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:

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  Performance - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Lisa - April 24 - 9:00 am

  I bought my Saab 1/2005. It is my 3rd Saab. This wagon has been terrific in bad weather conditions such as snow, ice, and rain. I have driven it to Tahoe on many occasions and it has been very steady and easy to handle. The winter package has been a plus. The wagon is getting about 28 mpg as I mostly drive it freeway. Occasionally I am getting 29-30 - but I have a rack on and that does affect this. So far, I have been very pleased and found that with all the sports I do, it has made a great work/sport car without being a gas hog.

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  Revenge of the Nerd - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By JD94 - February 21 - 8:30 pm

  Remember freshman year of high school, when the nerdiest, scrawniest kid from junior high walked into homeroom, huge with a mustache? Thats what this car reminds me of. At first glance, it looks like a harmless suby impreza wagon, look again, its a wrx, one more peak, is that a saab? The 92x is a great car. It is fun to drive, handles well in all climates, it can get decent gas mileage, and if pushed, can accelerate like a fighter jet. I was trying to explain what it looked like to a coworker, and the first thing that came to my mind was, my car is Mini Me on steroids. But in reality, it is built like a pug and runs like a greyhound.

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  Impreza Owner Goes Saab 9-2 Linear MS - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Eclem - December 20 - 10:10 am

  I bought the 9-2 Linear manual shift BECAUSE it was built by Fuji Heavy Industries who builds Subaru Imprezas. Ive owned 2 Imprezas and they are the best car I know of if you need a tool to go in all conditions and have fun. With rebates the 9-2 cost same as a comparable Impreza, but much better looking, much quiet, more precise handling, side airs, cruise, sun-roof, heated seats, mirror and wiper defrosters ... most stuff not available on Impreza. Add in the far superior warranty and free service and loaners ... had to go with the Saab.

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  Saab 92X AWD - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By vkr - December 10 - 10:00 am

  Remember that the 92X is an all time AWD so dont compare this to a FWD. Its the best, affordable AWD in the market. For more pep choose the aero for 4000$ more than the linear.

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  Better than its WRX cousin - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By apowell - November 16 - 7:43 pm

  Purchased the car during in July 2005, and have been very happy with everything, except turbo lag. The 2006 model gets a larger engine and should fix this problem. The car performs very well, so well that in snow and ice I can punch the gas and the 9-2x flys off the line. I also like the interior, easy to read gauges and very supportive seats (much better than WRX seats), also I chose the cold weather package w/ heated seats. The WRX only offers heated seats w/ the limited package (a $2000 option on WRX)!!!

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  Love the Saab 92X - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Vhawk - October 29 - 10:00 am

  Replaced a 2001 AWD Toyota Rav4 with the 2.5 Linear and am extremely pleased with the Saab 92X. Was considering waiting for the AWD Audi A3 or BMW Series-1, but am happy I decided to go with the Saab. The handling and performance is superb. Highly recommend to anyone considering a AWD sports wagon.

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  Excellent deal for the money - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By 92xaero - October 28 - 8:16 pm

  Picked up my Aero 5mt early July, 2005 and have already put about 4400 miles on it. The car is a lot of fun to drive and a bargain for the less than $20k that I paid. Engine pulls strongly above 3000rpm and puts a smile on my face every time. Shifter is a little notchy but is getting better with use. Lower gears are spaced a little too far apart which needs them to be revved higher before upshifts for max performance. Interior is spartan by Saab standards, but quite adequate at its price point. Huge selection of WRX aftermarket bolt-on/tuning parts make it very easy to upgrade power and handling at reasonable prices. All in all, an excellent ride at a very affordable price!

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  Saabaru No. 1 - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Nahasapeemapetilon - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Great car for what it is worth. Very forgiving handling and extra security with AWD. Hatchback styles versatile enough for casual cruising and moving furnitures.

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  Nice Car - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By newatsaab - July 23 - 7:26 pm

  Bought this car due to GM and Saab discounts. Fun to drive, mileage on city/hwy 25 to 33 mpg. Accelerates smoothly, handles well, brakes well. Cruise control maintains speed well. Plenty of room in front and back seats for moderately sized people. Paid $18,500 for linear with automatic and cold weather package. Suprised at good mileage for an all wheel drive vehicle. Would recommend based on limited experience, with available discounts. Seats split and fold flat without having to raise back seat. Can sit a person in one side of back seat and fold down other side. Good all around visibility from drivers seat.

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  Nice Car - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By John B - June 26 - 3:36 am

  I would never pay full price for this, but with the incentives, it was impossible to resist--I paid $20,600 for a $28K car. (I got every option except the automatic.) Interior is a bit cheap and there was a paint flaw. (Dont ever get black paint!) But it is a fun car to drive.