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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  2nd look at Saab 9-7x - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By Smitty - November 15 - 7:53 pm

  I am happy with my purchase of the 9-7X. I love the ride, handling, power (V8) and the interior and exterior appearance . For the money the 9-7X is the best buy. You get loads of standard equipment that you will really use in your day to day driving and not standard equipment that you will never use like off road package. There were only two options (Nav and DVD entertainment) for the 5.3i which i got and just love. Also, the optional 18 inch Brightly Polished split 6 spoke rims are beautiful. these rims make the vehicle look even sexier. Saab did an excellent job on these rims. Good job to the Saab engineers for really making an enjoyable SUV!

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  So what if its not built in Sweden - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By saabwonkka - July 8 - 9:33 am

  Ive been a Saab fanatic and have had numerous Saabs from classic 900s to a Saab 9-5 Aero wagon. I was skeptical to even consider a "Saab" built in Ohio. So lets get a few things straight, yes its based on a trailblazer/envoy and built in the USA, its a great all around SUV for everyday use. It has just enough ground clearance to get through those plow piles at the end of your driveway. The all wheel drive system works great when you need it (no you 4wd people, it doesnt have locking diffs or low range 4wd) but how often do you really need that stuff. The 9-7x has been reliable and comfortable. It wont take you across the Sahara but it will take you anywhere you "really" must go!

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  Sweet Vehicle - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By Kev - February 18 - 7:56 am

  We are very happy with our new Saab 9-7X. It drives like a car and has an elegant look to it. We think Saab has done a great job on the design. When we are out enjoying our Saab, we always get second looks.

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  Great Family Car with Sporty Feel - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By Great Family Car wit - January 15 - 2:16 am

  This car is fully loaded. Nav, DVD, V8. Handles great, is very reliable. Our daughter feels like the car is part of the family. Great in snow and is faster than my BMW.

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  Saab 9-7X Linear - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By DM - August 23 - 7:30 pm

  I am very pleased with the purchase of my Saab 9-7X Linear. It rides real smooth and has the safety I am looking for. The seating is very comfortable and offers a lot of room. I do find everything too compact. There are not enough areas to store little things. The gas mileage is not very efficient for todays gas problems. I average 15.6 miles to the gallon. That is including both Highway and City driving. This is a luxury SUV in my opinion. They offer onStar and satellite radio free for 3 months.

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  Pretty Good so Far - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By Toyota Family - March 30 - 12:46 am

  The 9-7 has been great so far, the car is more comfortable than the living room and stereo/ air/ features are great. Friends compliment it a lot, and I never see them on the road, although they do look like a lot of cheaper GM cars. Only complaints are wind noise (not sure if its side mirrors draft or sealing) and gas mileage (15 mpg avg over 15k miles). I dont commute so not such a big deal. Overall, I am very happy to be in the car.

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  Good SUV - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By L8R - March 9 - 8:33 pm

  Bought it cert pre-owned w 36k miles on it. Drove it from Florida to Alaska through Yukon without one hitch. V8 is sharp, powerful, easily passes 18 wheelers on 2 lane roads. Steering is very nimble for an SUV, but a little numb (prob GM-based). Makes u-turns as well as my sport car (in 2 and half lanes). Interior provides nearly every feature a Mercedes SUV does. Good interior size and rear seats fold down for carrying bigger stuff. Performs better than most cars in the snow and ice (use studded snow tires!) due to its immense weight, but the engine doesnt make it feel heavy. 1 and 2 gear perform very well without over revving. Heated seats burn my back! (Good thing w -25 F temp).

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  Good Car for the Price - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By kayvan - June 26 - 7:56 am

  It has good acceleration, handles well on corners, fuel economy could be better, its hard not to push the gas pedal. It comes loaded with a lot of features, overall a satisfied customer. Looking forward to driving it in the snow.

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  Great value but expect some issues - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By BCR - January 20 - 11:03 am

  If you can get this vehicle for under $35k you would have a tough time beating the value in the higher-end SUV market. It looks great (inside and out), is roomy, and the ride is OUTSTANDING. Saab-GM have done a great job improving the suspension, lowering the floor one inch (makes for easy in and out), and soundproofing the vehicle. If you have small ones, youll love the latch points for car seats - they are extremely easy to get to. 4.2 has plenty of power. We live at high altitude and it takes climbs well. Disappointments - low beams and lumbar support did not work on delivery. Battery went dead after having the radio on for 10 minutes (battery power only). More storage please!

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  Liked it enough to get another 4 wife - 2007 Saab 9-7X
  By SS - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Many have already said that the 9-7x is a great value. I agree, an undervalued SUV that delivers a great driving experience. And for you who think it is just a re-badged Trailblazer, you have to drive one to experience the difference. Tighter suspension, smoother ride, much quieter. Yes, I bought a 2008 a year after getting mine.