The Saab 9-7X may be made in America, and may sit on GM platforms, but it is all Saab, and a nice entry into the smaller SUV niche
By: Mike Blake
The Swedish automotive manufacturer that began as an airplane builder has entered the SUV market, and is doing it in a BIG way.
Saab has created an attractive, large sport utility vehicle and has alphanumerically named it the 9-7X. It is one of the most talked-about sport utes in 2006.
The 9-7X has facetiously been called a GM with a Swedish accent. There is some truth to that. This Swedish "import" was built in Moraine, Ohio, near Dayton. More to the point, the 9-7X is based on the GMT360 platform it shares with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, the GMC Envoy and the Buick Rainier. We are also told that the 9-7X will be reworked soon and be replaced by a crossover vehicle. But, at 4,720 pounds, with Saab nuances, the 2006 9-7X stands as its own person and delivers power and stability, as well as a luxurious environment.
Saab started its business in the airplane sector in 1937, and took that expertise to the creation of a new line of automobiles in 1947. Its first sport utility vehicle, the 9-7X was created in 2005, though it was not widely available in the United States. The ’06 version, which I test drove for a week in Central Pennsylvania, is being offered throughout America, and has some upgrades over the ’05 model. Saab has become a member of the sport-ute club because some 30 percent of Saab drivers were buying elsewhere when they wanted an SUV, and Saab hopes to keep its loyal followers home with the 9-7X.
Saab is known for creating solid, great-handling cars that are sporty and stylish. The 9-7X is not what I would call "sporty," but it certainly is solid and has lots of style. From its logo to its wide stance and fluid lines, the 9-7X has the Saab look, beginning with its angular front end and hood and moving to its rear glass, ending inside with its instrument panel. Saab’s unmistakable three-port grille is distinctive and the 9-7X’s rear quarter windows seem to envelop the D-pillars.
When first looking at the vehicle, one can’t help but notice the badge a beast with a crown. That striking logo was introduced in 2000, and was created by designer Carl Fredik Reuterswärd. The creature within the badge may resemble a lion, but it is an animal of another ilk. It isn’t a lion, but a mythical griffin. The previous logo featured a red griffin crowned in silver with the words "Saab" and "Scania" above and below it. The new design was mandatory after Scania and Saab split up and all shares of Saab Automobile were sold to General Motors. The new logo resembles the old one but is cleaner and carries only the name "Saab." The new red griffin wears a golden crown and the name griffin, or gripen in Swedish, is also the name of the Saab Jas 39 airplane.
Among the improvements added to the 2006 version are Electronic Stability Control and Displacement on Demand for the optional 300-horsepower 5.3-liter V-8 engine. My test vehicle was driven by the smaller plant offered, a 4.2-liter inline-6-cylinder engine that thunders out 290 hp, a nice increase of about 20 hp over the ’05 incarnation.
My test Saab’s power set-up was EPA rated at 15 mpg/city and 21 mpg/highway on unleaded fuel. During my weeklong examination, I averaged 17.5 miles per gallon, during a combination of highway, city and off-road driving. The towing capacity of 5,500 pounds can be met with this setup, but with torque of 277 pounds/feet at 3,600 rpm, I believe that 5,000 pounds would be pushing it. The inline-6 just is not as strong a plant as is the optional 5.3-liter V-8 at 300 hp and 330 pounds/feet of torque set-up that has a tow rating of 6,500 pounds.
My tests showed that my Graphite Gray Metallic 9-7X was stable on the curves but was subject to a bit of movement on the highway at high speeds in high winds. The vehicle’s AWD is a bit sluggish in low range, but handles road conditions well at medium range. You definitely feel the General Motors heritage in the 97X’s handling. But Saab gave it a more European feel by lowering the vehicle by an inch and by firming up the suspension.
Priced at $40,040, my test Saab was luxurious inside, with such standard items as comfortable, cushy, heated front seats that have eight-way power and lumbar support. A Bose six-disc CD changer with six speakers provided entertainment, along with three months of XM Satellite radio service. A power moonroof, leather-appointed steering wheel and seats and memory driver seat provide a feeling of opulence.
Safety is attended to with dual front-stage airbags with passenger-sensing system, and side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor. Rear air suspension with load leveling, Stabilitrak stability control, sport-tuned suspension and limited slip rear differential make for a safe, smooth ride.
The Saab 9-7X may be made in America, and may sit on GM platforms, but it is all Saab, and a nice entry into the smaller SUV niche.
Visit www.carsatcarlisle.com for more on the automotive hobby. Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He’s been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.

