2009 Saab 9-7X
- Used Saab 9-7X
Saab 9-7X - What the Auto Press Says
The Saab 9-7X is a handsome SUV with European refinement, but it doesn't match the safety, performance or value of others in its class -- or of other Saab vehicles. For higher levels of performance and safety, consider the BMW X5 or Audi Q7.
"The 9-7X delivers better driving dynamics and interior design than the General Motors SUVs on which it's based," says Consumer Guide. "Compared with the class-leading Acura MDX, Lexus RX, and Volvo XC90, the Saab falls short in drivetrain refinement and cabin materials. The Aero model represents an interesting choice for those who crave a high-performance SUV." For 2009, the 9-7X receives minimal changes, including new hands-free Bluetooth connectivity and two new exterior colors.
If you're interested in a 9-7X, get one while you can. General Motors, Saab's parent company, emerged from bankruptcy in 2009 and recently announced plans to sell or eliminate the Saab brand. Regardless of Saab's fate, the 9-7X will be discontinued after the 2009 model year.
The 9-7X comes in two all-wheel-drive trims -- the 4.2i and 5.3i -- as well as a high-performance Aero model.
- "It falls short in some areas where luxury vehicles should do better. First, the 9-7X gets only a three-star rating, out of five, on the government's frontal crash test for the driver's side -- the most important seating position. That's the same rating the TrailBlazer gets -- and it's not good enough. And as comfy as the 9-7X is, competitors like the Lexus RX330 and BMW X3 are slicker, with better road manners." -- U.S. News
- "The 2009 Saab 9-7X adds a special Altitude Edition that includes DVD touch-screen navigation system, highly polished 18-inch alloy wheels and either Carbon Flash or Diamond Silver Metallic paint for the exterior." -- MSN
- "Rumor has it that 2009 will be the last year for the Saab 9-7X. Since its absorption into the GM fold, Saab has lost much of its unique character, and this midsize, 5-passenger SUV proves no different." -- Car Gurus
- "Overall, the Saab 9-7X offers a lot of value for $40,000, which comes in the form of luxury and safety features." -- New Car Test Drive
- "Now on life support in its final year, the 2009 Saab 9-7X manages a few final breaths as a reasonably capable GM-based luxury SUV, but there are plenty of other choices that come out miles ahead in terms of bang for the buck." -- Edmunds
9-7X Performance - 6.7 (Mediocre)
In a highly competitive class, the Saab 9-7X's good performance just doesn't measure up. It comes with either a six-cylinder engine or a V8 -- both of which, writes Car and Driver, provide "quick getaway, plenty of passing power, quiet cruising, and torque enough to tow a lot." Test drivers' complaints concern the overly light steering and numb brakes. Read More
9-7X Exterior - 6.9 (Mediocre)
Reviews are mostly positive regarding the 2009 9-7X's exterior, but it still gets lost in the pack. "On the outside, the 9-7X is clean, low-key and not cluttered with bodyside moldings," says the Detroit News. "In that respect, it strives to be true to minimalist Swedish design. The execution seems to fall apart in the rear, though, where the Saab SUV looks nondescript and can easily be confused with the Acura MDX." Read More
9-7X Interior - 7.2 (Good)
The 2009 Saab 9-7X is comfortable and stylish. However, it still can't compete with most rivals. "While very well assembled, we thought the interior was a rather drab place to be, with an overabundance of black surfaces and dark wood real or imagined," says MarketWatch. Read More
9-7X Safety - 6.2 (Mediocre)
Though reviewers praise Saab's historical emphasis on safety features, many feel the 2009 9-7X falls short in several crucial safety categories. In frontal crash tests conducted by the federal government, it gets just three out of five stars for driver safety and four out of five stars for passenger safety -- lower scores than most other SUVs. The Saab's standard safety equipment includes a stability control system. Read More
9-7X Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2009 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 warranty. Read More
