Sharing platforms, powertrains, and components with the Subaru Impreza, the brand-new 9-2X is a premium-priced compact wagon that's designed to appeal to younger and/or more-active buyers than the typical Saab. While it incorporates distinctive Saab styling elements, its Subaru underpinnings dictate that the 9-2X becomes the first production Saab to come with standard all-wheel drive. Two versions are available: The base Linear model comes powered by a 165-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while the high-performance Aero includes a quicker 227-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine under its hood. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, and a four-speed automatic gearbox is optional across the line. Four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution and a fully independent suspension system are included on both models. Also included are side-impact airbags, "active" head restraints, air conditioning, a CD stereo, keyless entry and a height-adjustable driver's seat. Available options include a power moonroof, heated leather seats, a CD changer, and xenon headlamps.
2005 Saab 9-2X by Marty Padgett (5/10/2004) Saab gambles part of its future on a very strong hand.
9-3
2004 Saab 9-3 Convertible |
The mid-size 9-3 is the sportiest model to be built off of General Motors' global "Epsilon" platform, which also provides the underpinnings for the Chevrolet Malibu and the new-for-2005 Pontiac G6. Still, the 9-3 carries Saab-exclusive styling and preserves such traditional quirks as the ignition key being located on the floor between the two front seats. The car comes in three trim levels: The base Linear, luxurious Arc and sporty Vector editions get a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that generates either 175 or 210 horsepower, depending on the model. A five-speed-manual transmission is standard on the Linear and Arc versions, while a six-speed manual gearbox comes with the Vector. A DVD-based navigation system is available for the first time on 2005 models, along with several newly offered exterior colors.
2003 Saab 9-3 Vector by Marc K. Stengel (6/9/2003) Saab takes a calculated approach with its striking new 9-3 Vector sport sedan.
9-5
2005 Saab 9-5 |
Saab's mid-size front-wheel-drive sedan and wagon are available in Linear, Arc, and Aero versions, with the base Linear model available only as a sport wagon. A four-cylinder 2.3-liter engine powers all 9-5s with varying degrees of power, depending on the trim level: A 185-horsepower comes standard on the Linear, while the Arc offers a higher-output 220-horsepower rendition, and the Aero is packed with the most powerful version that produces 250 horses. A five-speed manual transmission comes standard on all models, with a five-speed automatic also available. 2005 updates include the availability of a DVD-based navigation system, a revised new wheel design for Arc models and fresh exterior colors for all models, including Parchment Silver, Smoke Beige, and Chili Red.
9-7X
2005 Saab 9-7X |
Saab finally joins in the sport-utility vehicle fray in the spring of 2005 with the introduction of the 9-7X (leaving Audi, Jaguar, and MINI as the only major holdouts in the U.S. market not to offer a SUV). This will be the costliest version of the models that are otherwise marketed as the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Buick Rainier, GMC Envoy, and Isuzu Ascender. It will be fitted with Saab-specific styling cues and other details, such as an ignition that's located in the center console behind the gear lever. As with its other General Motors-related iterations, power comes from a 275-horsepower 4.2-liter in-line six-cylinder engine; a high-torque 290-horsepower V-8 powerplant is also available for added muscle. Both engines are fitted to a four-speed automatic, and a fully automatic all-wheel drive system with a limited-slip rear differential comes standard. The vehicle also includes anti-lock brakes and rear-wheel electronic traction assist, a fully independent suspension with electronically controlled air shocks in the rear, 18-inch wheels and tires, and a state-of-the-art audio system.
Preview: 2005 Saab 9-7X by Henny Hemmes (4/5/2004) The Swedes' first SUV comes from America - but does its soul still reside in Trolhattan?
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