Overview & Reviews

When is a Saab not a Saab? Certainly, the 9-7X, the company's first SUV, had Saab's signature grille, requisite badging and floor-mounted ignition. But underneath the Swedish veneer was General Motors' midsize, truck-based SUV platform, which means that the 9-7X shared its core mechanicals with the departed Chevy Trailblazer family (including models from Buick, GMC, Isuzu and Oldsmobile).

The Saab 9-7X thus felt like a trucky GM SUV that was taken to Sweden to get a mild infusion of Saab character, which -- no surprise -- is exactly what it is. It's like putting Uncle Sam in a Viking helmet, or Bruce Springsteen in an ABBA jumpsuit. In spite of Saab's best efforts at altering the interior and exterior styling and revising the vehicle's suspension tuning, it could never hide the fact that the Ohio-built 9-7X was limited by its heritage. As a choice for a luxury SUV, it was and remains mediocre. We feel most consumers would be happier with other choices, such as Acura's MDX or Mercedes' M-Class.

Most Recent Saab 9-7X
The Saab 9-7X was produced from 2005-'09. It originally came in a single trim level, but the next year saw each available engine get its own trim level: Linear and Arc. These were renamed the following year to reflect engine displacement: 4.2i and 5.3i. A higher-performance Aero model was introduced for 2008.

Forget small displacement and turbochargers -- the 9-7X's engine lineup was pure Detroit iron. The 4.2i came with a 4.2-liter inline-6 engine with 290 horsepower (275 hp for 2005). The 5.3i had a 300-hp 5.3 V8 with considerably more torque than the 4.2-liter. The Aero got a 6.0-liter V8 good for 390 hp and 395 pound-feet of torque. The only transmission available on the 9-7X was a four-speed automatic. All-wheel drive, a limited-slip differential, traction control and stability control (2006 and later) were standard.

Despite the different trim levels, all shared the bulk of standard equipment like side curtain airbags, leather upholstery, heated front seats, automatic climate control, a premium Bose stereo with six-CD changer, satellite radio and OnStar. The only major options for most of the 9-7X's run were a navigation system and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Aero had a performance-tuned chassis, 20-inch wheels and sport trim.

The fact that the 9-7X was not equipped with a turbocharged engine is one good clue that the vehicle wasn't a real Saab, and the layout of the interior was another. Despite some classic Saab features like the driver-canted dash, soft-touch knobs and center-console-mounted ignition, the interior still looked very GM.

The 9-7X seated five. Third-row seating, a feature common on vehicles in this class, wasn't available. There was plenty of cargo space, though, with 80 cubic feet when the rear seats were folded.

In reviews of the Saab 9-7X, we found that this SUV's positive attributes included a smooth ride and well-weighted steering. The Aero, in particular, offered a surprising level of performance. One strong criticism we had was regarding the four-speed automatic transmission, which couldn't match the efficiency or smoothness of the five- or six-speed transmissions in other luxury SUVs. Otherwise, our affection for the 9-7X was only slightly greater than that of its GM SUV platform mates -- which wasn't very high.

User Reviews:

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  Great Car - 2007 Saab 9-7X
  By SDalton - June 26 - 5:30 pm

  We just bought the 9-7X last week and absolutely love it. We test drove the Lexus 350, Volvo X90 and while they were great cars themselves, it was hard to pass up all the standard features the Saab had that wed end up having to add on with the others. Great car!

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  2006 SAAB SUV REVIEW - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By william mitchell - June 20 - 12:13 am

  The car handles great. At 70 miles an hour youre doing over 2500rpm. I like the stiff ride but not shocking.

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  Wonderful SUV - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By mt_man - May 29 - 1:40 pm

  This car has been great and I wouldnt trade it for anything. The car looks great inside and out (from the front). The ride it terrific and the handling is great for an SUV.

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  Aircraft engineers.. give me a break - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By yntny - April 27 - 4:16 pm

  I bought my Saab after waiting for a year. I thought it would be a great car. Was I wrong!. This car has been a bomb from the beginning. First my father was the project engineer on the F-14 from its inception So much for born from aircraft engineers.. he hates it. You should hear his comments. I bought it for its supposed sportiness, but I can get my 77 merc 280 sl convert to 80 without a glance and feel safe. This thing can barely hit 65 without me feeling like Im pushing a tank... and all at an avg. 11.5 a gallon. Oh and 14.3 mpg on a long haul hwy drive.

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  Best Saab Ive Owned - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By will - April 7 - 11:30 pm

  This is my fouth Saab (I also own a 2001 9-3 convertible) and this is the best one yet. While it may have more than its share of GM truck infused in it, Saab has made a very creative take on it, and you really dont know youre driving a truck. It rides higher than a car, but its much easier to get into than the Volvo, Mercedes, or Land Rover SUVs. It also rides better and has more cargo room than the BMW. And its thousands less than all of those. Even if youre considering an American SUV, check the Saab out and youll be pleasantly surprised with its quality, impressive handling and performance, and individuality. The interior is worlds better than the Chevy and on par with luxury SUVs.

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  People still turn their heads... - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By RP - January 26 - 8:53 pm

  I am enjoying my 9-7x even though the prices at the pump make me question my decision sometimes. People are constantly looking to see what I am driving and honestly I like that. The styling is unique and the V8 is fun too. I havent had any problems to date and the SUV has been a pleasure to drive. I only wish that the 2005 model had the fuel economy of the newer V8s with displacement on demand (or whatever GM calls it).

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  Good Vehicle for Price - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By AK Driver - January 1 - 4:03 am

  I purchased this vehicle for my wife to transport the kids around. It is very comfortable and roomy for a smaller SUV. The engine does very well for an I6, but fuel mileage could be better (I guess you can have one or the other more power less mileage or more mileage less power). Bought it used and a good investment so far. Had a slight alignment issue, once fixed have had no problems. One frustrating thing is it is very hard to get accessories for this vehicle. Overall good vehicle for the price.

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  Entertaining Platformed Vehicle - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By ghack - November 12 - 11:23 am

  Considerable sportier handling than its other shared platform vehicles. Any issues that have occurred, dealership has the utmost professionalism in correcting the problem with few questions asked

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  Its a car - 2008 Saab 9-7X
  By vern in indy - September 3 - 2:10 am

  My overall impression is that Saab did their best to turn a small/mid sized SUV into a car. I’m counting the days until my 27 month lease expires.

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  Good Package for money - 2008 Saab 9-7X
  By Happy customer - May 3 - 4:53 am

  SUV is appointed very nicely, good value for the money. Dont listen to experts GM makes nice cars, the Saab is in line with GMs Cadillac vehicles. As far as mpg the crossovers dont do much better but the Saab has lots of room. We pay $1.50 for bottled water but complain about 14mpg. Buy a Prius if that is your concern. Overall great vehicle.