved to miss a dog, hit a median and took out a sign- going well over 50. We DROVE away without a scratch on one another. The car, took most all of the impact. 9000's are more reliable then most other Saab models, and I can attest to the safety of the car. The awesome gas mileage, amazing acceleration and it handles very well.
Awsome!!!
Beniasky, 02/25/2010
1995 Saab 9000 Aero Turbo 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I just bought this car and I LOVE IT!!! Its very roomy and can fit my kids in the backseat and not have them touching each other... well without them being forced to touch. I've been getting around 40+ on my M.P.G. and gas OMG i went almost 300 miles on 1 tank of gas! wasn't gonna push it, i still had 1/4 tank left when i filled it up. there needs to be more cars like the Saab!!!
Saabs flagship model then, now, and always.
saabtastic17, 11/04/2012
1996 Saab 9000 CS Turbo 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have owned various Saabs over the years and the 9000 is my favorite by far. My current is my 500 dollar '96 CS auto that I picked up with 125k. I put about 2000 dollar into it getting it back on the road, was days away from the previous owner scrapping it. All that money was just maintence stuff the PO neglected(tires, CV joints, brakes, transmission flush, coolant flush, battery, etc.) Saabs are super realiable, quiet, comfy and fast. I get about 35 mpg on highway. More interior room than a 5 series, the hatch is huge. Great car for long distance trips with the family or friends. Tons of leg/head room. I currently have 158k on it and haven't had to do anything except oil changes!
An Amazing High-Performance Machine
1Rogue, 07/15/2003
1996 Saab 9000 Aero Turbo 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The SAAB 9000 Aero is an amazing car. When I am on the highway, I get 29 MPG. The asynchronous turbo is awesome; I frequently find myself racing Z's, MB SL 500's, etc (last time at 125 mph. The comfort of the 1996 (leather Recaro seats) far exceeds ANY car on the market today. My SAAB mechanic has counseled me never to get rid of this car. And I won't.
A great car
Oldguytoo, 10/05/2004
1996 Saab 9000 Aero Turbo 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought used with just under 100k miles. Now at 170k and still going strong. Power to spare, need to be carefull of torque-steer. Comfortable, extremely reliable, only thing other than tires and brakes I've replaced are water pump and belts. Great seats and plenty of space inside. Very good mileage if I keep my foot out of the turbo.
96 Saab 9000 CSE - Turbo
JackC, 05/07/2008
1996 Saab 9000 CSE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I was selling Saabs in 2003 and really liked the styling of this version over the newer ones. I kept watching the internet until this 96 turbo showed up with only 38,000 miles. What a great car. I knew that the transmissions were suspect and checked the cars history. The trans. had been replaced by the prior owner. Bingo ! The car now has 83,000 miles and has been a pleasure to drive and own. Best car I've ever owned - and I've owned a few. Sharp styling and great reliability and performance. I still sell cars on the internet and have compared this car to new Hondas, Toyotas, and domestic products. I have no desire to trade this in for another car - everything pales in comparison - I think.
Great
RPbrit, 05/08/2002
1995 Saab 9000 Aero Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Wonderful to drive. All the power you can want with no turbo lag. Interior like a First class airline seat.
It's all here... except a cupholder!
tgaipa, 01/28/2009
1995 Saab 9000 CSE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Ultimately, this is a great car that I wish they would still make. I'm a commuting student, and this is really the perfect vehicle for me. Plenty of interior space and the performance blows my mind. Especially with the gas mileage- I can get it up to 33+ on long highway trips. If Saab wasn't bought out by GM we'd be seeing more of these cars around.
a leap into the swedish view of driving
87main, 02/05/2002
1995 Saab 9000 CSE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It is a firrst luxury vehicle, everything is great, except for a very noisy airconditioner, otherwise, very good buy. (And it is in Black...OOOh!)
1995 Saab Aero
RoRo, 02/09/2004
1995 Saab 9000 Aero Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been an outstanding car over the last 6 years, requiring little more than normal maintenance, oil changes and tires. Replaced the clutch at 100K and the starter, alternator, and battery at 130K, which demonstrated some weird electrical symtoms. Only 2 tows in 6 years, not bad for being at 140K. The car has taken me through some icy conditions and gave me a feeling of control and safety. Gets great gas mileage 28-32 mpg.
4 years with my 95 Aero
timmyl, 03/05/2003
1995 Saab 9000 Aero Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We purchased this car with 29K miles on it. We bought it for the fuel economy coupled with major power. This car moves out faster than most cars built today and still gets 27-28 mpg at 80mph. We had only a few small issues while it was still under warranty (starter, abs module, di cassette) but Saab took care of everything. Since the warranty expired, there have been no problems and the car now has 88K miles on it. To enhance the performance, I added SASAB sway bars, Abbot Racing suspension bushings and a K&N air filter. The sways make a huge difference in corning but admittedly, make the ride much firmer.
Practical and Fun
mtbman333, 03/17/2004
1995 Saab 9000 CS Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My car is a CS model, equipped with 5 speed manual transmission and the 2.3 LPT engine (LPT stands for light- pressure turbo). The engine, with only 170hp (pale in comparison to the 225hp and 250lb-ft Aero) is very lively in the 2500 to 4500 rpm range, and is always a pleasure to dive into. The car handles admirable for what is intended as a family sedan. Response is fairly agile, and cornering is on par with many cars today. The 5 door versatility is incredible. I can fit two people plus myself and our bikes in this car with one of the seats folded flat. Even without, the trunk is cavernous.
Fine Drive, but troublesome
Rich vh, 03/26/2003
1995 Saab 9000 CS Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have a lot of fun driving this car, although I would rather have a manual. The automatic 3spd with overdrive is very definite about what speeds it wants to shift in, and it does not downshift easily. It has not been very reliable. In less than two years, I have had to replace anti-vibration chains and gears, water pump, and radiator. The vibration problems firstwent undiagnosed, and I have had four road failures, with accompanying tow charges, half-fixes, etc. It was cheap to start, $6,000, but $4,000 later it doesn't seem such a good deal.
'95 Saab Aero
KTM, 05/08/2003
1995 Saab 9000 Aero Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is an excellent family car with lots of room, great MPG, and very fast for the $$. I get 29 - 32 mpg on the freeway under normal driving. Being the Aero sport package, the suspension is quite stiff, but the pay-off is excellent handling. The sound system is Harmon-Kardon and sounds great, too. Passing with 255 lb-ft. of torque is a joy. It has been the best car I've ever owned and I've had quite a few!
An amazing car
Rick, 05/16/2016
updated 05/16/2017
1995 Saab 9000 Aero Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
First, this car is not for inexperienced drivers. It has tremendous acceleration and can hit 100mph before you know it. It runs best on premium fuel (97 octane?) and needs quality tires. I have put a LOT of miles on various 9000's over the years and really my only gripe is the AC system. Poorly engineered and a constant nuisance. My other gripe is the interior materials crack and/or fade. Terrific gas mileage (around 30 under all conditions), fantastic highway long distance traveler, engine/turbo/tranny are solid, and can really hold a couch or a fridge. One can sleep in the back with an air mattress! And I think it looks great too. UPDATE: Car is still going strong after all these years. Still love and it the very best cruising car I have ever owned.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
highmileage saab
aman77, 04/28/2008
1995 Saab 9000 Aero Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I drive my 9000 Aero every day. I absolutly hated it at first but then it grew on me and now I average about 300 miles a week. It is so fun to drive and corners so well. I recommend this car to everyone. the one thing saab did right was build this car.
206xxx and was going strong.
Nolan Brian, 01/18/2019
1995 Saab 9000 CSE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I only had this car for a little bit as my first car which we traded to get it and it was my dad's for 2 years prior. This car is unlike any manual I have ever driven, it's like a kinda stiff but at the same time very smooth. It would takes corners very well, when u step on the gas it gets up, I could feel that 200hp, and it's not very loud with a nice smooth ride. This car had a few minor problems, like some leaks in the radiator that I kinda just put some liquid sealant stuff that worked for awhile and I got it like this but it had one door that only opens from the outside and another door that only opened from the inside. And while I had it, it for some reason lost connection with the off bottom would non stop blow air no matter what u do. But it did produce nice heat. And I had 206xxx on it and it was running strong, just a few little quirks and cosmetic problems but nothing big, other then that if I could, I would get another one, it really grew on me.😁
Good for School
W.O., 07/14/2008
1996 Saab 9000 CSE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm now a sophomore in college and I bought this car at the end of my freshmen year. I was a bit hesitant at first because of all the things I hear about Saab's reliability, but the only thing I've done is change the oil when I first bought it. The 9000 shines on the highway where I do most of my driving between home and school. The car can accelerate ridiculously fast anywhere between 20 and 90mph, and this is with a stock engine! My friends and I took the 9000 and my other friends 2006 BMW 325xi to VA Beach this summer, and my friend, playing around, tried to pull away from me on the interstate...he couldn't do it! The Saab easily kept up! Saab has a new loyal fan!
My Saab
Tim Boggs, 04/20/2002
1996 Saab 9000 Aero Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Saab is very nicely built. I'ts a very nice turbo gharged engine. THe exterior design is wonderful, and the inside is fairly stiff.
Excellent Starter Car!
Bimmerboy750, 11/24/2008
1996 Saab 9000 CS Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I would definitely recommend any of the 9000 series (CS, CSE, Aero, CDE, etc.) to anyone heading off to college or for their first car. Good acceleration and responsiveness. Love that European vibe that Saabs have. Can not get my car stuck in the snow. I will never get rid of this car!
It has power!
STILO, 12/23/2008
1996 Saab 9000 CSE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got the car when it had 152k with a 50k engine and a bad transmission. Well the transmission last me a year although it was bad and leaking. But I got it replaced with a 40k tranny and now it runs great. It has a lot of power once the turbo kicks in and still some to spare. I love this car. I think it would be better with a manual transmission since they are stronger and have greater durability.
First Saab & Ready for Another
robertm, 06/14/2002
1996 Saab 9000 CS Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really love my car. There is plenty of room for my family and plenty of power when I just want to stretch her legs.
Great Family Fun Car!
slbenz, 10/12/2002
1996 Saab 9000 CS Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Still amazes me today how well this car drives and returns excellent fuel economy. The CS model is very easy to modify the LPT into a FPT, giving you the same performance as the CSE. After doing that, my gas mileage actually went up 1.5 mpg. Very comfortable seats with great interior space especially in the rear and trunk. Most comfortable car I have driven so far. Great cargo hauler with folding split rear seats. Near maintenance free.
PERFECT BUT.........
Laurent, 12/24/2002
1996 Saab 9000 Aero Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I owned 4 other Saabs before, all 900 Turbos my last one a 1992. I was reluctant to get any SAAB after 1993 model since GM brought SAAB. I didnt want an American car with a Saab name on it. When I learned the AERO was still a Swedish made SAAB. I went looking I found this Beautiful Aero and plan on keeping her as long as I live. She handles like a dream. The only thing I was disappointed in is the interior mainly the instrument panel its almost the same as the interior when the 9000 was introduce back in 1986. They didnt even redesign the glove box for the airbag.
Second 9000 Doesn't Disappoint
susan, 07/19/2003
1996 Saab 9000 CS Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My second SAAB 9000 (10 years after my first - which unfortunately I lost in a one car accident) is a dependable, enjoyable touring sedan with features comparable with new cars of today. It truly is a pleasure to drive. Maintenance intervals all well timed and I've had no problems. Will consider another SAAB when the need arises.
Best car I've had out of many
jrbldr, 03/01/2005
1996 Saab 9000 CS Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this one used, with 80k on it, but full service rec's. Now has 130k and no mechanical problems other than one wheel bearing, and it gave plenty of notice. It has proven to be a jewel of a car - roomy, fast and very comfortable on road trips - with outstanding fuel economy (28-30 mpg). The headlights are awesome and will turn night into day on a lonely highway. I also have the factory Thule roof rack which goes on or off in 3 minutes, and I often carry bikes on trips to other states. With the hatchback, roomy trunk and roof rack, who needs an SUV? I have one, but I only use it for towing and hauling. A good car like this one is so much nicer.
excellent car
vssaab, 01/18/2004
1996 Saab 9000 Aero Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
great car. this is my third saab in 18 years. love everything about it. from performance to fuel economy plus plenty of room. hate tne 95 GM influence made it just another japenese car.
Love this car!
kmcdon, 02/08/2004
1996 Saab 9000 CS Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I walked into the Saab dealership 8 years ago "just looking" at the 900 series. I test drove the 900 and then just as a comparison, test drove the 9000 and was sold immediately on the 9000. This car was used with 15,000 miles on it. The comfort, the feel, the sense of strength, performance (turbo) and the fact that you can fit a full size refridgerator in the back - sold me. I own the hatchback model and it is my sporty version of a wagon. I have not had any major problems with the car and it has just reached the 97,000 mile mark. I highly recommend this model.
Bad reliability, but good drive
RI guy, 03/03/2004
1996 Saab 9000 CS Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
just what my title says
Be prepared to LOOSE big bucks
bigloser, 07/31/2004
1996 Saab 9000 CSE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just sold my Saab.. it only had 47,000 miles on it. Everything was starting to go wrong--lots of electrical problems. What a shock to find out how much this car lost in value. I would NEVER own a SAAB again. Follow your own road-- what a hype!
Fast, fun, familiy friendly
Emile , 03/20/2005
1996 Saab 9000 CSE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i bought the 9000 CSE 5/speed manual from a dealer with about 82k miles on it because I needed a car big enough to carry kids and musical gear, but didn't want a wagon and also wanted something sporty enough to suit my driving habits. The Saab is great--rear seat room better than my wife's Volvo, handling excellent for a front-wheel driver, acceleration very good (wish I had a Aero, though) and overall build impressive. The car has 95 k on it now and still feels tight and composed. I LOVE the "trunk." I can fit three big guitar cases back there without folding down the seat; when i do, i can cram an amazing amout of stuff in there.
Great Saab !!!
Bimmerboy, 05/26/2007
1996 Saab 9000 CS Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My car is a fully loaded CS Turbo. Love it, it's easy to maintain and has a nice smooth ride. A great long haul car.
The Best Car!!!!!
Merzie250, 11/13/2002
1996 Saab 9000 CS Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was lucky enough to be able to purchase a FULLY loaded 9000CS (with some help!). I will never ever get rid of this car!!! Everything in it I love. Even though the maintenance cost are kinda high, they are NOTHING compared to the reliability, quality and performance. My friends are all jealous of my car, with their puny little economy cars. My car is always the car taken when we go somewhere!!!
GREAT RELIABILITY, GREAT FUN TO DRIVE
RobinVA, 04/30/2008
1996 Saab 9000 Aero Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been absolutely amazing. I have owned several Saabs and other cars and this one is the best. Of course all my Saabs have been my favorites and this is the best of those. Absolutely no problems. I've only had to do regular maintence. It loves to be driven. I'm at 500,000 miles right now and ticking. The car drive just like it did with 0 miles, Fast with corner hugging fun.
Great Ride
arbeaner, 07/19/2008
1995 Saab 9000 CSE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my second Saab 9000 and I would recommend it to anyone. The car rides nice, plenty of performance, fair gas mileage (I get about 24 m.p.g. with a mixture of highway and city driving), great sound system, and it gives you a unique style as there aren't that many of these cars left on the road! This is a true Saab, pre G.M., and it brings all of the Saab performance and safety features that you could want to the table!