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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  9 7x - 5.3 - 2009 Saab 9-7X
  By Thomas Coffeepa - September 16 - 9:43 pm

  Great SUV. Performance and handling are like no other SUV I have driven. We test drove both the 6 and 8 cylinder, and opted for the 8. Fuel economy was not much different between 6 or 8 so we went for the power. Wise choice. The V-8 power together with all wheel drive is fantastic.

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  I love this SUV - 2007 Saab 9-7X
  By RJETER - August 14 - 12:13 am

  You have to drive this SUV to appreciate its ability. Its big, but hugs the road. A powerful engine that can run with just about any SUV out there. Fun to drive and if you close your eyes you might think your in a car. The 18 inch tires give it the strong masculine look. Its loaded with more standards then most vehicles.

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  From Car to SUV - 2008 Saab 9-7X
  By M. Fanelli - July 9 - 6:06 pm

  This is my first SUV. I was driving an 05 Saab 9-3 and we wanted more space when we travel so we went to the 9-7x. So its not a purebred Saab but it sure turns heads. Very comfortable compared to its GM cousins. Dont always believe the expert reviews. You need to drive a car to appreciate it.

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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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  Saab 9-7X, much better than you think... - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By dawgpound55 - May 28 - 4:03 pm

  I was anxious about trading in my 2000 9-5 Aero for the 9-7X because of my perception of its lack of refinement. It truly has been a better vehicle than I expected, and Im glad to have stuck to the Saab brand for this purchase. It has decent acceleration, handling and breaking and appears to have good fit and finish. I wish that it had a six speed auto (or even a 5 speed) but the transmission is smooth and seems to keep the engine well within its broad powerband. Although it has a solid rear axel, it doesnt hop over rough pavement as I expected. Styling is personal, but I believe that Saab did a nice job putting their touches on this vehicle. I have gotten many compliments on its looks.

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  What a dream! - 2007 Saab 9-7X
  By Scott - May 27 - 10:36 am

  My Saab SUV is incredibly comfortable, sporty, and fun to drive, and I find myself looking forward to using it everyday. The GM SUV platform may actually give this car greater reliability over its Swedish born sedan cousins, but I suppose time will tell. Furthermore, I really enjoy having an unusual SUV, one that you dont see everyday. My summary impression of this Saab is that it is underrated and represents a terrific bargain in the used car market.

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  The Non-Swedish Saab - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By casey - May 18 - 4:10 pm

  Being one of the first driving this Saab in the Netherlands it is a pleasure driving it. Saab tried to keep the sales price low compared to its european competitors. Giving some success so far. As hardly anybody knows the car, you get a lot of attentions from others. It is a pity that the gearbox has only 4 and not 5 gears. Lets see if this Saab will meet the elk-test in Schweden. A small pity is that the specific US-features do not work in Europe.

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  New Saab owner - 2007 Saab 9-7X
  By Chicago 9-7 - April 19 - 4:16 am

  I looked the the GMC Envoy Denalli and SLT with the 4.2. In the Envoy there was a huge difference between the Denalli and the SLT with the 4.2. The 9-7x falls right in between as far a comfort and ride. You get much more luxury with the 9-7 than with the Envoy SLT. The 9-7s ride and handling with the lower profile and larger wheels makes a dramatic difference. Unless you actually want to drive somewhere off road, I would choose the 9-7 vs its GM brothers. The downside is the quality and fit and finish are still GM. Youre not buying a lexus.

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  Great SUV for the price - 2007 Saab 9-7X
  By EstateAttorney - April 17 - 4:10 pm

  We currently have 20,000 trouble free miles on our Saab 9-7X. I bought this SUV because it looks & feels as good as the Porsche SUV but for far less money. The handling is excellent for an SUV, the acceleration is more than adequate considering we did not opt for the V8. It feels like you are driving a more expensive car.

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  great car - 2007 Saab 9-7X
  By Bob - April 6 - 4:30 pm

  I just love driving this car. I get great comments about the beauty of the car from strangers. It handles great with great passing ability and smooth acceleration entering the highway. My two golden retrievers sleep or rest comfortably on long drives. I just cant say enough about what a lovely car this 97x is to own and drive!