Used 1997 Saab 9000 Consumer Reviews
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5yrs later
I wrote a review below in 2007. Since then, i have had to do only the water pump, which started leaking only after i power flushed the coolant. Really can't believe how solidly this car was built. I also have the auto and wish i had a stick shift. And my car was a NYC car for the first 50K of it's life. But these cars were built for cold weather... overbuilt really. Anyone who has not seen the Top Gear Saab Tribute from a few months ago should head over to Youtube right now. Saab really did build a better car.. a car to last for decades. It's a dam shame what happened to them. Their attention to every detail, the quality of construction, and pride in engineering are inspiring.
A great car to own
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.
Best Car Ever
With a few miles short of 270,000 I can safely say this is the best car I have ever owned. I bought this Saab new and have driven it 80-85% highway. Highway mileage driving at 75+ MPH is 28/29, well beyond original rating. I have put tires on it every 60-80K, oil every 5-6K, and exhaust systems every 70-90K. Beyond these, only a fuel pump and two clutches and scheduled maintenance. The best and still running like a top.
STILL PERFECT... but
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...
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.
As great in 2012 as it was in '97
I actually have the automatic, which I bought in the name of practicality because I live in Los Angeles and I sit in hours of traffic every week -- but since buying the car, I half-wish I had a stick because this car is so much fun to drive. Originally from MA, the car's undercarriage rusted significantly before I bought it, which has caused a dearth of minor(ish) problems. Though, in the car's defense, none that you wouldn't expect to see on a 17-year-old vehicle with mostly original equipment. I have taken it from 82K miles a couple of years ago to about 107K today without any major repairs. Build quality, especially where the interior is concerned, is a bit lacking.
1997 CS Automatic (modified) - Amazing!
I bought this car 1 yr ago for $2.5k. Since then I have put $3k into it: new motor mounts, Bilstein HD shocks, front bushings, new CV boots, a 3" downpipe, 7" wide wheels with 225/15 Dunlops, a Stage 3 ECU which converted the LPT to FPT and remapped the computer software. The car was 170 Hp and handled well. Now it screams at 270 Hp, spins the wheels off the line and in 2d, goes from 50-85 mph in a snap, and can blow past any BMW, Lexus, etc, on the road. I can throw it into corners like a sports car, and it never slips. BUY THIS CAR! It can be turned into a monster! The 2.3l turbo can be tuned to over 400 Hp. It is a wolf in sheep's clothing
97 Aero - Fabulous Car
This 97 Saab Aero has been the best car I have ever owned. I cannot imagine wanting more in power, comfort and reliability. On the highway, this car regularly averages 38 MPG while cruising at 75 MPH.
1997 Saab Aero Review
I purchased this used car as my everyday driver after my wife bought a 2003 Audi A6 2.7T. I paid top dollar for the car as it was in excellent condition. Required repairs for the car were minimal (at purchase, $440, including fluid changes, and shift shaft fixes). Since then, repairs and maintenance included new mufflers, oil and filters, a set of tires, wiper washer bottle, antenna, engine accessory belt, extra keys, alignment, light bulbs and brake pads, all told probably about $2400. The alignment probably should have been done at purchase. Accident repair was $808 from a pickup backing into the rear in a parking lot.
Multi-use Monster
To preface, let me state that I am a young male with strong inclinations for driving at a spirited pace on mountain roads at night. Knowing this, you may better relate my values to yours. The handling is fantastic. Everytime I test its limits, I'm always surprised. The acceleration is quick, and solid uphill. Repairs have been minimal. Comfortable for distances.The cargo space is more than enough. I've fit all of my camping equipment in this car (tent too). I can also comfortably fit my upright bass. As for aesthetics, the interior is dated, though still nice. No glovebox, but door pockets + pouch in passenger leg area are ample. Exterior is old, but I happen to like 80s design.
Ageless Styling
Great power for passing on the highway. Very comfortable inside but looks sporty outside, and handles much better than your run of the mill "near-luxury".
97 saab
This has been one of the best cars that I've ever owned. Heavy enough to be safe on highways, steady enough to not even bounce when side-swiped, reasonable on fuel and the hatch back has been indispensable. I've loved this car. The 1st transmission failed at 49K, but it was replaced (free) with a re-built and we've had no problems. The gasket heads got a little leaky last year but we've got everything under control. I've made a few major repairs thru Saab which is costly but we wanted to be sure we weren't using poor replacement parts. We finished all minor repairs and tune ups at a good local service garage.
Saabs flagship model then, now, and always.
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
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
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
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.
my practical aero
I was looking for a car to buy. I knew I wanted something that looked good (inside and out), comfortable, roomy, good gas mileage while at the same time providing great performance. After everything was said and done I was driving away in my '97 aero and I didnt have to break my bank either. I love the acceleration but i cant wait to add some upgrades for performance, (blow out valve, intake, and manual boost controller. expecting~250hp!) What more could you ask for.
'97 Aero - Perfect
The best combination of power, comfort, and fuel economy you can get in a car. I enjoy 35+ mpg on the freeway and better than 24 mpg in town yet the car is faster than most other sedans and even some 2-seaters. The seats are superbly comfortable, the controls well laid out. The only possible knock on the car is the lack of a proper glove box and cupholders (for those who care about cups). Barring some unforeseen event, I plan to drive this car for 20 more years! It is truly awesome.
A Swedish rocket wrapped in a practical, fun, comfortable, efficient car...
I recently bought a '97 9000 Aero to upgrade and use as a spare car for fun drives. Having always loved the cars back when they were new, having the resources now to buy one and refurbish it was a no brainer. After a suspension overhaul, clutch, Stage 1 ECU upgrade, thicker sway bars, and a few other bits and pieces, this 9000 is as new. It's fast, comfortable, has the best seats every designed, and yet still gets 32mpg on the highway, for such a large car. Saab's bankruptcy was very sad to see. As a Saab fan, I was hoping for a new '12 9-5 wagon. That being said, this 5 speed fast hatch will keep me happy for many years to come. I'd rather drive this car than many newer cars.
Good for School
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
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!
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!
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
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!
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.........
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
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
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
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!
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
just what my title says
Be prepared to LOOSE big bucks
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
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 !!!
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!!!!!
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
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 entry car to the world of sedans
Bought the car as a time to grow up upgrade from my wife's Pontiac Sunfire GT convertable. First comment is that it is huge, seats 5 adults no problem. 2.3 ltr turbo is quiet but powerful, and the overall road handling is great. A bit of a gass gossler and loaded with lots of electronic gizmos that all seem to need service at 60,000 miles. The car is a bit expensive for upkeep - but a real pleasure on road trips. A far better value than a BMW 3 series probably more spacious than a 5 series. A great first time buyers entry in to the near/luxury sedan market. Buy the car, drive it, enjoy it and worry about the rest later.
Hi yo Silver_______ AWAY!!!
It's not the best at everything, but does EVERYTHING well, and in certain ways it can't be beat. It's not quick enough to encourage racing, but it's fast enough on the highways to pass anyone.(Especially on hills;>) Mileage: Commuting, LIE N.Y. 27mpg, Highway, 31+mpg I was rear ended two years ago( I was at a dead stop. the SUV was going approx 30mph). $9k damage. It felt like I was hit by a bowl full of pudding. The trunk still opened & closed. The seats and headrests are GREAT. Maybe they could make crash proof lighting, but the car's passenger protection is fabulous. I love it...
BUY THIS CAR
this car is great i reccomend it
Last of the breed
The 9000 CSE hatch,is one of the last eurohatches
Broncos75
We ve loved driving this car, it has been in all over the world as we are a military family. Saab is given kudos for service and reliability.
The true SUV
I absolutley love my 9000CSE. This car is the ultimate highway monster: it criuses effortlessly at 80mph and still gets 30mpg. When the time comes to overtake at highway speeds, look out, boost kicks in and you will be in triple digit speeds without even tring. This car can haul more then my 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee and is much more comfotable. Because of this, we use the SAAB for out of town camping trips and leave the Jeep in the garage.
Awesome
I've owned my 9000cs for 1 year. The car has been great. I drove it from Boston to San Diego to Albuquerque to Mexico and back to Albuquerque. It was a very comfortable ride with no problems. The fuel is awesome with cruise control on. Maintenance: new rotors and brakes. New battery. New hub and bearing both sides. New outer boot and halfshaft both sides (if you're changing the outer boot, also change the halfshaft. You can get that in one piece.) I did the work myself. Saved around a thousand. The first side is hard but the second one is a breeze because you know how to do it at that point. I wanted to do the whole front end over. Next I am going to put in new engine mounts. Easy!!
Solid
I went from a Porsche 911 into this car, so I was a bit dismayed at the boat-like handling at first. But I have owned it now for almost 2 yrs and haven't had to do anything other than change fluids. Saab has built a vault- like car here, and it has more space than most of my friend's SUVs with much better fuel economy. I'm not crazy about the styling and handling, but it has plenty of power, especially down low in the torque band. The car does 0-30 faster than my girlfriend's Subaru WRX. These cars are just incredible value for the dollar. The car cost more than 40K new in 1997, and I bought it for 5K in 2005.
Just love this car!
It needs to be driven highway miles - just around town isn't enough.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Fix the known problems and you've got a super car.
For the money you get great comfort, performance,and one of the safest cars ever.There things that need to be done but its minor compared to buying a new car.These cars can be real performers (450hp+) with little work and have a great feel for the road.The seats in the Aero are a DREAM! And great cargo space.You can rebuild the entire car fro under 10000. Maintain oil changes at 2500 miles and automatic trans at 30000 (Synthetic) and you can see 300000 miles.
- Performance
Best car owned
So far out of all the cars I have owned and test driven I have not like anything better than the SAAB 9000, In fact I plan on buying a 95 in the future but I think that I will still hold on to this one...
Best car owned
So far out of all the cars I have owned and test driven I have not like anything better than the SAAB 9000, In fact I plan on buying a 95 in the future but I think that I will still hold on to this one...