In 2004, Saab sales were down, and they looked to the burgeoning premium compact car market as a solution. GM, with a 100% equity share in Saab and a 20% share in Subaru, arranged the "marriage" of the WRX wagon into the Saab family. This resulted in the birth of the Saab 9-2X in two models: the Linear and the Aero.

Saab did not simply rebadge a WRX wagon, but went to work turning it into a Saab, of sorts. The 9-2X exterior shares only the roof, doors, and rear fender panels with the WRX wagon. The three-portal Saab grille, different taillights, the Saab flat hood, and a less-pronounced functional hood scoop on the Aero mark it as a Saab.

The interior also underwent a Saab redo with more-expensive materials, befitting a premium vehicle, and an overall Swedish Modern design that gives it a more spacious look. Thicker, richer carpeting with a generous application of sound-deadening materials makes the cabin a quieter place to enjoy the ride than that of its Japanese counterpart.

According to most reviews, Saab's engineers had great success in refining the already capable WRX suspension. They added the steering rack from the rally-proven STI, providing for quick, positive feedback and response. Firmer springs, softer dampers, shorter rear bump stops, and stiffer front control-arm bushings were added, along with tweaking the toe-in. The result is a much more compliant suspension without any loss of the WRX's firmness. In skidpad tests the 9-2X pulled 0.86 g, equaling an Audi S6 Avant Quattro's performance and beating the WRX's 0.82 g.

The engines are pure Subaru. The Linear gets the Impreza's 2.5-liter boxer four with 165 hp, and the more fun Aero gets the WRX's turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter boxer four, which produces 227 hp. The Aero launches through the 0-60 run in 6.1 seconds, which is slower than the WRX due to the Aero's extra weight. EPA estimates for the Linear: 22/29 mpg city/highway; Aero: 20/26.