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2008 Saab 9-7X Safety Review

July 28, 2008

SAFETY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

received an unimpressive three stars out of five for driver protection
Edmunds

Acceptable, frontal offset test; Marginal, side impact test
IIHS

Three stars, front driver impact; four stars, front passenger impact; five stars, side impact
NHTSA

The old refrain among SUV buyers is that large cars are safer because there's more material around you to absorb an impact. While on the surface this logic may seem sound, one look at the crash-test results for the 2008 Saab 9-7X show that bigger isn't always better.

Tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) did not treat the 9-7X Saab well, and reviews read by TheCarConnection.com noticed. The NHTSA gives the 2008 Saab 9-7X three stars for front-impact driver protection, four stars for the front passenger side, and five stars for side impact tests. Cars.com is quick to mention that the Saab 9-7X’s safety ratings "trail those that NHTSA awarded to many 9-7X competitors." However, USA Today points out that during Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) testing, ratings for the Saab 9-7X "improved to receive the second-highest rating of acceptable." While the IIHS did give the 9-7X Saab an Acceptable rating for its frontal offset test, the 9-7X still scores a Marginal rating for side impacts.

Crash-test results are surprising, given the list of safety features on the 2008 Saab 9-7X. ForbesAutos appreciates the "rollover-sensing, side-curtain airbags," while ConsumerGuide lists other safety features, including "dual front airbags...antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system w/ rollover sensors, [and] tire-pressure monitor." Driver visibility is decent on the Saab 9-7X, although ConsumerGuide feels that "headrests and thick roof pillars interfere with visibility" toward the back of the car.

Conclusion

Safety ratings for the 2008 Saab 9-7X are not up to class standards.

SAFETY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:received an unimpressive three stars out of five for driver protectionEdmundsAcceptable, frontal offset test; Marginal, side impact testIIHSThree stars, front driver impact; four stars, front passenger impact; five stars, side impactNHTSA The old refrain among SUV buyers is that large cars are safer because there's more material around you to absorb an impact. While on the surface this logic may seem sound, one look at the crash-test results for the 2008 Saab 9-7X show that bigger isn't always better. Tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) did not treat the 9-7X Saab well, and reviews read by TheCarConnection.com noticed. The NHTSA gives the 2008 Saab 9-7X three stars for front-impact driver protection, four stars for the front passenger side, and five stars for side impact tests. Cars.com is quick to mention that the Saab 9-7X’s safety ratings "trail those that NHTSA awarded to many 9-7X competitors." However, USA Today points out that during Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) testing, ratings for the Saab 9-7X "improved to receive the second-highest rating of acceptable." While the IIHS did give the 9-7X Saab an Acceptable rating for its frontal offset test, the 9-7X still scores a Marginal rating for side impacts. Crash-test results are surprising, given the list of safety features on the 2008 Saab 9-7X. ForbesAutos appreciates the "rollover-sensing, side-curtain airbags," while ConsumerGuide lists other safety features, including "dual front airbags...antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system w/ rollover sensors, [and] tire-pressure monitor." Driver visibility is decent on the Saab 9-7X, although ConsumerGuide feels that "headrests and thick roof pillars interfere with visibility" toward the back of the car. ConclusionSafety ratings for the 2008 Saab 9-7X are not up to class standards. 2008 SAAB 9-7X STYLING | [7 out of 10] Cars.com: "An archetype of yesterday's midsize SUV" ForbesAutos: "Carries Saab-specific styling cues" Kelley Blue Book: "Far sportier and more sophisticated than any of the vehicles with which it shares so much" The exterior styling of the 2008 ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Among mid-size, truck-bred SUVs, the Ford Explorer comes to mind first. Though sales are off, the Explorer and its Mercury Mountaineer twin offer third-row seating, available V-8 engines, and tidy styling inside and out. The Toyota 4Runner is a new entry under an old nameplate, and it has the latest safety gear, plus a controversial new look. The Chrysler Aspen is a Dodge Durango in upscale trim, with a big grille as its chief distinction.

Next Steps:

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See the Saab 9-7X in Other Years:

2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005

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