Saab’s history is often overshadowed by the brand’s demise, but its partnership with Fiat during the late 1970s produced some noteworthy vehicles. One such car was the Saab-Lancia 600, a rebadged version of the Lancia Delta. Unfortunately, it didn’t sell well and quickly disappeared from the market. However, this collaboration led to the development of a new platform called the Type Four, which was utilized for four different car models: the Lancia Thema, Fiat Croma, Alfa Romeo 164, and Saab 9000.
The Saab 9000 made its debut in Europe in 1985 and was introduced to the North American market a year later. Unlike its smaller counterpart, the Saab 900, the 9000 boasted a more spacious interior without significantly increasing its weight. The production of the 9000 continued until 1998 when it was succeeded by the Opel-derived 9-5.
In the United States, the 9000 was available with both naturally-aspirated and turbocharged versions of Saab’s four-cylinder engine. The turbo engine, in particular, delivered an impressive 200 horsepower and 238 pound-feet of torque. From 1995 to 1998, consumers could also opt for a 3.0-liter Isuzu V6 engine.
This specific 9000 found in a Denver junkyard is equipped with a five-speed manual transmission, which is a testament to Saab’s commitment to providing a sporty driving experience. Although an optional four-speed automatic transmission was available, true Saab enthusiasts preferred the manual gearbox.
When new, this particular Saab 9000 had a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $31,695, which would be equivalent to around $62,221 in today’s money. The car did not reach the coveted 200,000-mile mark during its lifetime, which is not uncommon for Saabs as they tend not to have the same longevity as their Swedish counterpart, Volvo.
Interestingly, the Saab 9000 Aero model from 1997 was considerably more expensive than the standard 9000 CS. This variant likely boasted some performance upgrades and additional features to justify its higher price tag.
Ultimately, Saab’s unique design language and focus on providing an enjoyable driving experience appealed to a niche group of enthusiasts. While Saabs may not have achieved the same legendary reputation for high mileage as Volvo, they still offered a distinctive and compelling alternative in the automotive market.