The 9000 was based on the Type Four chassis, a platform shared with the Fiat Croma, Lancia Thema and Alfa Romeo 164. The Croma and Thema are outwardly similar to the 9000 while the 164 shares only the chassis. Much of the bodywork appeared interchangeable between the 9000, Croma and Thema; for example, the doors. However, because Saab fitted heavier side impact protection they will not fit. Only seven different parts are actually interchangeable. The 9000's body was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and Björn Envall of SAAB .
Despite being shorter overall than the 900, the 9000 had a longer wheelbase and a great deal of interior space, and was the first vehicle imported to the United States to be classed as a "Large Car" by the EPA. Unlike the 900, the 9000 kept the ignition switch in the more conventional steering column position rather than between the front seats.
The 9000 was launched in 1984 as a 5-door hatchback only, powered by a watercooled, turbocharged DOHC 16-valve four-inter-cooled-4 cylinder engine, providing 175 hp (130 kW). Earlier on in the development, the PRV engine had also been considered. Both a five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions were available. In 1984, a normally aspirated engine was introduced in the 9000 and 9000 S models, producing 130 hp (97 kW). A four door sedan with a conventional trunk and a slightly more aerodynamic nose, the CD, was first presented in September 1988 at the Birmingham Motor Show. This was originally available only with the turbocharged engine. In late 1989 the CD range was expanded downward with the naturally aspirated 2-litre four. This did not happen until late in the 1990 model year for the US market, when Saab introduced the 2.3L (B234) normally aspirated engine. From late 1990, the original CC bodystyle received the CD's front clip.
From 1994 9000s were equipped with a Saab Information Display (SID) which showed fuel consumption, distance to an empty fuel tank, alternator output voltage, outside temperature, and lowest battery voltage during vehicle start. If the outside temperature fell to −3 °C (27 °F) to 3 °C (37 °F), the temperature display is automatically selected to warn of possible "black ice" road conditions. A separate pictogram monitored door and hatch opening and exterior light bulb condition.
Saab Direct Ignition was fitted to the 9000 CD in 1988 on some models and expanded to all turbocharged 9000s in 1990. As early as 1989, the 9000 was equipped with the larger B234 2.3L engine, providing 150 hp (110 kW) in the normally aspirated engine. From autumn 1990, the B234 became available with a turbocharger, producing 200 PS (147 kW).
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