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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  No regrets with Linear model - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By happy - December 9 - 9:26 am

  Just traded my SUV in for this. I was looking for a unique car under 20 grand that had the best blend of performance, economy, style, and either awd or 4wd. The only tough question was to go for the Aero or Linear. Turbo sounds nice but Im done with paying for premium fuel. Plus the Linear averages 25-32 mpg on 87 octane. The Aero barely beats my SUV and requires prem fuel. The Linear will still snap your neck back into the headrest off the line and 5th gear is strong enough to conquer steep grade hills without the need to downshift. Overall fewer luxury options than most premium brands but it has all the basics. Heated seats, 6 disc changer, and decent leather will do me just fine.

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  9-2x Aer-Ohhhhh!!! - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By chills23 - September 19 - 7:33 am

  What a steal! Quick, nimble, stylish, handles well, reliable, roomy, & solid. Everything the WRX is and wishes it could be. Price is better than a WRX, ride is better, interior is much nicer, exterior sleeker (WRX is fugly IMHO). Handles better and is faster than my former modd Audi A4 and costs 30% less. Never thought the car would turn heads, but in Brilliant Red, the car is intimidating and striking. There isnt a car out there that can compare at this price range. Being an avid car mag reader, enthusiast, and motorcycle rider I can honestly tell you this is the car deal of a lifetime if you seek performance, reliability, and all weather utility in an affordable but stylish package.

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  A Very Good Premium Compact - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Love2Drive - September 2 - 7:13 pm

  This is a quality entry in the premium compact class. First, identify what you want. If you love driving, have a preference for European cars or European styling, and dont want to spend a fortune, you have come to the right place. This car has been tastefully upgraded by SAAB, and is not really a competitor to the Subaru WRX, but a new entry in what is expected to be a rapidly growing category...the premium compact class. Think a fast Audi, with comparable handling, but at a base level Audi price. You will likely not find even the upcoming Audi A3 at this price, with this performance. This car offers very good performance and handling, huge utility, good looks, at a reasonable price.

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  Great Little All Wheel Driver - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Sir DriveAlot - June 10 - 10:16 am

  Overall this is a very competent car. I traded in my pick-up truck for an automatic Linear so I could save gas $$. So far I get around 27-28 mpg combined city and highway. This is the most stylish, inexpensive, and most efficient vehicle I could find that would get me up my steep driveway in the winter. The rear folding seats are versatile enough to handle my child seat and whatever other general items I need to haul. Acceleration is adequate, but I am not speed racer. Excellent price with the latest sdeals from GM/Saab.

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  Linear review - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By KGS - May 28 - 10:03 pm

  Good car. Great deal for the money but only with rebate. OUTSTANDING cargo space. Actually beats the Mitsubishi Outlander, its still AWD, had leather AND stick. Baltimore to Cape Cod mileage: 31.8 MPG. This includes going 10 miles in 2-1/2 hours on the Jersey Turnpike. Went up/down Whiteface Mountain with ease. Fun to drive. Heated seats are a plus.

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  Awesome little rocket - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By phillyexpat - May 12 - 3:00 am

  Wow... so I wanted the Aero, but only wanted to pay for the Linear. This car still is a rocket and such a blast to drive. While it may not be quite as solid as a BMW costing 20k more, it handles just as assuredly. I love this car so much.

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  Saabaru? - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Paul - April 5 - 5:23 pm

  Nice car. Drives nice, roomy, comfortable, AWD, economical, and great price. Good warranty and it is a Subaru (Subaru, known for its reliability, made the car -base on Impreza- GM worked on quieter and upscale interior look.) Many people asked me what kind of car was it and if I ordered it from Europe

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  saabaru - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By jbg - January 21 - 1:40 pm

  a great car that, with the GM incentives, was less money than the Subaru that it copies. plus it is much better looking - the nose-job makes a BIG difference - and you get Saabs service. interior a bit stark, but a good value for the money when you consider the all wheel drive. if getting the 2.5, be SURE to get manual - auto is VERY sluggish. Love that saab once again has a hatch-back.

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  It does all you need a car to do - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By lt - January 10 - 6:20 am

  The 9-2x does everything you want a car to do; it hauls stuff, transports people comfortably and is fun to drive!

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  Good value - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By kwitzi - December 25 - 10:00 am

  A cute crossover- part SUV, part sport, part wagon- good on gas, unique, not a million on the road, feels super safe and stable. A quality car. Very happy. Easy to drive. I got the automatic transmission, cloth seats.