Saab 9-7X SUV Review
SUV Reviewer
The Saab 9-7X had its last run in 2009. While Saab has typically been consistent with quality and specialized engineering there just wasn't enough Saab in the 9-7X to maintain the Swedish design. Built entirely upon the truck framed platform used by General Motors the Saab 9-7X was merely dressed like a Saab. The effort was certainly a good one and there were features that offered consumers enough to be interested. Overall, sales and customer satisfaction simply wasn't there.
The three trim levels of the Saab 9-7X offer some reasonable standard features. Heated seats, which are made from leather, are a genuine benefit to the consumer during the colder months. The premium Bose stereo system which comes as standard equipment can't be overlooked, either. Most manufacturers only offer such quality as optional equipment or only on upper trim levels. The sound system also comes with a 6 CD changer. Satellite radio and OnStar are both also standard.
The Saab 9-7X really only offers options like a navigational system and an entertainment DVD center for the rear seat. The Aero trim does offer a performance tuned suspension and steering. You could also get the 20 inch wheels or the sport trim for the Aero model. Of course, all of the models come with the signature ignition. The floor mounted ignition has been one of the most recognizable features of a Saab since its inception.
When you take in the Saab 9-7X as a whole you will be able to see the blending of each car company. Throughout the interior there is enough of the Swedish features to indicate that a strong attempt was made to incorporate the Swedish make. The dashboard still resembles a cockpit and the soft touch knobs are a definite mark of the Swedish company. At the same time the trim used on the interior of the Saab 9-7X is very much General Motors style. Since there is no turbo charged engine available consumers felt that there was just no way you could really call it a Saab.
When the rear seats are folded down the Saab 9-7X can hold about 80 cubic feet of cargo. With passenger seating for 5 and only two rows of seats many families wouldn't have the option of folding the rear seat down for the cargo. When you're heading out on a family vacation you need both the seating availability and the cargo room. Since the Saab 9-7X really never offered the full package, families weren't choosing this SUV with so many others available that offered seating and cargo space.
Handling and comfort were definitely there. The ride was smooth and steering was considered to be responsive and well weighted. The Aero was given high marks for its handling. The four speed automatic transmission was not competitive with the SUVs that were coming out with 5 and 6 speed transmissions. In order to cut their losses both Saab and General Motors opted to discontinue the vehicle. The used vehicle market still carries these SUVs and when a great deal can be found on a well maintained one, the sacrifices don't seem quite as large.
The three trim levels of the Saab 9-7X offer some reasonable standard features. Heated seats, which are made from leather, are a genuine benefit to the consumer during the colder months. The premium Bose stereo system which comes as standard equipment can't be overlooked, either. Most manufacturers only offer such quality as optional equipment or only on upper trim levels. The sound system also comes with a 6 CD changer. Satellite radio and OnStar are both also standard.
The Saab 9-7X really only offers options like a navigational system and an entertainment DVD center for the rear seat. The Aero trim does offer a performance tuned suspension and steering. You could also get the 20 inch wheels or the sport trim for the Aero model. Of course, all of the models come with the signature ignition. The floor mounted ignition has been one of the most recognizable features of a Saab since its inception.
When you take in the Saab 9-7X as a whole you will be able to see the blending of each car company. Throughout the interior there is enough of the Swedish features to indicate that a strong attempt was made to incorporate the Swedish make. The dashboard still resembles a cockpit and the soft touch knobs are a definite mark of the Swedish company. At the same time the trim used on the interior of the Saab 9-7X is very much General Motors style. Since there is no turbo charged engine available consumers felt that there was just no way you could really call it a Saab.
When the rear seats are folded down the Saab 9-7X can hold about 80 cubic feet of cargo. With passenger seating for 5 and only two rows of seats many families wouldn't have the option of folding the rear seat down for the cargo. When you're heading out on a family vacation you need both the seating availability and the cargo room. Since the Saab 9-7X really never offered the full package, families weren't choosing this SUV with so many others available that offered seating and cargo space.
Handling and comfort were definitely there. The ride was smooth and steering was considered to be responsive and well weighted. The Aero was given high marks for its handling. The four speed automatic transmission was not competitive with the SUVs that were coming out with 5 and 6 speed transmissions. In order to cut their losses both Saab and General Motors opted to discontinue the vehicle. The used vehicle market still carries these SUVs and when a great deal can be found on a well maintained one, the sacrifices don't seem quite as large.
