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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  The 9-7X Saab Story - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By dtrotter - July 13 - 10:50 am

  While looking for a replacement lease vehicle I was interested in the value proposition of getting an SUV with the most luxury and perfomance possible for the price. The Saab 9-7X absolutely delivered. Admittedly, its not the best luxury SUV available, but with a full option list and V8 performance it beat comparably equipped competitors by $10,000. And while the Saab faithful might not embrace it, it made someone who never would have considered a Saab a convert. The 9-7X provides a solid integration of performance, luxury, ride, braking, handling, and ergonomics, and does so while looking great as well.

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  9-7X definitely a "sport" utility. - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By Jeff - July 7 - 5:20 pm

  This car handles like you would expect a european car to handle, tight and responsive, doesnt feel like a truck at all. The inline six provides plenty of power and the four wheel disc brakes stop it effortlessly without a bit of fade. The interior is neat and clean without excess. The exterior styling is very clean also, the signature Saab front grille and headlight treatments distance it from its GM brethren. Overall great vehicle.

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  Too many Saab snobs - 2007 Saab 9-7X
  By NNovesky - July 3 - 9:06 am

  For once we have a vehicle that is what it is supposed to be: an unpretentious upscale SUV. As an owner of four Saabs over the years, each met my expectation of what I thought it was supposed to be. This is one of Saabs strengths. I have loved each for what they were: sporty in some cases, practical in others. The 9-7x is a little of both. I truly enjoy the 9-7x for the space it provides, the smooth pleasant ride, great comfort, and a sense of size without being overwhelming to the driver. I test drove most other SUV types in this class (from a well equipped Honda Pilot to the Volvo, Acura, Mercedes, Mazda models) and found sometimes small, sometimes large disappointments with each. Try it.

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  New Saab SUV - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By JC - July 3 - 4:36 am

  I need a 4 wheel drive vehicle and wanted something towards the top of the line within my price range. With the employee discount deal, the Saab met those requirements. Also liked the all- inclusive deal...You only can choose between a sunroof or a DVD player. I took the sunroof. The ride is OK, but a bit you do feel the road quite a bit. Bottom Line: good deal for the price.

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  Acura TL to Saab 97-X - 2008 Saab 9-7X
  By B. Page - May 5 - 11:56 am

  Having a baby requires more room than your typical sedan; hence my need to upgrade to an SUV. With the current gas prices what they are I was concerned with the size engine I would get (a V-6 versus a V-8) and how it would accelerate; this one proved to be a winner. It is quite zippy and hugs the road where I need it to. It had all of the bells and whistles that I was accustomed to and more. As a short woman I can easily get in and out and getting the baby in and out is also a breeze. There is plenty of cargo space for us even after a heavy day of shopping! So far the only downside that I can find is that there could be a few cubbys for things like cell phones and other misc. items.

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  very nice. - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By DC51 - April 18 - 12:33 am

  Recently purchased the Linear 97x. Ive owned 5 SUVs since 1990 and this is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. The Saab looks great and after 1 month of ownership I have yet to see another one on the road. Handles like a european sedan and comes fully loaded ! XM, On-Star, premium leather, DVD, side impact air bags, all standard. Rides great, looks great and comes loaded. Look forward to next 100,000 miles.

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  Impressed for Now - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By Phillip - November 30 - 1:53 am

  Very pleased with the purchase so far. You can really notice the change made to the handling by GM. However, a close family memeber has a GMC Envoy and you really see a lot of the same characteristics in the Saab. With GMs history I can only guess that how durable the 9-7 will be. Although, you cant go wrong with the factory offered 4 year bumper to bumper warranty and 3 year service warranty. These were very appealing at purchase. In all, I would recommend the Saab, because I do not beleive you will find anything better for your money.

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  2nd look at Saab 9-7x - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By Smitty - November 15 - 7:53 pm

  I am happy with my purchase of the 9-7X. I love the ride, handling, power (V8) and the interior and exterior appearance . For the money the 9-7X is the best buy. You get loads of standard equipment that you will really use in your day to day driving and not standard equipment that you will never use like off road package. There were only two options (Nav and DVD entertainment) for the 5.3i which i got and just love. Also, the optional 18 inch Brightly Polished split 6 spoke rims are beautiful. these rims make the vehicle look even sexier. Saab did an excellent job on these rims. Good job to the Saab engineers for really making an enjoyable SUV!

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  Chevy in disguise - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By Maverick - September 27 - 7:23 am

  Nice SUV and fully loaded with only the sunroof/rear dvd player option (must choose between the two for no additional charge). Basically a Chevy Trailblazer in disguise here until the 9-6X arrives next year. Lots of GM parts in the interior, makes you wonder about the long term reliablity. The positive is that you usually wont see yourself coming and going while driving down the street.

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  Solid SUV regardless of origins - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By Tom A - September 13 - 2:10 pm

  Yes, its a pretty mundane GM truck underneath the Saab-designed exterior. But its got a great engine that gives fairly good fuel economy for the class, and the ability to tow more than its competitors. Plus its more refined and better to drive than an Explorer, Grand Cherokee, 4Runner, and the like. And its got great value. But more importantly, its not like Ill lose it in a parking lot.