1990 SAAB 9000 Turbo 2.0 turbo

Summary:

More snow worthy than a sled dog team

Faults:

Since I have owned this car, I have had to replace the spark plugs, and that greatly improved performance. However, very shortly after that, the car has begun to run very rough, idle unevenly, and take a while to start.

On occasion, if I start the car and back out the driveway, when I stop to put the car in drive it will die and then take an exceptional while to start.

Also, one strange thing that the car does is when I stop and turn the car off, a little pump keeps running and can only be shut off by popping the hood and pulling out the little fuse in the box marked "Brake Pump." I really love this car so much I try to ignore it's idiosyncracies, but it really could use a trip to the foreign car shop. But, being sixteen, I don't have the money, so I just keep driving and driving it, and it always stands up the abuse (Sixteen year old driving habits), and has yet to really let me down.

General Comments:

The car is so comfortable and handles excellently. This car has spent it's entire life in Alaska, where I live, and plows through 3 and 4 foot snow drifts with ease. It is a blast to drive on the curvy, hilly rural Alaskan roads at high speed, and looks good doing it. In a land dominated by rusted Ford F-150's and early 1980's Subaru GL's, the Saab gets a lot of attention. Most cars in Alaska don't last long, and if they do, they look very rough after a short time. My Saab lacks any rust and still retains it's deep paint shine and European beauty. It has truly stood up well after 13 years of Alaskan driving.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th September, 2003

12th Sep 2003, 06:20

Saab's were designed to handle conditions in Sweden, which are similar to Alaska in the winter, so it should keep you going for a while yet. Just remember, if you have been out for a blast, let the engine idle for about 1 minute after you stop. This allows the oil to cool the turbo a bit.

If the turbo blows, you will not like the repair bill!

Best regards

Dave.

18th Aug 2004, 21:46

I live in Alaska also and own a Saab 9000 CD. It runs great in all seasons. the only thing the car needs is an air dam and that is very expensive. I'm only 15 I bought the car when I was 14 has not had a problem. It got to 85*F this summer and -10*F this winter and performance has not changed.

1990 SAAB 9000 Turbo Hatchback 2.0 turbo

Summary:

Expensive to maintain

Faults:

Leaking power stearing

Fuel Pump

Heater core leak

Blower motor

Horn.

General Comments:

Drives well, but nonstop repairs. Very expensive (fuel pump cost $750 to repair). Very noisy at highway speeds.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 5th July, 2003

1990 SAAB 9000 9000CD 2.0 turbo

Summary:

A bit of a let down!

Faults:

The Climate Control System was a complete let down. The Air Conditioning simply would not function for more than three months at a time without needing technical attention.

Alignment needed to be constantly examined even though I always traveled on well maintained highways.

The body simply is not able to withstand Canadian winters, rust took over very quickly.

The 9000CD does not have what I would consider a refined ride. The suspension is quite tight, and as a result the car rattles and shakes a little too much.

General Comments:

The car is very quick because of the turbo charger, the turbo lag is manageable. Very Spacious for a car of it's size.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th February, 2003

2nd Mar 2004, 20:16

Don't know who did your alignment, but I own one and the alignment is impecable.

6th May 2004, 21:45

Yeah, I don't know what it is; maybe Saabs are allergic to something in the air here in Canada? But on my 9000, it seems like I'm constantly having to touch up little spots of rust here and there. The undercoating is still good (thank heavens!) but the upper body is covered in little tiny bits of rust. I'm thinking maybe I should repaint it in "Tremclad" rust paint...