2007 Saab 9-7X [ 2008 ]
Saab 9-7X
Overall Score - 5.5 (Mediocre)
The 9-7X delivers a unique exterior look and a spacious interior, but can't match the safety, performance or value of others in its class. If you're in the market for a luxury midsize SUV, you should also consider the highly rated Lexus RX and Infiniti FX.
The 2007 Saab 9-7X, according to most reviewers, is a solid attempt by its manufacturer to enter the SUV market. MSN calls it an "overdue" endeavor for Saab, praising the 9-7X for being "distinctive and fun to drive," and the Chicago Sun-Times notes its "upscale interior." However, as U.S. News' reviewer Rick Newman writes, "It falls short in some areas where luxury vehicles should do better."
Many reviewers feel that the 9-7X does not compare favorably with the competition. "Don't let the sleek styling fool you: With its truck-based underpinnings, outdated drivetrain and drab interior, Saab's all-wheel-drive 9-7X is an archetype of yesterday's midsize SUV -- powerful and comfortable, but inefficient and rough around the edges," says Cars.com. Kelley Blue Book adds, "Saab engineers have produced a vehicle that looks the part, but falls somewhat short of the mark in the areas of ride comfort and engine refinement. Still, for Saab loyalists looking for something bigger than a SportCombi, the 9-7X has much to offer, including an off-road and towing ability no Saab car can possibly match."
Opinions are mixed on whether or not the 2007 Saab 9-7X is a good value. According to U.S. News' Rick Newman, "you don't have to pony up a lot of extra cash to get the 9-7X outfitted the way you want." New Car Test Drive agrees, writing "Overall, the Saab 9-7X offers a lot of value for $40,000, which comes in the form of luxury and safety features." Automobile Magazine adds, "It's loaded as standard, and the V-8-engined 9-7X is substantially cheaper than a comparably equipped Volvo XC90 V-8." However, Car and Driver calls the 9-7X "overpriced" and IntelliChoice gives it a "worse than average" value rating for its predicted five-year total cost of ownership, compared to other vehicles in its class.
9-7X Performance - 6.4 (Mediocre)
Most reviewers agree that the 2007 Saab 9-7X offers adequate performance, but in a highly competitive class, it just doesn't measure up. "The 9-7X delivers better driving dynamics and interior design than the General Motors SUVs on which it's based," says Consumer Guide. "However, compared with the class-leading Acura MDX, Lexus RX, and Volvo XC90, the Saab falls short in drivetrain refinement." continue
9-7X Exterior - 6.6 (Mediocre)
Reviewers for the most part approve of the exterior styling in the 2007 Saab 9-7X, praising designers for adding Saab qualities to what is essentially a GM frame. Kelley Blue Book writes "Saab's designers did an excellent job of giving the 9-7X its own identity." continue
9-7X Interior - 6.9 (Mediocre)
The consensus on the interior of the Saab 9-7X is that it is very comfortable and stylish, adding refinement to an American SUV model."Interior space is as generous as you'd expect from a mid-size SUV," writes Kelley Blue Book, adding, "Big, supportive, comfortable leather seats provide a creamy center for the 9-7X." continue
9-7X Safety - 7.7 (Good)
Though reviewers praise Saab's historical emphasis on safety features, they feel the 2007 Saab 9-7X falls somewhat short. In frontal crash tests by the federal government, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 9-7X 3 out of 5 stars for driver safety and 4 out of 5 stars for front passenger safety. The Saab receives a top score of 5 stars in side impact crash-tests. continue
9-7X Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Saab 9-7X reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Saab offers a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. continue