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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  Wheeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By dean-arammalamma - June 4 - 9:40 pm

  I traded in my Mazda Protege 5 for the 9-2x Aero a week ago, and havent looked back. I was a bit concerned that I would miss the handling of the Mazda, but a week in the new car has put that worry aside! I absolutely love the handling of the all wheel drive, and the kick from the turbo is just a blast! Its like my Mazda and my old 98 Vette combined. Now I ask ya, can you get any better that that?? :-)

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  Functional SUV Alternative - 2006 Saab 9-2X
  By pgh92x - December 31 - 11:30 pm

  The car itself is sporty and gas mileage is good for an AWD. The AWD performs well in the snow but soft-roading is made a little more exciting by the vehicles light weight and lack of stability control. In deep mud and snow I have never felt at threat of getting stuck. Overall it is fun to drive and inspires confidence. The 9-2x has all the cargo space and flexibility of a compact suv but feels adequate rather not ample in passenger space. This car would not likely be optimal as a family hauler for more than 4. The interior is sporty if austere and I found that Subaru after-market parts helped round out the options and upgrades. The leather helps solidify the upscale feel

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  Improved WRX, more affordable than WRX - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By b_thunder - November 23 - 7:26 am

  Its a great wagon - speed, handling, AWD traction and cargo space in one classy package. And a lot of fun to drive. It does suffer from turbo lag and has average at best fuel economy. Nevertheless, this car (IMHO) not only looks better that WRX, but it is overall a better car. Considering current GM rebates and other discounts, it can be had for a lot less than 2005 WRX wagon which makes 9-2x Aero an excellent value.

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  My New Saabaru! - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Craggar - November 22 - 11:10 am

  If Beauty is only skin deep, this is the car it drives! Saab did a good job on the exterior styling, but underneath it all is a good ol dependable Subaru. Interior trim is definitely econo-grade. I agree - this car is FUN to drive! The engine likes to rev, pulls strong from 3K on up to redline. Not much low-end torque. The 5-spd shifter is a bit notchy, but Im getting used to it. AWD is great. No wheel spins in the Florida rain, you just GO. Fantastic brakes. One last thing - HEY SAAB, please fire the product manager and interior designer who picked the "parchment" seat color and dont hire them back until they can get coffee, ketchup and mud stains out of that fabric!

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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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  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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  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.

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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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  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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  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?