2005 Saab 9-2X Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Saab taps the holdings of parent-company General Motors for its new entry-level model: a 4-dr, all-wheel-drive wagon based on the Subaru Impreza. The 9-2X gets Saab-family styling alterations, but uses Impreza's bodyshell and powertrains. Two 9-2X models are offered, both with horizontally opposed 4-cyl engines and standard AWD. The base Linear has 165 hp. The turbocharged Aero mimics the sporty Impreza WRX, with 227 hp and a functional hood scoop. Both offer a 5-speed manual transmission or optional 4-speed automatic. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, torso- and head-protecting front side airbags, and 16-inch wheels are standard; the Aero is available with 17s. Leather upholstery and a sunroof are options. The 9-2X is aimed at a more upscale market than Impreza, and it has different nose, tail, and wheels. The interior design is shared, but the 9-2X gets different upholstery and Saab's active front-seat headrests designed to minimize whiplash injury.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Compact Cars are similar in size but more expensive than Compact Cars. Premium Compacts have more standard equipment and an upscale image when compared to Compact Cars.

Our single Best Buy in the Premium Compact Car class is the Acura TSX. Our Recommended picks include the BMW 3-Series and the Saab 9-3.

News

The Japanese Saab has not been the big showroom draw this GM brand hoped for--and still needs--hence recent rumors that it may go away soon. But even if GM stays the course, the 9-2X won't be redesigned until the Subaru parent is, and a clean-sheet Impreza isn't due until model-year 2009. We'll keep you posted.

2005 Saab 9-2X Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (Aero)	Rear-seat room

All-wheel drive	Rear-seat entry/exit

Brake performance

Control layout

Steering/handling

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Linear, man.	Linear w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	Aero w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
4	4	7	6

With similar weight, identical horsepower, 9-2X mimics comparable Impreza models. Nonturbo Linear versions with automatic transmission adequate for routine work, livelier with manual. Aeros fast--7 sec 0-60 mph--but have little power below 3000 rpm, and suffer a delay in throttle response due to considerable turbo lag.

Fuel Economy

Linear, man.	Linear w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	Aero w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
5	5	4	5.3

Test Aero with manual transmission averaged 17.6-20.1 mpg in mixed driving. No opportunity to measure with Linear. Aeros require premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

Linear, man.	Linear w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	Aero w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
5	5	3	6

Saab suspension tuning softens ride slightly compared to Impreza. Still, ride always firm and suspension readily transmits small, sharp bumps. Aero ride harsh with Sport Package's low-profile 17-inch tires.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Linear, man.	Linear w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	Aero w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
7	7	8	7.3

Crisp, rewarding, with added grip, security of standard AWD. Saab retunes Subaru steering for slightly more positive feel. Fine stopping power, and--in contrast to comparable Imprezas tested--firm, easily modulated brake-pedal feel.

Quietness

Linear, man.	Linear w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	Aero w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
5	5	4	6

Sound-deadening added by Saab pays off in generally subdued noise from engines, tires, wind compared to Impreza. Still, road noise copious from Aero's available 17-inch tires.

Controls

Linear, man.	Linear w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	Aero w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
7	7	7	6.9

Simple, user-friendly gauges, control layout carries over from Impreza, with Saab upgrades to cabin fabrics elevating overall ambience, especially with Premium Package's leather upholstery.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Linear, man.	Linear w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	Aero w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
5	5	5	6.3

Good head clearance, but very tall occupants will want more rearward seat travel. Seats comfortable, supportive. Steering wheel tilts but doesn't telescope, as in some premium compact rivals. Lack of power seat adjustments another competitive deficit.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Linear, man.	Linear w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	Aero w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
3	3	3	3.6

Sufficient head room for those up to about 5-ft-11, but leg room tight if front seats even halfway back. Entry/exit hampered by fairly deep step-down, narrow thresholds, doors that should open wider.

Cargo Room

Linear, man.	Linear w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	Aero w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
7	7	7	4

Wagon body style, 60/40 split folding rear seats make for versatile little hauler, though cabin storage space stingy.

Value within Class

Linear, man.	Linear w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	Aero w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
3	3	4	6

Saab's changes to exterior styling, sound deadening, and interior trim do their part to disguise this car's Impreza origins. And the versatile wagon body style and all-season AWD traction have some appeal. But there's no hiding the tepid base engine, the turbo's quirks, or the modest interior space. Still, 9-2X, like Saab in general, lies off the beaten path, which should mean friendlier price breaks than you'll get on the more-mainstream competition.

Total Score

Linear, man.	Linear w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	Aero w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
51	51	52	57.4

Scores for all Premium Compact Cars

Low Score		50
Average Score		57
High Score		65

2005 Saab 9-2X Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/04/2004

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Linear 4-door wagon	$22,990	$21,841	$695

Aero 4-door wagon	$26,950	$25,603	$695

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Linear

Powertrain

2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, all-wheel drive, limited-slip differential.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, map lights, variable-intermittent wipers w/deicer, visor mirrors, cargo cover, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear spoiler, 205/55VR16 tires, alloy wheels.

Aero adds to Linear:

Powertrain

2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Automatic climate control, interior air filter, leather-wrapped steering wheel, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, sport suspension.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Premium Pkg.
Aero	$1,695	$1,559
Leather upholstery, xenon headlights.

Sport Pkg.
Aero	$1,950	$1,794
Power sunroof, 215/45VR17 tires.

Cold Weather Pkg.
Aero, Linear	$600	$552
Heated front seats and mirrors, rear wiper deicer.

Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission
Aero, Linear	$1,250	$1,238


Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
Linear	$1,200	$1,104

2005 Saab 9-2X Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Saab 9-2X 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	99.4

Overall Length, in.	175.6

Overall Width, in.	66.7

Overall Height, in.	57.7

Curb Weight, lbs.	3070

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	61.6

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	15.9

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	39.7

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.9

Rear Head Room, in.	37.3

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	33.7

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	sohc H4	Turbocharged dohc H4

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.5 /150	2.0 /122

Horsepower @ rpm.	165 @ 5500	227 @ 6000

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	166 @ 4000	217 @ 4000

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	22/29	20/26

4-speed automatic	23/29	19/25

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test

Saab 9-2X 4-door wagon

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	6/Unlimited	10/unlimited on 9-3 sport sedan.

Free roadside assistance	4/50,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	3/36,000	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Japan

Drivewheels: all-wheel drive

< 2005 Saab 9-2X Photos

Also in the 2005 Saab 9-2X Review:

Saab 9-2X

Saab 9-2X Road Test

Saab 9-2X Prices & Equipment

Saab 9-2X Specs & Safety

Saab 9-2X Photos

Saab 9-2X Full Review

All Saab 9-2Xs

All Saabs