Overview & Reviews

When is a Saab not a Saab? Certainly, the 9-7X, the company's first SUV, had Saab's signature grille, requisite badging and floor-mounted ignition. But underneath the Swedish veneer was General Motors' midsize, truck-based SUV platform, which means that the 9-7X shared its core mechanicals with the departed Chevy Trailblazer family (including models from Buick, GMC, Isuzu and Oldsmobile).

The Saab 9-7X thus felt like a trucky GM SUV that was taken to Sweden to get a mild infusion of Saab character, which -- no surprise -- is exactly what it is. It's like putting Uncle Sam in a Viking helmet, or Bruce Springsteen in an ABBA jumpsuit. In spite of Saab's best efforts at altering the interior and exterior styling and revising the vehicle's suspension tuning, it could never hide the fact that the Ohio-built 9-7X was limited by its heritage. As a choice for a luxury SUV, it was and remains mediocre. We feel most consumers would be happier with other choices, such as Acura's MDX or Mercedes' M-Class.

Most Recent Saab 9-7X
The Saab 9-7X was produced from 2005-'09. It originally came in a single trim level, but the next year saw each available engine get its own trim level: Linear and Arc. These were renamed the following year to reflect engine displacement: 4.2i and 5.3i. A higher-performance Aero model was introduced for 2008.

Forget small displacement and turbochargers -- the 9-7X's engine lineup was pure Detroit iron. The 4.2i came with a 4.2-liter inline-6 engine with 290 horsepower (275 hp for 2005). The 5.3i had a 300-hp 5.3 V8 with considerably more torque than the 4.2-liter. The Aero got a 6.0-liter V8 good for 390 hp and 395 pound-feet of torque. The only transmission available on the 9-7X was a four-speed automatic. All-wheel drive, a limited-slip differential, traction control and stability control (2006 and later) were standard.

Despite the different trim levels, all shared the bulk of standard equipment like side curtain airbags, leather upholstery, heated front seats, automatic climate control, a premium Bose stereo with six-CD changer, satellite radio and OnStar. The only major options for most of the 9-7X's run were a navigation system and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Aero had a performance-tuned chassis, 20-inch wheels and sport trim.

The fact that the 9-7X was not equipped with a turbocharged engine is one good clue that the vehicle wasn't a real Saab, and the layout of the interior was another. Despite some classic Saab features like the driver-canted dash, soft-touch knobs and center-console-mounted ignition, the interior still looked very GM.

The 9-7X seated five. Third-row seating, a feature common on vehicles in this class, wasn't available. There was plenty of cargo space, though, with 80 cubic feet when the rear seats were folded.

In reviews of the Saab 9-7X, we found that this SUV's positive attributes included a smooth ride and well-weighted steering. The Aero, in particular, offered a surprising level of performance. One strong criticism we had was regarding the four-speed automatic transmission, which couldn't match the efficiency or smoothness of the five- or six-speed transmissions in other luxury SUVs. Otherwise, our affection for the 9-7X was only slightly greater than that of its GM SUV platform mates -- which wasn't very high.

User Reviews:

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  My car is in the shop while Im typing! - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By NUBULLY - February 13 - 12:23 pm

  Run away from this SUV. When we leased this SUV, GM had a promo: give us 27 months. Well, this morning when I tried to start the engine it turned over but did not start (for the 5th time). I have 4 more months until the 27 months are up. I gave them 27 months and I know to stay away!!!! THIS is why you lease autos, if I purchased this SUV I would be out my mind right now. The car drives nice but it gets horrid gas mileage and its been in the shop a lot. The interior fit and finish are still good. The XM/Radio antenna wasnt installed properly as well as the R/S mirror was 1/2 installed when we took delivery. NYBULLY

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  Its a car - 2008 Saab 9-7X
  By vern in indy - September 3 - 2:10 am

  My overall impression is that Saab did their best to turn a small/mid sized SUV into a car. I’m counting the days until my 27 month lease expires.

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  Terribly disappointed - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By Terribly disappointe - November 7 - 11:30 pm

  I have been a Saab fan for years and have really never heard anything bad said about them. I bought mine used in June, 2009. It only had 38,000 miles on it. I had it in the service repair shop 4 times in the first month of ownership. Twice for suspension problems and twice for door seals. The suspension seems to be ok now but the seals obviously are not. It still sounds like the windows are down when riding above 45mph. The MPG is HORRIBLE! It gets 12, sometimes 13 MPG around town (not heavy traffic either). It has only gotten 16 on the highway. I will not fault Saab. I fault GM for trying to tweak a normal American SUV into a Saab. Maybe I just got a bad one.

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  New Saab SUV - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By JC - July 3 - 4:36 am

  I need a 4 wheel drive vehicle and wanted something towards the top of the line within my price range. With the employee discount deal, the Saab met those requirements. Also liked the all- inclusive deal...You only can choose between a sunroof or a DVD player. I took the sunroof. The ride is OK, but a bit you do feel the road quite a bit. Bottom Line: good deal for the price.

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  Chevy in disguise - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By Maverick - September 27 - 7:23 am

  Nice SUV and fully loaded with only the sunroof/rear dvd player option (must choose between the two for no additional charge). Basically a Chevy Trailblazer in disguise here until the 9-6X arrives next year. Lots of GM parts in the interior, makes you wonder about the long term reliablity. The positive is that you usually wont see yourself coming and going while driving down the street.

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  Not my fathers SAAB - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By inpdx - June 27 - 9:40 am

  Having owned 8 SAABs I bought the 9-7 because I needed the towing capacity of a larger vehicle. Its comfortable and can tow over 5000lbs but the drive train is truly dissapointing. MPG only averages 15 in mixed driving (approx half city/half highway). There is a noticable lag on acceleration from a stop, then it comes on all at once (are they trying to copy SAAB turbo lag??). The transmission shifts nervously in city driving, constantly fishing and clunking between gears. The engine and tranny combo remind me of a 60s Chevy pickup - completely unrefined. Wish I had bought the XC-90 instead.

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  "Garage Queen" - 2007 Saab 9-7X
  By lycklig - August 28 - 5:28 pm

  I have owned, and loved, 3 previous SAABs, but this one is a major disappointment. I purchased this so that the tall men in my life would no longer have to leave their knees at home when we go on a trip. The space is great and comfy, DVD and multi-CD players are sweet, and the on-board air-compressor is a great asset. BUT, it is sluggish when going uphill (diesel-pushers cruise past us), has had multiple major issues, and spends more time in the dealership garage than on the road with me. Gas mileage is about the same as my Suburban. This 9-7X has cost me so much time and money. I can hardly wait to trade it in!