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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  So what if its not built in Sweden - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By saabwonkka - July 8 - 9:33 am

  Ive been a Saab fanatic and have had numerous Saabs from classic 900s to a Saab 9-5 Aero wagon. I was skeptical to even consider a "Saab" built in Ohio. So lets get a few things straight, yes its based on a trailblazer/envoy and built in the USA, its a great all around SUV for everyday use. It has just enough ground clearance to get through those plow piles at the end of your driveway. The all wheel drive system works great when you need it (no you 4wd people, it doesnt have locking diffs or low range 4wd) but how often do you really need that stuff. The 9-7x has been reliable and comfortable. It wont take you across the Sahara but it will take you anywhere you "really" must go!

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  Run - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By Paul - June 13 - 7:06 am

  Best thing about my Saab is the extra 100,000 mile warrenty I purchased. Car has 48,000 miles on it. Without that extra warrenty I would easily be out about 5k by now. New accelerator, two new starters, two new windshield wiper pumps, new computer....there might be more...the past year is a bit of a blur to me at this point. Anyone want to buy a car?

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  Sweet Vehicle - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By Kev - February 18 - 7:56 am

  We are very happy with our new Saab 9-7X. It drives like a car and has an elegant look to it. We think Saab has done a great job on the design. When we are out enjoying our Saab, we always get second looks.

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  Great Family Car with Sporty Feel - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By Great Family Car wit - January 15 - 2:16 am

  This car is fully loaded. Nav, DVD, V8. Handles great, is very reliable. Our daughter feels like the car is part of the family. Great in snow and is faster than my BMW.

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  Great Value - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By Mike - December 24 - 11:13 pm

  Driving between 35,000 & 45,000 per year, I am in & out of vehicles more often. Ive been searching for several months, but nothing struck me. Even though it is on a GM platform, the 9-7X is nothing like one. Perfect vehicle for one who is on the road for a living. Very confortable, user friendly, and suprisingly fuel efficient. The 9-7Xis priced right in comparision to its competitors....The 3 year (36,000 mi) free scheduled maintenance sweetens the deal. Highly reccomend this vehicle..

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  TRULY WONDERFUL VALUE - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By TIM in Miami - November 29 - 7:43 am

  Saab really made a great SUV. I feel it compares favorably to the XC 90, the X5, and the Touareg (all fine SUVs). The 9-7X offers the same features, with 18 inch wheels and more horsepower for at least $5K less than the others similarly equipped.

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  Worth a look - - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By Tierney - November 18 - 6:20 am

  A really superb re-work of the GMC Envoy with much more up-market look and feel. Saabs efforts to stylize the vehicle differently from its cousins was beautifully executed. In the end, having owned a BMW X5, an ML-320 and various mid to high end cars, Im entirely pleased with the 97x.

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  9-7x is a great luxury SUV - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By JC - October 21 - 5:36 am

  I was looking for something to replace my troublesome Volvo XC90, which I liked, but had just way too many issues with. Since I own a 9-3 Sport Sedan, I took the Saab for a drive. I bought it the same day. After driving the X5 and Cayenne, the 9-7x is good competition for both, but provides a slightly more liveable ride while giving good handling response, better than in most SUVs. Cargo room is also better in the Saab, and while it doesnt have a third row, it gives second row passengers more room than those trying to cram in three rows of seats. The interior is also nicely finished, better than any recent GM product Ive been in. Its a great buy and I highly recommend it.

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  Great SUV - 2008 Saab 9-7X
  By Nick Resetar - September 20 - 8:43 pm

  Awesome SUV. If you need a real SUV like I do for towing, you cant beat the 9-7x. The standard features blow away the competition. The handling is great. This is no more an exercise in badge engineering than Lexus it to Toyota or Honda to Acura etc. You really need to drive it and look at the standard features. 15k at least under the competition similarity equipped. Leased for .9% here in Canada. Great deal.

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  Like A Swedish Model! - 2007 Saab 9-7X
  By Pharmadude - September 17 - 6:23 am

  Excellent handling and steering, very good brakes, high level of standard equipments, good fit and finish, tons of power (5.3 V8) acceptable gas mileage, free 3 years scheduled maintenance, 4 years bumper-to-bumper warranty