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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  New Saab... Same ol Story - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Mike Ruby - November 3 - 7:56 pm

  I leased my Saab 9-2X in October 2004. Besides the acceleration being a little weak... this is a fun ride weaving in and out of traffic or going out on the highway. Unfortunately my fun came to an abrupt end when I was in an accident, and had to start dealing with "Saab the Manufacturer". My Saab has been stuck in the body shop since November 1st... today is December 10th; thats 40 DAYS! From trying to acquire a parts/pricing list, to ordering the parts, there have been nothing but delays. Did I forget to mention my airbag DID NOT DEPLOY? I have yet to hear a response from Saab with my concerns regarding the airbag. The 40 day wait, that will end up at 50; Saab contends this is normal.

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  2005 Saab 9-2x - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Sarah MacKinnon - October 24 - 1:06 am

  My husband and I love this car; the seats adjust well and vision is good for both of us as drivers (he is 62" and Im 52"). For the basic car, this is well equipped with front and rear air bags, ABS and moonroof. The car is fun to drive, handles extremely well and is superb in winter driving (which we get in Nova Scotia).

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  Excellent car for a reasonable price - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By SatistifiedDude - October 1 - 10:00 am

  Saab traditionists should take a test drive on this wonderful car, and itll for sure change their mind. This car is considerably better than an Impreza wagon in looks, interior, ride quality, and built. Get in the car, and youll love it. With incentives etc, you can get a fully loaded Linear for 26k...what a BARGAIN, imo.

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  Blind spot - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Karen Katanick - August 19 - 10:00 am

  This is a great driving car. The only complaint I have is the blind spot on the drivers side. I was taught to glance over my shoulder before merging to the left but in this vehicle the view is obstructed. Compared to my last car, a 2001 VW Beetle, the Saab is much more comfortable and handles really well. I am anxious to drive it in snow.

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  LOVE my 9-2X - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Julie-Anne Langdon - July 7 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love driving this car! It handles like a dream, corners VERY well, has plenty of pep, and is very comfortable. After doing a lot of shopping, I believe this car offers a whole lot of value for the money, and I know I made a great choice. The 9-2X makes driving a whole lot of fun, and I have lots of room to bring along friends and my dogs, too!

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  Great euro wagon - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By ownone - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Very fun car, great value for the price. SAAB did a lot of work on this car. I have owned the car for about two months and am still learning features on this car. From little cubbie holes here and there to the larger issues like saftey, this car seems to be very well thought out. So far I love the car and have a ton of interest in car whereever I travel in CA.

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  Comments on car - 2006 Saab 9-2X
  By nave - November 21 - 11:23 pm

  The car is very reliable and the awd makes it fun to drive.

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  Saab 9-2x Linear - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Eric - September 5 - 9:46 am

  Bought the last 9-2x Linear available in the city. Even without the turbo, this car with 5-sp manual is a blast to drive.

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  My 9-2X - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Bret - August 13 - 8:43 am

  Great car wish it came with leather seats in the 05 model. I like the Subaru engine and look. Runs very fast and agile. Needs a little better interior design like the new Saabs have to make it more expensive/Saab looking up to the Saab standard not Subaru standards.

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  Best of Both Worlds - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By archprof - July 29 - 10:56 am

  Right, so I bought my Satin Grey Aero for 22,500 out the door--9 miles on the clocks, bags on the seats (9 grand off sticker?? Ill take one, maybe two). Only option on mine is the Sport Package, which is just a sunroof and beautiful 17" wheels wrapped in decent RE011 Bridgestones. Most dont realize that this car has the STis steering box (2.7 turns vs. 3 on the WRX) which is mounted with rigid bushings to the car, for a more responsive feel. And responsive it is! Great handling, with all the body roll expected from Fuji Heavy Industries. Easily fixed, mind you. Really, the cornering is spot on--you will hug this car after driving hard in the rain! Buy it now before August 1!