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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  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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  aircraft engineers rolling in graves - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By JES - August 11 - 4:10 pm

  My father is one of the designers of the F-14 and is astounded when I tell him how badly this car performs.The jerk-feel when shifting gears.The ridiculous interior design with no space to put anything, the rear cargo space that does not lie flat with rear seats down. The terrible suspension, the inability to seal sound of air from inside car,the front bumper which popped off due to cheap plastic pins (bumpers cost min $1,250). The pulling out of alingment and told its normal. Blindspots, backing up you cant see a thing! Needs sensors. My Saab had water leak inside of it from rain. The dealer found out why in a release from one of many Saab does not give to owners. I waited for this car. What a waste!

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  Best In Class - 2008 Saab 9-7X
  By R.K. Bush - August 5 - 10:00 am

  Although built on the same platform as the Chevy Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Olds Bravada, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender, this vehicle tops them all. The superior suspension alone (unique to the Saab) sets it apart in terms of ride. It is quieter, handles better and is nicer inside than the others (Ive test-driven both the Envoy Denali and the Rainier). It looks better, too. Saab got it right!

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  Converted to SAAB - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By richard - July 21 - 2:30 pm

  I purchased my 9-7 for $14,000 with 35,000 miles. I recently hit 52,000 and the only thing I have replaced are the original tires and standard oil changes. Sweet ride with adequate power and great looks. I have three kids who play sports and the 9-7x has been a great animal and kid hauler. I average 18-19 mpg in Atlanta city and hwy traffic. Best value on the road!

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  It wont let you down! - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By demetri - May 9 - 9:20 pm

  Ok, so its a GM deep down ... once you get over that youll see how fun it is to drive. The suspension is tight (I used to drive a G35 - hard - and I honestly dont miss it). The AWD is a treat. It has every bell and whistle you can ask for. I used to own an 01 Aurora and I must say this is not far from it. The fuel (in)efficiency is a total drag but it wouldnt be a problem if it wasnt for the ridiculously high cost of gas. Acceleration is great but with a 4-speed transmission you cant wait till the last minute (the computer does predictive shifting for the overdrive). Only a couple of fit/finish issues.

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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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  Saab - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By Hank - March 4 - 1:03 pm

  An excellent effort on GMs part to build an upscale alternative to the Envoy. My previous vehicle was an Envoy and the Saab is a better SUV in every way. The 9-7X handles more like a sedan the ride is firm but smooth. The 4.3L engine provides good acceleration but fuel economy suffers. The interior is quiet and well appointed with noticable Saab enchancements. The seats are very comfortable and suitable for long trips. The exterior has strong Saab styling influences which give give it an upscale look. The 9-7X competes admirably against its BMW X5, Volvo XC90 and Acura MDX counterparts. Overall the 97-X is great value for the money and I would highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Sweet Ride - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By Fred - January 14 - 10:46 am

  Beautiful SUV inside and out. Saab did an outstanding job of "Saabifiying" this vehicle. I had a Trailblazer as a rental for a week before I bought my 97x and the difference between the way the two drive is quite remarkable. It really does have more responsive handling and a very european feel.

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  Great SUV - heavy and secure - 2007 Saab 9-7X
  By jerry thomas - August 3 - 8:16 pm

  The car not only looks hot, but is hot. Great ride, handles great and turns on a dime. I love it!