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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  Wheeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By dean-arammalamma - June 4 - 9:40 pm

  I traded in my Mazda Protege 5 for the 9-2x Aero a week ago, and havent looked back. I was a bit concerned that I would miss the handling of the Mazda, but a week in the new car has put that worry aside! I absolutely love the handling of the all wheel drive, and the kick from the turbo is just a blast! Its like my Mazda and my old 98 Vette combined. Now I ask ya, can you get any better that that?? :-)

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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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  92x--The worst car Ive ever owned - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By nomore92x - April 13 - 4:00 pm

  Im leasing this car for two years. Ever since I got it, my arms, hands, shoulders, neck and back have been killing me. i finally figured out that it was the really hard seat pressing into my back causing the back pain and my hands jamming into the Saabs European seating design from the steering wheel, causing incredible pain. I am trying to get out of my lease. Saab has been no help. So now Im trying to just have someone take over the lease payments. I hate this car!! Never again with Saab. Im going back to Subaru!!

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  Just O.K. - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Russ - April 6 - 11:26 am

  First of all Im a 21 year old college student. Its a black Aero with Cold & premium pkgs. I got this car myself its my 1st car and couldnt wait to get it. With the employee pricing it was hard to pass up. But to that I add I shouldve gotten the new "06" Civc this car feels very questionable in the quality department. Its very slow off the line you have to practically floor it at every light to get it going which cancelled out the fuel efficiency of the 4cyl that it has as opposed to the "06" v6 eclipse i wanted its the same MPG. The steering is said to be direct aka "Not enough power steering boost". I dont how Saab even thought this car would sell for 30k !!!

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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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  Functional SUV Alternative - 2006 Saab 9-2X
  By pgh92x - December 31 - 11:30 pm

  The car itself is sporty and gas mileage is good for an AWD. The AWD performs well in the snow but soft-roading is made a little more exciting by the vehicles light weight and lack of stability control. In deep mud and snow I have never felt at threat of getting stuck. Overall it is fun to drive and inspires confidence. The 9-2x has all the cargo space and flexibility of a compact suv but feels adequate rather not ample in passenger space. This car would not likely be optimal as a family hauler for more than 4. The interior is sporty if austere and I found that Subaru after-market parts helped round out the options and upgrades. The leather helps solidify the upscale feel

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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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  Improved WRX, more affordable than WRX - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By b_thunder - November 23 - 7:26 am

  Its a great wagon - speed, handling, AWD traction and cargo space in one classy package. And a lot of fun to drive. It does suffer from turbo lag and has average at best fuel economy. Nevertheless, this car (IMHO) not only looks better that WRX, but it is overall a better car. Considering current GM rebates and other discounts, it can be had for a lot less than 2005 WRX wagon which makes 9-2x Aero an excellent value.

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  My New Saabaru! - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Craggar - November 22 - 11:10 am

  If Beauty is only skin deep, this is the car it drives! Saab did a good job on the exterior styling, but underneath it all is a good ol dependable Subaru. Interior trim is definitely econo-grade. I agree - this car is FUN to drive! The engine likes to rev, pulls strong from 3K on up to redline. Not much low-end torque. The 5-spd shifter is a bit notchy, but Im getting used to it. AWD is great. No wheel spins in the Florida rain, you just GO. Fantastic brakes. One last thing - HEY SAAB, please fire the product manager and interior designer who picked the "parchment" seat color and dont hire them back until they can get coffee, ketchup and mud stains out of that fabric!