This information is not as sketchy as it used to be, thanks in large part to Ari Novis, one of the true Saab 9000 gurus. Please feel free (perhaps even obliged!) to submit corrections and additions to jpeed@elotouch.com. Your contributions will be appreciated by all who visit.
Link to UK model evolution. Some of this is accurate for US models, some is not. It's all interesting though.
to
the Links and Info page
to the Buying a
Used One page
Brief overview:
1986 Introduced (U.S.)
1991 Major changes, including 2.3 liter engine with Direct Ignition (available earlier outside the U.S.)
1993 93 is a very
confusing year, with some mid-year changes. See interesting
notes from Ari
Styling changes
Cargo area
not as wide (restricted by shock tower redesign)
Slightly
rounder lines
Raised rear
deck
Slightly
lower hood
Smaller, hard
plastic spoiler
Color-matched
air dam and lower trim
Stiffer body design
Fewer rattles
than earlier models
Engine control changes
Trionic
instead of separate DI/APC and FI ECUs
Manifold
Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor replaces Air Mass Meter
Smaller, simpler, more robust, less expensive
Aero
introduced (all Aeros had TCS in '93)
Numerous small changes
Big round
electrical connector moved from aquarium to front of false bulkhead (93 or 94)
Blower motor
controller moved to end of evaporator box, on top (smaller, but with bigger heat
sink)
No ground
wire at heater hose brace/thermostat housing (91 had one, 94 did not)
Rear wiper added (93 or 94)
Metal sunroof
replaced glass moonroof (93 or 94)
Headlight
wipers slightly different (not interchangeable with earlier ones)
Beefier motor
mounts
1994 TCS optional; add-on
switch kit available
5-speed redesign
Beefier
shafts
Vastly
improved synchros
Improved
shifter response
Redesigned
shift coupler
Passenger
side airbag made standard
No more glove
box!
Heat-absorbent
glass
Crank sensor
moved from front cover to front of engine block, flywheel end
1995 Light Pressure
Turbo introduced
Softer
shocks/springs/engine mounts (per Paul de K)
Harmon Kardon sound system
Remote
locking
Telescoping
steering wheel
Walnut dash
Daytime
running lights made standard
Temp gauge
operation changed (driven by ECU instead of direct from the sensor)
Details by year:
86
 | First year - Smaller 2.0 liter engine (no water-cooled turbo) |
87
| Water-cooled turbo starts |
| Anti-lock brakes (ABS) becomes standard |
| Variable seat heaters introduced |
88
89
| 9000
CD Turbo (4 door) introduced
|
90
| Larger 2.3 liter engine debuts mid-year, but non-turbo only (9000S) |
| Driver's airbag standard |
91
| All: 2.3 liter engine exclusively; direct ignition; D.I./APC combined into ECU under driver's seat | ||
| Revised body styling
|
|
9000 (5 door) |
|
non-turbo 2.3L/150 hp, cloth upholstery, no sunroof, manual heating & AC system |
|
Air conditioning optional |
|
9000 S (5 door)
|
|
9000 Turbo (5 door)
|
9000
CD Turbo (4 door)
9000 CD (4 door) non-turbo introduced
92
| Essentially the same as 91, except sunroof standard on all models |
| TCS standard on all manual trans (I think) |
| Griffin available (turbo automatic only) |
| Special wheels, special paint, cell phone |
93
| All: Trionic ECU introduced (fuel injection/ignition/APC - ECU between firewalls) | ||||||||||||||
| TCS standard on all manual trans (I think - definitely on all Aeros) | ||||||||||||||
| Revised body styling
| ||||||||||||||
|
9000 CS (5 door)
|
|
9000 CSE (5 door)
|
NOTE: Aero wheels & suspension available only on Aero from here on
9000 CDE (4 door) introduced
| upgraded interior |
| turbo optional |
Aero introduced
| turbo 2.3L/225 hp, leather, sunroof, ACC, 5-speed only |
| TCS (Traction Control System) (Not optional, so beware) |
| Aero wheels |
| 205/50 - 16 tires |
| lower (8mm front/5mm rear), stiffer springs and shocks |
| Heavier sway bars (19mm vs. 18mm) |
| Incredibly fine form-fitted leather seats |
| Higher final gear ratio for increased top speed (and better gas mileage) |
94
| 5-speed reworked for much smoother, more reliable performance | ||
| TCS Optional | ||
| Dual airbags standard; single rear fog light; heat-absorbent glass | ||
| Electric seats can now be adjusted without key in ignition; memory function on driver's seat | ||
| Both CS and CSE come
standard without turbo (last year for non-turbo engine)
|
Aero
| Super Aero wheels |
| TCS Optional; can be switched off when fitted |
| Automatic Aeros have 200 hp engine; 5-speed Aeros have 225 hp engine |
95 & 96
| CS gets the 170 HP Light Pressure turbo (LPT) |
| CSE gets the 200 HP Full Pressure turbo (FPT) or 210 HP V6 and the full option package |
| Non-turbo engine is no longer available |
| TCS Optional; can be switched off when fitted | ||||||||||||||||
| Perhaps
the BEST year for Aero. Aero
new additions:
|
97
| CS the same as 95/96 | ||||
| CSE gets the Aero engine
and suspension
| ||||
| Last year for the Aero |
98
| Only the CSE
was available;
again, it was an Aero
without the seats and Aero badge
|
to
the Links and Info page
to the Buying a
Used One page