2005 Saab 9-7X

In 2005, Saab finally fell into the SUV gold rush. Being in a rush, they raided their GM partner's parts bin coming up with the MT360 platform. That added the TrailBlazer, Envoy, and Rainer to their family lineage. Saab aficionados were not happy with 80% of a beloved Saab made of GM parts. Saab engineers, however, had a trick or two up their white coat sleeves with the remaining 20%.

Saab stiffened the front frame and the springs and cut them by an inch. This improved steering response and handling. Reworking the Bilstein shocks for more rebound control and increased compression, Saab also added a larger anti-roll bar. For the electronically controlled rear air suspension, they changed the body-to-frame bushings and used stiffer upper and lower control-arm bushings improving handling and ride quality. A quicker steering ratio, larger brakes and an electronically controlled limited-slip rearend went into the mix.

One reviewer remarked that in two years Saab engineers turned the GM platform into a sports car, something that had eluded GM designers for ten years. The 9-7X handles like a Saab - smooth and fluent - over all types of terrain and corners.  

The interior features rich, stitched-leather, dark burled wood trim with chrome, stain-nickel touches, and the center console ignition key switch. The ample application of sound deadening materials completes the Saab cabin. The rear seats fold and self-store to extend the rear cargo area. A hidden cargo area under the rear floor provides storage for valuables.

Pure GM muscle, however, powers this Saab. The base model features the Vortec 4200 I-6, which produces 290 hp and delivers 21 mpg highway. A $2000 upgrade gets you the 5.3 liter V-8 at 300 hp with 19 mpg highway and mid-teens in the city. The V-8 produces nearly 60 pound-feet of additional torque for a 6500-pound tow limit. Both engines transmit their power through a standard four-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system.

In addition to dual-stage front airbags and ABS, safety features include a rollover sensing system and head curtain side airbags.

The 9-7X carries unique Saab styling with its traditional front fascia three-port grill. The overall sleek, aerodynamic appearance is pure Saab underscoring the "sport" aspect of the SUV.