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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  Cant Go Wrong - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By DDW - July 3 - 1:56 pm

  Very happy with this luxury SUV. Bought it used. Added Techron fuel system cleaner and got 2 MPG better than before. To connect my iPod, I had an iSimple installed to the existing Bose system. Works and sounds great! Stock tires dont work well in snow, so I put on Hancook Icebears and now can go thru anything and do not give up much on dry roads. Fuel economy suffers from the 3.73 differentials versus the 3.45 on GM cousins, but low gears do improve the get up and go. With 277 lb-ft of torque, they could have made the down shift from 4th to 3rd later. This thing spends more time in 3rd gear than our Pontiac Vibe.

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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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  The un-SAAB SUV - 2008 Saab 9-7X
  By D & D - March 17 - 10:03 pm

  we had test drove an 08 4.2 before leasing a cx-7 as wife wanted a saab but 9-4x wasnt out (and still isnt) Now we need to replace the lease (still no 9-4x). As disappointing as the 4.2 was the Aero is incredible. great suspension & acceleration. The glove soft leather &french stitched door trim combined w/ the 9-5 cup holder & corvette engine & buick ranier laminated glass, olds bravada d- pillar & envoy interior door trim w/blazer bits & pieces make this the best of the ladder-on-frame suv rebadges. Like a tuxedo clad rugged SUV. Coming off lease the SAAB is less than a trailblazer SS w items you cant get on the Chevy. GREAT VALUE, reminds wife of the GMC Typhoon/cyclone when we were kids

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  Dont buy one - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By globaby - January 30 - 7:40 am

  Had numerous problems. New heater core, rattling in dash and severe wind noise they cant/wont fix. People keep telling me it looks like a trailblazer. I wont be buying another GM product.

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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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  9-7x - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By spencerhartman - January 19 - 4:00 pm

  The styling is a head turner when out on the town. The throaty V8 sound and associated 300 horse power realing make driving this SUV fun. I am also impressed with the tight turning radias and parking ease which my wife loves. Saab/GM has really made the total package SUV. Saab was smart to make a real five seat vehicle and not a so so third row seven seater which most SUV try to be but fall short. Lastly it is nice not to have to pay the extra $15,000.00 other SUVs makers make you pay for loading up the vehicle with options.

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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.

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  Saab 9-7X (8 Cyl.) - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By kevinps - November 30 - 5:46 am

  The car rides smoothly and quietly, and the gas consumption isnt that much more than the 9-3.

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  Maybe a little too much GM influenece - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By sprint - November 18 - 4:33 am

  Having owned a number of Saabs, you appreciate the quality that goes into the design characteristics of their autos. Overall the 9-7 a nice SUV, but having driven the vehicle for a few weeks, you notice the subtle GM influences through out both the interior & exterior. Kind of cheapens the SAAB name in my opinion. Many components have GM written all over it, but SAAB was able to enhance the vehicle just enough to make it enjoyable to drive.

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  Love my new baby - 2007 Saab 9-7X
  By Molly84084 - September 28 - 11:56 am

  I got my new "baby" for Valentines Day and I love it so much I cant wait to drive it every day. This car looks great, has tons of power, very comfortable and reliable. Smooth ride! I get a lot of attention from other drivers who are still not used to seeing a Saab SUV on the road.