Over 20 years ago, the SAAB brand was experiencing one of the most significant booms associated with the advent of the SAAB 9000 model in the global automotive markets. Serial production of the car was launched in 1984. At the time of release, the model was considered flagship. The development of the car was carried out in collaboration with the concern FIAT. "SAAB 9000" was produced until 1998, after which he replaced the model 9-5.
Exterior
The car was developed by ItalDesign. "SAAB 9000", unlike most business class cars, was produced not only in a standard sedan body, but also in a rather rare hatchback body, which was very unusual for this class. Restyling of the car was carried out in 1991: despite the changes made to the exterior, the photo “SAAB 9000” is recognizable quite easily thanks to the proprietary radiator grill and narrow headlights. In 1993, SAAB had to use clean water-based paint as a paint and varnish coating for manufactured vehicles, which was not the best solution, since it easily broke off the car body.
Interior
"SAAB 9000" is the only brand model with an ignition switch located not between the seats, but in the steering column. Adjustment of seat belts in the car is carried out by height and degree of tension. The position of the seats is adjustable in height, the angle of the backrest, the angle of the pillow and lumbar support.
In the reviews of "SAAB 9000" the owners note the lack of steering column adjustment as a drawback. A similar adjustment is absent in the Mercedes W124 E-class. SAAB basic equipment includes heated front seats in three modes. The security system is represented by two airbags and additional bars installed in the car doors. The on-board computer provides the driver with information about possible glaciation of the track at an ambient temperature in the range from -3 to +3 degrees. The SAAB 9000 package may include climate control, which detects outdoor temperature using sensors and, based on the data received, changes the temperature in the cabin.
The top version of the car - AERO - is equipped with leather seats with enhanced lateral support, while only two passengers can fit on the rear sofa. The luggage compartment is 487 liters.
Specifications
The range of power units is quite extensive and includes several types of engines.
"SAAB 9000" turbo is equipped with four-cylinder engines with a volume of 2 to 2.3 liters with a distributed fuel injection system and a sixteen-valve timing type DOHC. The power of atmospheric units varies from 128 to 147 horsepower, turbocharged engines - from 147 to 200 horsepower.
The top configurations of the SAAB 9000 car are equipped with a six-cylinder atmospheric three-liter engine with a capacity of 211 horsepower.
The engines themselves are equipped with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. The drive is offered only one - front.
Acceleration to the first hundred takes a car 7.5-12.5 seconds, depending on the installed engine. The maximum developed speed is 185-235 km / h. In the combined cycle, fuel consumption varies from 8.8 liters to 12.6 liters per 100 kilometers, depending on the installed power unit. Separately, it is worth noting the clutch "SAAB 9000", providing a smooth and soft movement of the car.
Since 1993, the most equipped and top-end configurations of the SAAB 9000 have received the Aero prefix in the name. In addition to the technical characteristics, such versions were also distinguished by individual elements of the exterior and interior: body-colored body kit and spoiler, Recaro sports seats, sports suspension and 16-inch wheels with an original design that gave the cars a sporty style.
SAAB 9000 was created on the basis of the Type Four Platform front-wheel drive platform, which was developed by specialists from SAAB and Fiat Automobiles. The body of the model is completely steel, the engine is transverse. The front suspension is a classic independent MacPherson strut with a wishbone, the rear is a semi-independent system with a beam on the double wishbones and a Panhard rod. Steering car with rack and pinion design and hydraulic booster. The braking system is represented by ventilated disc devices with four-channel ABS.
Maintainability
Despite the fact that the car "SAAB 9000" is considered one of the most reliable, sooner or later, car owners are faced with the need to replace parts that have fulfilled their operational resource. Repair of the model is carried out mainly only in specialized service centers owned by the Swedish concern SAAB. The work of technical personnel at branded enterprises is not commercial, and the cost of spare parts when contacting such centers will be significantly lower.
In most cases, on the SAAB 9000, spare parts are changed not individually, but by the whole set: if a specific part interacts with other units, then the entire assembly changes immediately. The operability of the entire complex is largely ensured by this approach to repair. After a major overhaul at the SAAB corporate service, the owner of the machine is issued a quality certificate confirming the quality of the repair work. The validity of such a certificate is limited and implies free promotions.
Major malfunctions
Quite often, the owners of "SAAB 9000" in the reviews note that the main malfunctions of the car is the failure of the ignition coils of the cassette system - their average working life is 150-200 thousand kilometers. Sensors for coolant temperature and air flow on turbocharged two-liter engines at least fail. In the undercarriage of the car, the rear silent blocks are considered the weakest point, with a working life of 40 thousand kilometers. Racks can withstand more - about 100 thousand kilometers.
Prices
At the time of release, the SAAB 9000 Aero was offered for $ 45,000, which was a very large amount. Today, a used model can be purchased on average for 5 thousand dollars.