2012 & 2013 SAAB SUV Reviews & Ratings

Like every other automobile maker, Saab has seen the need to move into the SUV market. This popular option in vehicles has created a demand that most manufacturers are striving to meet. Though the SUV doesn't trace back to the roots of Saab in the same way that coupes and convertibles do, the production of a Saab SUV was a foregone conclusion if they wanted to keep up with the competition. However, their foray into that market was short-lived due to extenuating circumstances. The last SUV ce... (full review continues below)

Like every other automobile maker, Saab has seen the need to move into the SUV market. This popular option in vehicles has created a demand that most manufacturers are striving to meet. Though the SUV doesn't trace back to the roots of Saab in the same way that coupes and convertibles do, the production of a Saab SUV was a foregone conclusion if they wanted to keep up with the competition. However, their foray into that market was short-lived due to extenuating circumstances. The last SUV ceased production in 2011 after a very brief time on the market and currently Saab has no alternative for prospective buyers.

The history of Saab began in 1937 as a division of Swedish Aeroplane Limited. The company was designed to build aircraft for the Swedish Air Force, but as the war ended they needed another avenue for business. In 1947 they would unveil their first passenger car and it would be released for sale only two years later. By 1989 Saab would become its own independent brand and throughout the history of the company they would spend time under the ownership of the likes of General Motors and Spyker Cars.

The first dive into the Saab SUV market would be under the ownership of General Motors. The 9-7X was a mid-sized SUV that was based on the GMT360 platform. This was the same platform used by such favorites as the Chevy Trailblazer and the GMC Envoy. It was the first fully American built Saab and was reported to be the most expensive model that was ever produced. It also was one of the first models that boasted an AWD option and a V8 engine. The four door SUV made its debut in 2005 and lasted until 2009. Though it promised a lot, most people were disappointed to find that their Swedish SUV was nothing more than a Chevrolet with a different name.

The 9-4X was the second introduction in the SUV market and was a mid-sized Crossover SUV. This Saab SUV was also during the time period when GM owned Saab. The 9-4X debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2010 and was set to replace the 9-7X. The release in 2010 was as a 2011 model with the production car almost exactly like the concept car in the exterior. The inside focused more on the details of the 9-5. The 9-4X would become the Saab vehicle that lasted the shortest amount of time. GM announced that production would end in November of 2011 because the company would be under new ownership.

While the Saab SUV market has been small and short, the demand for SUVs by all manufacturers has continued to climb. Should Saab introduce a current model that could easily compete in its class, the popularity would arrive quickly based on name recognition. There are many people that prefer to buy Saab even as the company struggles today. Some of them would be happy to see a new SUV by the Swedish manufacturer.