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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  Saab 9-2x - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By gerry davis - November 17 - 11:26 pm

  The interior is very plain and understated, very few bells or whistles. The seats are very tight fitting, almost like race seats. This is a good feature when cornering hard as you dont slide in the seat at all. For those who are somewhat ample in the posteror region they might be uncomfortable. The seat fabric is very very prone to coffee stains, Saab could have thought this out better. My guess is that the demographic who buys this car also drinks a lot of coffee. The car is fun to drive with ample horse power and great handling. The awd is awesome in snow.

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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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  Good First Car - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By mrdragon016 - September 29 - 5:55 am

  I bought My Saabaru a couple weeks back and everytime i drive it, it brings a huge smile on my face. Its got plenty of kick and can turn on a dime. with a 4 banger as well as AWD its a amazing little car

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  Not impressed... - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By 92xsergio - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I thought that buying a new 9-2X would be better than my other choice the V50. Im starting to think the other way around especially since the interior quality isnt that great. The sun visors are slightly loose and the center armrest console is too. I still like the car, but theres better choices out there and too bad I had to find out the hard way.

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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.

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  Saabaru - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Bryan - June 3 - 6:36 pm

  My wife and I were shopping for a used Saab 9-5 wagon when we drove this at the dealer. The ride was amazing and my wife feel in love. With the employee pricing it was a huge steal. It isnt a true Saab, but it is one helluva Subaru.