What Is It?
2005 Saab 9-7X
What's Special About It?
This all-new SUV from Saab is the Swedish automaker's attempt to tap the distinctly American thirst for large four-wheel-drive family vehicles. Based on General Motor's midsize SUV platform, the 9-7X isn't a completely new vehicle, but extensive modifications to the suspension tuning, exterior styling and interior trim were made to give the 9-7X a look and feel that's uniquely Saab.
Achieving the road feel of a European sedan using an American truck chassis is no small task, but Saab appears to have made the kind of changes that will yield a responsive SUV. Power comes from either a 275-horsepower inline six or a 300-horsepower V8. The suspension uses firmer bushings, thicker sway bars and revalved shock absorbers to achieve more responsive handling than its GM counterparts. The 9-7X also uses a quicker steering system and street-oriented 18-inch wheels and tires to give it a more sedanlike feel. All-wheel drive is standard along with four-wheel antilock disc brakes, head curtain airbags and a rollover sensing system.
The interior features many of Saab's signature design cues along with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. Like most luxury SUVs, the 9-7X comes standard with all the latest amenities including heated leather seats, automatic climate control, a driver information computer, wood accents and the OnStar communications system. Options include a premium sound system, sunroof and DVD entertainment system. The 9-7X is scheduled to go on sale early next year as a 2005 model.
What's Edmunds' Take?
There's no doubt that Saab was getting left behind by not having an SUV in its lineup, but is a rebadged GM truck the answer? The numerous upgrades give Saab a convincing argument that the 9-7 is more than a rebadged TrailBlazer, but until we can get in one and experience the difference ourselves, we'll remain skeptical about this Swedish import's true roots. — Ed Hellwig
2005 Saab 9-7X
What's Special About It?
This all-new SUV from Saab is the Swedish automaker's attempt to tap the distinctly American thirst for large four-wheel-drive family vehicles. Based on General Motor's midsize SUV platform, the 9-7X isn't a completely new vehicle, but extensive modifications to the suspension tuning, exterior styling and interior trim were made to give the 9-7X a look and feel that's uniquely Saab.
Achieving the road feel of a European sedan using an American truck chassis is no small task, but Saab appears to have made the kind of changes that will yield a responsive SUV. Power comes from either a 275-horsepower inline six or a 300-horsepower V8. The suspension uses firmer bushings, thicker sway bars and revalved shock absorbers to achieve more responsive handling than its GM counterparts. The 9-7X also uses a quicker steering system and street-oriented 18-inch wheels and tires to give it a more sedanlike feel. All-wheel drive is standard along with four-wheel antilock disc brakes, head curtain airbags and a rollover sensing system.
The interior features many of Saab's signature design cues along with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. Like most luxury SUVs, the 9-7X comes standard with all the latest amenities including heated leather seats, automatic climate control, a driver information computer, wood accents and the OnStar communications system. Options include a premium sound system, sunroof and DVD entertainment system. The 9-7X is scheduled to go on sale early next year as a 2005 model.
What's Edmunds' Take?
There's no doubt that Saab was getting left behind by not having an SUV in its lineup, but is a rebadged GM truck the answer? The numerous upgrades give Saab a convincing argument that the 9-7 is more than a rebadged TrailBlazer, but until we can get in one and experience the difference ourselves, we'll remain skeptical about this Swedish import's true roots. — Ed Hellwig
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