Overview & Reviews

Looking to appeal to younger, less affluent buyers, Saab took the easy way out with the 9-2X by using the "badge-engineered" approach practically pioneered by parent company General Motors. By leveraging GM's overseas partnerships, starting with a Subaru Impreza wagon and adding some unique styling, a retuned suspension and different fabric inside, Saab wound up with the entry-level 9-2X sport wagon. Although the 9-2X came together quickly with the desired blend of style and practicality, Saab's unique Scandinavian character was largely left out of the mix.

The "X" in the Saab 9-2's moniker referred to its standard all-wheel-drive system, a core attribute of the donor vehicle. Differentiating the Saab 9-2X were its softened exterior lines with unique front and rear styling, as well as larger alloy wheels and all-season tires. Carried over, however, were two engines: an un-Saab-like, non-turbocharged 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder on the base 2.5i model, and a much stronger turbo version on the high-performance Aero.

Was the transformation worth it? In our opinion, not really. Despite a longer warranty and a more fetching appearance, the Saab 9-2X came off as a poor value at the time. Its Subaru-sourced interior felt rather cheap for a premium brand, and it didn't deliver the sort of refined ride quality one might expect from a high-end vehicle. The 9-2X also lacked upscale features like stability control, navigation and premium audio.

Not surprisingly, sales were slow. Because of this as well as disruptions with GM's partnership with Subaru, Saab discontinued the model after just two years. As a used model, the 9-2X fares a little better, especially since there will likely be good deals to be found. Subaru fans simply wanting a nicer Impreza are potential buyers. But most people looking for a premium small wagon will be better off paying more for a true, small luxury wagon.

Most Recent Saab 9-2X

The Saab 9-2X wagon was produced for 2005 and '06. Two trim levels were offered in the first year -- the base Linear and the more powerful Aero. The Linear was renamed "2.5i" for the second year. Standard features on the base model were 16-inch alloy wheels, cloth sport seats, manual air-conditioning and a single-CD sound system. The upmarket Aero was a bit more appealing with foglamps, metallic-ringed gauges, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, automatic climate control and a CD changer. The 9-2X could be further dressed up with 17-inch alloys, leather seating, seat heaters, xenon HID headlights and a moonroof.

The base Linear and 2.5i models were motivated by a naturally aspirated, 2.5-liter horizontally opposed ("boxer") four-cylinder engine. It was rated at 165 horsepower and then upgraded for the 2.5i model to produce 173 hp. The Aero model's engine also changed slightly. For '05, it was a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-4 making 227 hp. The following year, it had a 2.5-liter version that made 230 hp. All engines were hooked up to a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. All-wheel drive was standard.

While the exterior styling of the 9-2X may have whispered "Saab," the interior was much less distinguished. The gauges were clean and legible, but also somewhat plain for this price point. Attractive two-tone cloth upholstery graced the seats and decently textured materials were used on the dash and door tops, but there were also hard, shiny plastics used elsewhere and a cheap, cardboard-like headliner overhead. More practical than pretty, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat helped with bulky cargo and up to 62 cubic feet of cargo space was available.

Although the suspension settings were retuned and softened for the Saab 9-2X, we found that the refined ride quality of its competitors was missing. Making up for this was a tossable character on curves and back roads, especially in Aero guise. The base engine provided enough power for around-town driving, but it felt a bit sluggish when passing on the highway. The Aero's turbo engine was a gem, though, with a broad power band and smooth delivery except for a slight bit of lag off the line. The automatic transmission tended to blunt the 9-2X's performance in either case, so enthusiasts will want to look for a manual gearbox.

User Reviews:

• 

  Great car and value - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Chad - March 6 - 3:50 pm

  We just purchased our 9-2x Aero and have been extremely satisfied. We purchased under GMs Employee Discount promotion for approx. $8000 below MSRP. Thus, we have a premium label, upgraded stereo, climate control, etc.,arguably better looks and handling with the same engine performance and reliability as the WRX, all for $1000s less. Many articles have been written about the cars performance, so Ill just say it is very quick and has excellent handling. The AWD is a useful feature on the slick Seattle streets. Up until the promotion I was set on a sedan (Legacy GT or TSX), but the value was too good to pass up and now I have to admit I really like the styling and driving something unique.

• 

  100k Problem-Free Miles! - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By estevanker - February 22 - 6:40 pm

  Ive been driving this car 150 miles daily to work and back and have not had a single issue with it. The car averages 33mpg and is awesome in the snow and ice. I anticipate driving it another 100k miles.

• 

  Still in love - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Phil - January 12 - 1:20 am

  More than 9 months and 10,000 miles later, and I still love my 92X. Great pickup (couldnt stand the lag on the Aero version, so I bought the Linear). Handles very well. It has more room for cargo than youd expect, especially with the seats down. Just took it skiing in WV, and it handled the snowy hills without a single problem. And all my friends are impressed by it.

• 

  9-2X is not for everyone - 2006 Saab 9-2X
  By Kenpost - December 28 - 3:06 am

  All that says Saab is not Saab. I may have had an exception but even my friends who drive Subarus discribe their experience differently. My 9-2X had a very annoying gear hum that over shadowed any other good qualites. The auto transmission was 20 years behind the times in techno. At low speeds it seemed to always be looking for the right gear. GM has has acted wisely in dropping this model from the future Saab line up. I have followed their lead and traded it after only 1 month.

• 

  No regrets with Linear model - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By happy - December 9 - 9:26 am

  Just traded my SUV in for this. I was looking for a unique car under 20 grand that had the best blend of performance, economy, style, and either awd or 4wd. The only tough question was to go for the Aero or Linear. Turbo sounds nice but Im done with paying for premium fuel. Plus the Linear averages 25-32 mpg on 87 octane. The Aero barely beats my SUV and requires prem fuel. The Linear will still snap your neck back into the headrest off the line and 5th gear is strong enough to conquer steep grade hills without the need to downshift. Overall fewer luxury options than most premium brands but it has all the basics. Heated seats, 6 disc changer, and decent leather will do me just fine.

• 

  9-2x Aer-Ohhhhh!!! - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By chills23 - September 19 - 7:33 am

  What a steal! Quick, nimble, stylish, handles well, reliable, roomy, & solid. Everything the WRX is and wishes it could be. Price is better than a WRX, ride is better, interior is much nicer, exterior sleeker (WRX is fugly IMHO). Handles better and is faster than my former modd Audi A4 and costs 30% less. Never thought the car would turn heads, but in Brilliant Red, the car is intimidating and striking. There isnt a car out there that can compare at this price range. Being an avid car mag reader, enthusiast, and motorcycle rider I can honestly tell you this is the car deal of a lifetime if you seek performance, reliability, and all weather utility in an affordable but stylish package.

• 

  Saaberration - 2006 Saab 9-2X
  By Pete - September 6 - 2:50 am

  This is definitely an aberration from the typical Saab lineup. Albeit a quick way for Saab to get an AWD to market, it still leans heavily towards Fuji Heavy Industries. Ironic that both companies originally made aircraft. Saabs adjustment to the exterior, gearing, steering, and suspension definitely paid off. Its handling was excellent. It loved to be pushed and responded well to pinning it centripetally into corners with acceleration. On the other hand, it was loud and the interior was most definitely Subaru. After professionally soundproofing all 4 doors, it was still noisy.

• 

  A Very Good Premium Compact - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Love2Drive - September 2 - 7:13 pm

  This is a quality entry in the premium compact class. First, identify what you want. If you love driving, have a preference for European cars or European styling, and dont want to spend a fortune, you have come to the right place. This car has been tastefully upgraded by SAAB, and is not really a competitor to the Subaru WRX, but a new entry in what is expected to be a rapidly growing category...the premium compact class. Think a fast Audi, with comparable handling, but at a base level Audi price. You will likely not find even the upcoming Audi A3 at this price, with this performance. This car offers very good performance and handling, huge utility, good looks, at a reasonable price.

• 

  Nice Car - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Derek - June 22 - 10:03 pm

  If you are looking for something practical but fun the 9-2x is a good choice. I am 23 and very active in basketball and baseball and the 9-2x can fit all my gear plus a few friends. Also I plan on owning this car for a long time so it is nice to know I can grow into it as well.

• 

  Great Little All Wheel Driver - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Sir DriveAlot - June 10 - 10:16 am

  Overall this is a very competent car. I traded in my pick-up truck for an automatic Linear so I could save gas $$. So far I get around 27-28 mpg combined city and highway. This is the most stylish, inexpensive, and most efficient vehicle I could find that would get me up my steep driveway in the winter. The rear folding seats are versatile enough to handle my child seat and whatever other general items I need to haul. Acceleration is adequate, but I am not speed racer. Excellent price with the latest sdeals from GM/Saab.