Saab 9000
19.5 MPG The 1998 Saab 9000 is EPA-rated at 19.5 MPG combined (17 city / 24.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 769 gallons, $2462 a year in fuel, or $0.164 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1986–1998 run it averages 19.6 MPG, falling by 1.5 MPG over 13 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.128 | $1282 | $1923 | $2564 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.154 | $1538 | $2308 | $3077 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.164 | $1641 | $2462 | $3282 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.179 | $1795 | $2692 | $3590 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.205 | $2051 | $3077 | $4103 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.231 | $2308 | $3462 | $4615 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.256 | $2564 | $3846 | $5128 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 19.5 MPG | 17 | 24.5 | $3550 | 458 | 2 |
| 1997 | 19.4 MPG | 16.4 | 24.8 | $3220 | 460 | 5 |
| 1996 | 19.5 MPG | 16.8 | 24.8 | $3200 | 457 | 4 |
| 1995 | 19.8 MPG | 16.8 | 25 | $3267 | 450 | 6 |
| 1994 | 19.8 MPG | 16.8 | 25 | $3290 | 450 | 5 |
| 1993 | 19.2 MPG | 16.4 | 24 | $3390 | 465 | 5 |
| 1992 | 18.8 MPG | 16.3 | 23.3 | $3325 | 475 | 4 |
| 1991 | 18.8 MPG | 16.3 | 23 | $3325 | 475 | 4 |
| 1990 | 19.3 MPG | 17 | 23.5 | $3225 | 461 | 6 |
| 1989 | 20.3 MPG | 17.8 | 24.5 | $3113 | 442 | 4 |
| 1988 | 19.8 MPG | 17.3 | 24 | $3163 | 452 | 4 |
| 1987 | 19.6 MPG | 17.4 | 24 | $3180 | 455 | 5 |
| 1986 | 21 MPG | 19 | 26 | $2950 | 423 | 1 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 149 large cars models tracked here, the Saab 9000 ranks 64 on current figures, against a class average of 21.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Chrysler 300 (20), Chrysler Concorde (20), Dodge Charger (20), Jaguar XJ AWD (20), Jaguar XJL AWD (20).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 458 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.9 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Saab 9000 get?
The 1998 Saab 9000 is rated at 19.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 17 city and 24.5 highway. Across all 13 model years in the database it averages 19.6 MPG, ranging from 18 to 22 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Saab 9000 cost in fuel per year?
At 19.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 769 gallons — roughly $2462 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.164 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1998 model is $3550.
Has the Saab 9000 become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 21 MPG in 1986 to 19.5 in 1998. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Saab 9000 efficient for its class?
It ranks 64 of 149 in the Large Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 21.6 MPG. That is 2.1 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.