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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  The Silver Bullet - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By JMD94 - May 11 - 3:33 pm

  I caught WRX fever about 4 months ago and had been trying to figure out a way to buy one, but then, I stumbled upon reviews at Edmunds and then saw the GM discount and took the "You only live once" attitude. I love this car. I got a great deal on it, but more importantly, the 92x has reminded how much fun driving can be. Its only been a month, but so far, nothing but fun. Its a real head turner too, you just dont see many where I live in Bethesda, MD. The car hugs the road. My experience so far is that the 92x has a split personality. Drive conservatively, downshift and you can get good gas mileage. Hit 3000 rpm and Grandmas not going to miss bingo afterall, it feels like an F15!

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  Practical - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By BOOGEX - May 8 - 4:53 pm

  I bought this car for the combination of practical features- safe, good fuel economy, AWD, decent performance, reliability. Overall, I like it, but Im not sure if Id do it all over again. Im 62" and find the car to be extremely uncomfortable on longer trips. Its also a tight squeeze as a family car- if you have child seats, they dont fit easily. Its also not an easy drive in heavy traffic- I have a manual trans. and the shifting is kind of a pain compared to other manuals Ive driven. Id go with an automatic over a manual if I were buying again. The few flaws aside, its a fun car to drive for the money.

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  Its worth the extra 3K - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By TheKid - April 12 - 1:40 pm

  Many reviews of this car focus on whether or not it is truly a Saab. Thats a shame since the car should be judged for what it is and not if it is a Saab. Also, these professional auto reviewers never point out that real Saabs, speciafically the 9-3 are not the most reliable cars. Subarus are very reliable. That said the WRX is a great car and the extra 3K for a 9-2X provide you with- longer warranty, upgraded exterior and interior, optional features not available on the WRX (leather, heated mirrors and seats), addtional sound deadening for a quieter ride, and a much better dealer experience. Current rebates make the base list price equal to the WRX. No toll ticket clip? Who cares?

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  best - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By racer gti - March 29 - 10:00 am

  this car is classy and it needs no new component and it feel good to know you are in one

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  Drive it... - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By new92xowner - December 28 - 10:00 am

  I read many reviews about the 9-2x prior to purchase. The best thing I can tell you is that if you are considering this against a Subaru-drive both and then decide. There is no comparison. Ride quality, sound levels, safety features are well worth the price. Is it a real Saab? My Nissan Xterra was made by a Japanese company with a French majority in Smyrna Tennessee. My inlaws PT cruiser was produced in Mexico by an American company owned by a German one. Automaking is a global enterprise. GM took a great car and made it better. Whats to complain about?

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  Take it or leave it - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Bob908 - September 28 - 11:56 pm

  We all know this car is a rebadged WRX. That said Saab has made this car more of a "luxury" car then a "race" car with sound dampening, slightly less stiff suspension, and i believe they took the steering components from the STI. The automatic turbo version of this car does not feel as spirited as its manual counterpart. The thing I am most impressed with is the AWD and the lack of body roll when turning partially due to the Horizontally opposed motor (IMO, 2/3s of a porsches motor). I love my car and think it is an excellent option to consider besides an SUV.

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  Keeps on ticking!. - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By double75 - September 11 - 3:00 am

  I have a 2005 Saab 92x Linear Automatic. I bought it way back when they had the GM employee discount for everybody. So I bought it instead of the Subaru Impreza.the mileage is over 266,000 miles and she keeps on ticking. I makes sure she is dealer tuned every year and I change the oil every 5,000 miles. Ive had the rear struts changed. Right as I type this i have her in the shop. I busted three Lug Studs on the left driver rear hub while driving. While i was checking the proper torque on the other lugs, I busted another stud on the front left hub. The dealer busted two studs about two months ago on the back right rear tire during service. The car has been good to me and my family.

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  Great car - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By amie - August 13 - 12:10 am

  I have been slamming the miles on this car which now has 151,000. I have had no problems other than replacing the tires. The paint on the hood peeled and Saab finally agreed to re paint the hood. It is a fast car and I get a lot of compliments on it. It still looks new when I clean it up. Would do it all over again

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  Saab 92 [WR]x - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By abam - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Anybody out there get the feeling that this is a WRX in other clothing? Have a look at the Subaru Imprezza Wagon. Coincidence that Saab releases a 2.0L, awd *boxer* engine turbocharged wagon made in Japan? The WRX is great, but how is this a SAAB?

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  Fun car has practical side, too - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Dave - June 3 - 6:13 am

  This is the most fun-to-drive car Ive owned. I am also very pleased to be getting just about 30mpg in these days of gas around $2.50/gal. Also, the $5000 rebate on top of employee pricing was unexpectedly generous. Im very happy I bought this car! I feel 10 years younger.