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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  Best Value in 5-door sport compact - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Suub - March 24 - 8:16 am

  This 5-door Saab/Suub/Saabaru (pick your poison) is a step up from the great Impreza WRX wagon. More precise and comfortable handling, better body design, increased noise reduction, and overall better good looks differentiate this vehicle greatly from the Subaru. Its price is a bit on the steep side, but its worth every penny. If the performance isnt quite up to snuff, you can always add aftermarket power toys to blow away the competition! I love this car, and Ive owned and test-driven several 5- doors. This is by far the best of the bunch! Too bad theyre practically sold out of the 05s. Buy an 06--you wont regret it!

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  Excellent Saab! - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Dennis - February 24 - 12:56 pm

  I have had my Saab 9-2X for four monthsnow and it has 6,000 miles. I haventhad a single problem with it and enjoy driving it more every day. Mine is the non-turbocharged Linear but I find there is plenty of power. It is an automatic with the upgraded interior - leather,heated seats, great sound system. Sure its a Subaru underneath but that will only maximize its longevity and Saab did a great job with the exterior and interior design. I highly recommend this car!

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  the perfect AWD sport wagon - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By jvo - February 16 - 5:20 pm

  After driving this car for about 4000 miles I absolutely love it. The AWD is excellent in South Florida rain and Ive found the usable cargo space to be near that of my previous 96 4runner. After about a 1200 mile breakin period Ive notice a significant improvement in gas mileage to around 27 mpg (combined city/highway). The seats were supportive and comfortable on the numerous 3-4 hour trips Ive taken. Perhaps the best attributes of this car are the combination of Japanese reliability, European luxury service, and GM employee pricing. I repeatedly get inquiries and compliments on my unique car.

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  Great buy - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Gina - February 12 - 7:36 pm

  Great car. Love the free oil changes and maintenance. Have not had one problem except using the wrong gasoline. Must use detergent gasoline (Shell, Amoco, etc). non-detergent gasoline will slow start-ups. Very comfortable car.

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  Saab 9-2X Fun! - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Alisa - December 24 - 12:30 pm

  I love my Saab 9-2x so much that I have actually tried to convince others to buy it, too! The car has handled well in every situation Ive tried it in, Im hoping it will remain just as good in the snow this winter. It is sporty, yet still a "luxury" car if that makes any sense at all. I wasnt looking for any frills, just a good, solid car. I did, however, end up getting the cold weather package so I have heated windshield wipers and outer mirrors... I cant wait til it is cold enough to use them! This car was in HIGH demand when I bought it this summer, so Ill live with the upgrade. :) I have never owned a Saab before... after owning this car I would gladly go back!

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  saab 92-x - 2006 Saab 9-2X
  By davidreaume - October 14 - 4:40 pm

  Both my wife and I love this car. The utility and fun to drive is unsurpassed.

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  Practical, Reliable, Rally-Bred Monster - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Scott - October 1 - 8:13 am

  Last year I went used shopping for a practical AWD compact for city use and occasional road trips. To my surprise, this turbo Saabaru (which, yes, has an automatic) was the best of the lot by far. Plodding around in town its as docile as any other auto-compact, yet the turbo means it doesnt run out of steam on the highway (Im looking at you, SX4/Fit). But its not all practicality: being a WRX, its ready to play whenever. Put the tach above 3500 and it hisses, growls, and rips a hole in time. Show it some curves and it annihilates them (its front heavy, but theres so much grip it almost doesnt matter). Best of all, you can go back to driving casually once youre done abusing the tarmac.

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  Great Affordable Option for Small Luxury - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Matt74 - August 16 - 9:30 pm

  Love this car. It is fun to drive, looks great and has the reliability of Subaru and the finish of Saab.

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  A Car for All Seasons - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By SharonSAABophile - July 22 - 11:53 am

  Even though its a Subaru underneath, SAAB has made it look great, classier than the Subaru equivalent, and the handling and performance in this snowy New England winter has been a gift from the gods. The versatility and flexibityof the sport wagon style is a great asset since SAAB no longer makes hatchbacks. The warranty and scheduled maintenance program is excellent in this price class. Beats the Subaru. People may call it a "Saabaru". The 9-2X is fun to drive, powerful,safe, smooth and a terrific value.

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  Like it so far - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Jay Kanabar - July 13 - 7:53 pm

  Excellent car. I have a 9-3 as well and compared with that I feel that the steering and control is far superior.