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2009 Saab 9-7X Review

March 27, 2009

STYLING | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

a Chevy TrailBlazer with only slightly more-becoming clothes
Car and Driver

some elements retain the cheap plastic feel of TrailBlazer and Envoy
ConsumerGuide

Far sportier and more sophisticated than any of the vehicles with which it shares so much
Kelley Blue Book

The exterior styling of the 2009 Saab 9-7X has its highs and lows, and reviews read by TheCarConnection.com are largely split.

Taking a stance firmly against the exterior of the Saab 9-7X is ForbesAutos, which advises viewers to look elsewhere if they think "slapping a Saab badge on a GM truck is a bad idea." While the criticisms from ForbesAutos have some basis in reality, Kelley Blue Book counters by saying that "given that most of its exterior panels are borrowed from its domestic-branded cousins, Saab's designers did an excellent job of giving the 9-7X its own identity," and that they successfully managed to create an SUV that is "far sportier and more sophisticated than any of the vehicles with which it shares so much." From the front, the 2009 Saab 9-7X definitely looks the part of a refined, upscale Saab vehicle, but in profile, it is unremarkable. Car and Driver doesn't see anything stylistically special in the 9-7X Saab, claiming that it is "a Chevy TrailBlazer with only slightly more-becoming clothes." Cars.com is indecisive, split between the Saab's "sleek styling" and the fact that it seems like "an archetype of yesterday's midsize SUV...inefficient and rough around the edges."

The interior scores higher than that of some other Saab vehicles, notably the 9-2X, and Kelley Blue Book feels that "contrast stitching, wood-like trim and familiar air vents help further differentiate the 9-7X as a premium European-like vehicle." ConsumerGuide adds that "controls are clear and handy, though adjusting the low-mounted climate system demands a long look away from the road." Edmunds says, "Drivers who have piloted other Saabs and don't look too closely will feel comfortable behind the wheel of the 9-7X." For those who decide to look closely, though, ConsumerGuide points out that "some elements retain the cheap plastic feel of TrailBlazer and Envoy."

Conclusion

The 2009 Saab 9-7X is quite attractive when focusing on smaller details, but take a step back and you’ll see the 9-7X for the outdated GM SUV it really is.

STYLING | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:a Chevy TrailBlazer with only slightly more-becoming clothesCar and Driversome elements retain the cheap plastic feel of TrailBlazer and EnvoyConsumerGuideFar sportier and more sophisticated than any of the vehicles with which it shares so muchKelley Blue Book The exterior styling of the 2009 Saab 9-7X has its highs and lows, and reviews read by TheCarConnection.com are largely split. Taking a stance firmly against the exterior of the Saab 9-7X is ForbesAutos, which advises viewers to look elsewhere if they think "slapping a Saab badge on a GM truck is a bad idea." While the criticisms from ForbesAutos have some basis in reality, Kelley Blue Book counters by saying that "given that most of its exterior panels are borrowed from its domestic-branded cousins, Saab's designers did an excellent job of giving the 9-7X its own identity," and that they successfully managed to create an SUV that is "far sportier and more sophisticated than any of the vehicles with which it shares so much." From the front, the 2009 Saab 9-7X definitely looks the part of a refined, upscale Saab vehicle, but in profile, it is unremarkable. Car and Driver doesn't see anything stylistically special in the 9-7X Saab, claiming that it is "a Chevy TrailBlazer with only slightly more-becoming clothes." Cars.com is indecisive, split between the Saab's "sleek styling" and the fact that it seems like "an archetype of yesterday's midsize SUV...inefficient and rough around the edges." The interior scores higher than that of some other Saab vehicles, notably the 9-2X, and Kelley Blue Book feels that "contrast stitching, wood-like trim and familiar air vents help further differentiate the 9-7X as a premium European-like vehicle." ConsumerGuide adds that "controls are clear and handy, though adjusting the low-mounted climate system demands a long look away from the road." Edmunds says, "Drivers who have piloted other Saabs and don't look too closely will feel comfortable behind the wheel of the 9-7X." For those who decide to look closely, though, ConsumerGuide points out that "some elements retain the cheap plastic feel of TrailBlazer and Envoy." ConclusionThe 2009 Saab 9-7X is quite attractive when focusing on smaller details, but take a step back and you’ll see the 9-7X for the outdated GM SUV it really is. 2009 SAAB 9-7X STYLING | [6 out of 10] Car and Driver: "a Chevy TrailBlazer with only slightly more-becoming clothes" ConsumerGuide: "some elements retain the cheap plastic feel of TrailBlazer and Envoy" Kelley Blue Book: "Far sportier and more sophisticated than any of the vehicles ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

If you still need a truck-based SUV for towing and want something a little different or more styling, the Mercury Mountaineer first comes to mind. It’s mechanically the same as the Ford Explorer, which, by now, is a very competitive model with good performance and plenty of standard safety features, yet the Mountaineer comes with a more upscale look inside and out. These models offer third-row seating and available V-8 engines. The Chrysler Aspen is a Dodge Durango in upscale trim, with a big grille as its chief distinction, but the Aspen and Durango arguably are more cumbersome to drive, yet don’t have much more room inside. The Toyota 4Runner is a relatively new entry under an old nameplate; it handles a bit better than most of the other vehicles in this class and has a full roster of safety features.

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See the Saab 9-7X in Other Years:

2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005

Comments (1 total)

  1. By fred ziddah #1, Posted: 4/19/2009

    SAAB

    THE SAAB IS NOT TOO GREAT TO LOOK AT BUT I TRUST THE ENGINEERING WILL BE AWESOME.HOPE G.M. DOESN'T LET GO DWN WE'VE LOST GREAT MARQUES AS IT IS ALRREADY.

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