The Saab 9000, released in 1984/1985 for the 1985 model year (in 85/86 for North America), was a classic 5-door hatchback manufactured by Saab until it was replaced by the 9-5 in 1998. It was based on the same Type Four chassis as the Fiat Croma, Lancia Thema and the Alfa Romeo 164, though only the Fiat and Lancia models looked like the Saab. Consequently, parts of these vehicles were interchangeable. An example is the Fiat Croma doors, which fit the 9000 but are lighter due to less side impact protection. Additionally, the Cd value was 0.32 and the design was crafted by Giorgetto Giugiaro.
At release, the 9000 was equipped with a water cooled DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with a turbocharger at 1985 cc, producing 175 hp (129 kW). During the years, a 4-door sedan version was added (1988 CD), while the hatchback version was modernized in 1992 in the CS version. Another notable feature was the location of the ignition key, on the steering column instead of between the front seats like the Saab 99/900. This placement was switched back in the 9-5, whose platform was shared closely with the Saturn L-series and some Opel models.
The 9000 came with an EDU (electronic display unit) which showed actual and approximate fuel consumption, as well as a pictogram to monitor oil pressure, door or hatch open status, and exterior light bulb failure warnings. It also featured a safety feature which, if the outside temperature fell to a range of 26° to 38 °F, would switch the temp display on in order to alert of possible 'black ice' road conditions. Moreover, later models added trip computer functions to a separate display combined with the clock, including the ability to set trip distances, arrival times, average speed and excess speed alarms.
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