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:
Showing 21 through 30 of 107.00-
Love It - 2007 Saab 9-7X
By jrubel - January 9 - 12:16 amThis car is better than I imagined. Great performance, styling, and comfort. I get a ton of compliments on the car and I am surprised not to see more on the road.
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Cant beat the value! - 2009 Saab 9-7X
By NewSaabist - December 21 - 2:36 pmI just recently purchased a new 9-7x. I have to say that I would not have looked at this vehicle if I had to pay the sticker price of $43,000, but with $17,000 in rebates and other incentives this vehicle is a great value. I already have a Trailblazer so I am familiar with the platform. As you might expect the Saab is much nicer on the inside and has much better handling. The only knock is the fuel economy but I knew this from the Trailblazer. If you can get the rebates and incentives and youre in the SUV market, I think this SUV is worth a look.
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GREAT so far! - 2007 Saab 9-7X
By Ray - October 20 - 11:03 amI bought this car almost a year ago used at a great deal. I love it! It has all the luxury one could want, heated seats, navi, dvd, sunroof etc... It handles nicely and so far (with 41,000 miles) I have had no issues at all.
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Good for $? Yes it could be. - 2006 Saab 9-7X
By T - September 30 - 2:36 amJust got a 2-year old certified one. Cant beat the value for what they go for nowadays. (with the heavy incentives, the 08 new models would be an attractive option too.) Understand that one of the biggest complaints on this vehicle is the fuel efficiency, but when you do the side-by-side comparisons AND THEN calculate it into additional costs for the duration of your planned ownership, well it made the financial sense for us and we were happy to get into this semi-luxury SUV in a heavy snow prone area that we live in.
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FUN TO DRIVE - 2005 Saab 9-7X
By Trish - September 22 - 12:30 amI love my Saab SUV Arc . Its safe, fun to drive and FAST! The V8 engine and horsepower are faster then most sport sedans which leaves the other drivers on the road with a surprised look on their faces. The only improvement I can see is the cup holders need to be improved. They are weak and they wobble. Also a navigation system would be nice! I plan on purchasing another in 2008.
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new owner - 2006 Saab 9-7X
By nj driver - September 21 - 9:00 pmI was not happy with the whistle coming from my tires but came to find out it is a defect which will be fixed this week. A left axle problem I miss space for items around the front seat but love the easy access to everything. Back seat passengers complain about stiff back seat backs. Drove my daughter out to college with 4 x 8 uhaul trailer and it averaged 16 miles per gallon and handled well. I enjoy my suv but would like better mpg. Enjoy yours!
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WOW, this is great - 2005 Saab 9-7X
By Mike - September 17 - 2:23 pmThis is the best car I have ever had. I have had BMWs, Range Rovers, Mercedes,and an Acura MDX. Nothing is as impressive as the Saab 9-7x. It handles like its on rails and the 5.3 liter V-8 unleashes amazing amounts of thrust to my rear wheels. I pretty much live in my car because I have to drive all over New England for bussiness. Trust me you will love it!
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9-7X Poor Handling in Snow/Ice - 2005 Saab 9-7X
By Jerry Clemens - September 13 - 7:40 pmNow having driven this 9-7x in two mild snow falls here in Reno I can say that the awd is not suitable for winter driving. The awd will not engage until over 20 mph and when driving 0-20mph you have No awd active and this suv goes where it wants when cornering or trying to start up and incline from a dead start. The 9-7X bucks and fishtails and ends up in about a 60 degree angle before if any help comes from the front wheels pulling. Stay with a true 4x4 with 4high, 4low on the fly option. I am returning mine under the "lemon law". Having spun out 6 times in a 14 mile loop to work. Not Safe At Any Speed in Winter. Also, No Tire Chains allowed per Saab,Usa/GM.
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Good SUV value - 2009 Saab 9-7X
By just right - September 12 - 9:03 pmDue to the incentives and rebates I was able to purchase a 9-7X brand new for 25,000. For the price this is an outstanding value for this vehicle considering it comes with a 50,000 mile warranty. Comfortable, fun to drive and the interior is better than the other SUVs I tested costing much more. The six cylinder has ample power and it handles the road better than the 4-Runner I owned. I know people like to point out that this is not a "true" SAAB. However, this is not a a typical GM offering either. For the price I did not find a better mid-sized SUV.
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Great Luxurious SUV - 2006 Saab 9-7X
By Mary Ann - August 27 - 2:20 amThe car has a smooth ride. I have not seen anyone down here in the Rio Grande Valley with one. So its fun to see people stare at it when I drive. The car is perfect for my son and I. Ive really enjoyed it.
