1997 Saab 9000 Review
Price Estimate:Â $116 - $187
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Roomy interior and powerful engine.
Cons
- Dated design.
What’s new
No changes to this aging model.
For sale near Milledgeville, GA
Vehicle overview
Wow, after 11 years without any significant redevelopment the Saab 9000 is still going strong. Of course a fiercly loyal following and the addition of the Aero in 1993, which gave the 9000 a boost of power which propelled Saab to the top of its class in acceleration and top speed, certainly haven't hurt its popularity. Nonetheless, the 9000 could stand to undergo the same type of revamping that the 900 got a couple of years ago, making it one of the fastest, most comfortable, fun-to-drive cars for the dollar.
Roomy interiors, quirky, yet functional instruments, exceptional cargo space, and powerful engines, in either V6 or four-cylinder turbo guise, are what make 9000s great. Additionally, optioning out a 9000 involves just three selections; these cars come with everything!
The only problem with the 9000 is that it is due for an overhaul within the next year or two; leaving '97 buyers kicking themselves for spending upwards of $40,000 on a car that will be significantly improved the year after they buy it. If you love Saabs because of their uniqueness, buy a 9000 today. If you love Saabs because of their safety and performance buy one next year, they will undoubtedly achieve even higher standards after their expected overhaul.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Saab 9000 Aero Turbo 4dr Hatchback and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.93 per gallon for regular unleaded in Georgia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Georgia
$170/mo  for 9000 Aero
9000 Aero
vs
$153/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
See Edmunds pricing data
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Saab 9000 Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(85%)
4(13%)
3(2%)
2(0%)
1(0%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
5yrs later
4 out of 5 starsdbrooks22, 08/25/2012
1997 Saab 9000 CSE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
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.
Best Car Ever
5 out of 5 starsJT, 06/06/2009
1997 Saab 9000 CS Turbo 4dr Hatchback
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.
A great car to own
4.88 out of 5 starsdrfig, 01/12/2010
1996 Saab 9000 CS Turbo 4dr Hatchback
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.
STILL PERFECT... but
4.88 out of 5 starsLaurent, 07/06/2006
1996 Saab 9000 Aero Turbo 4dr Hatchback
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.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 Saab 9000, so we've included reviews for other years of the 9000 since its last redesign.
1997 9000 Highlights
Hatchback
Aero
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $170/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 23.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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