Against 241 other 4-cyl cars rated 1996–1998, the 9000 trails their 24.8 mpg average by 3.8 mpg, about $281 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1986, the 2L 4-cyl (1986–1990), does 21.2 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3L 6-cyl (1995–1997), 19: $210 a year apart.
Every Saab 9000 engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 18.6 / 26 | 1986–1990 | $1,811 | |
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 17.9 / 25.4 | 1991–1998 | $1,846 | |
| 3L 6-cyl | 16 / 24 | 1995–1997 | $2,021 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1998) | $0.152 |
| Fuel per year | $1,829 |
| Fuel over five years | $9,145 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1996–1998 | +$281 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,203 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1998 Saab 9000 gives up 7 mpg in town: 25 on the highway against 18 in the city, $597 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1998) | 18 mpg | $2,133 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 25 mpg | $1,536 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (39%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the 9000 changed over the years
The 9000 peaked in 1989 at 22 mpg (19 city, 26 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1997 at 20 — 2 mpg apart, or $175 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1998 car does 21.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 18 / 25 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1997 | 17 / 25 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 1996 | 17 / 25 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 1995 | 17 / 25 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 1994 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1993 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1992 | 18 / 24 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1991 | 18 / 24 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1990 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1989 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1988 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1987 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1986 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
- Fuel profile built from your actual mileage and local prices
- Fuel tracker: what you really spend, month by month
- Insurance and fuel folded into 5-year cost to own
- Compare any two cars on total cost, not sticker price
- No ads, no tracking — and much more
How we count
This page rests on 16 EPA ratings of the Saab 9000 — 3 engines across 1986–1998. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,203. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1998 Saab 9000 get?
21 mpg combined, 18 city and 25 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1986 the 9000 has averaged 20.6 mpg.
Is the 1998 9000 more efficient than the 1997?
Yes: 21 against 20 mpg combined, about $91 a year less to run.
Which 9000 year has the best gas mileage?
The 1989, at 22 mpg combined (19 city, 26 highway).
Mark ForCar as a preferred source and our data shows up first in your Google results. One click, no account.