2005-2006 Saab 9-2X: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- All-wheel drive
- Steering/handling
- Brake performance
- Control layout
Cons
- Rear-seat room
- Rear-seat entry/exit
Vehicle Highlights
Saab tapped 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 received Saab-family styling alterations, but used Impreza's bodyshell and powertrains. Two 9-2X models were offered, both with horizontally opposed 4-cyl engines. The base Linear had 165 hp. The turbocharged Aero was similar the sporty Impreza WRX, with 227 hp and a functional hood scoop. Both offered a 5-speed manual transmission or optional 4-speed automatic. ABS, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags were standard. Leather upholstery and a sunroof were optional. The interior design was shared, but the 9-2X received different upholstery and Saab's active front-seat headrests designed to minimize whiplash injury.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Saab 9-2X Aero w/Sport Pkg., manual Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 8 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 52 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X.
Year to Year Changes
2006 Saab 9-2X:
This "Saabaru" received a horsepower bump for 2006. Base Linear models were renamed 2.5i and had 173 hp (up from 165). Turbocharged Aeros went up to 230 hp from 227. The 2006 model year would be the 9-2X's last. Credit slow sales and Saab-parent General Motors selling its interest in Subaru-parent Fuji Heavy Industries.
Our road test for the 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
With similar powertrains and weight, any 9-2X mimics its comparable Subaru cousin for acceleration. Base Linear and 2.5i models have adequate go for routine driving. Turbocharged Aero models suffer from turbo lag, a delay in throttle response, below 3000 rpm, but they're strong above this point. In our tests, Aeros averaged 17.6-20.1 mpg, depending on driving conditions. While we have not measured a 9-2X 2.5i model, a similar test Impreza 2.5i averaged 20.5 mpg in mostly city driving. The 9-2X 2.5i uses regular-grade fuel, while Aeros require premium. Saab tuned the 9-2X's suspension to deliver a slightly softer ride than the Impreza. But even with those changes, any 9-2X has a very firm ride, with the suspension readily transmitting road imperfections to the cabin. Standard AWD provides reassuring grip, and the 9-2X's steering has a slightly more positive feel than Impreza. Also tweaked by Saab are its wagon's sound insulation and cabin materials. The 9-2X is slightly quieter than the Impreza on all fronts. Though the control layout and instrumentation is identical between the two cars, 9-2X has more pleasing fabrics and other materials. The 9-2X has a generally comfortable interior, though taller drivers will want more front seat travel. The steering wheel tilts but doesn't telescope, and the lack of available power seat adjustments are competitive disadvantages compared to other premium compact cars. In the back seat, there is sufficient head room for those up to about 5-ft-11. Leg room is tight even with the front seats halfway back. With its wagon body style and 60/40 split folding rear seat, 9-2X is generally a flexible cargo hauler, though its interior storage is scant.
Value for the Money
Saab's changes to exterior styling, sound deadening, and interior trim do their part to disguise this car's Subaru 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 or modest interior space.
Saab's changes to exterior styling, sound deadening, and interior trim do their part to disguise this car's Subaru 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 or modest interior space.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Saab 9-2X Aero w/Sport Pkg., manual Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 8 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 52 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Saab 9-2X includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Saab 9-2X .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Ignition switch:
If the wrong ignition module is used, even momentarily, the powertrain control module can be damaged or destroyed. (2005-06)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $670 |
| Alternator | $830 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $4,230 |
| Brakes | $230 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $1,550 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $3,500 |
| Exhaust System | $810 |
| Radiator | $505 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,800 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $905 |
Our price chart for this generation Saab 9-2X details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2006 | |||
| 9-2X | $12,500-14,000 | $11,300-12,600 | $7,100-8,000 |
| 9-2X Aero | $14,500-16,000 | $13,200-14,600 | $9,000-9,900 |
| 2005 | |||
| 9-2X | $9,800-11,000 | $8,800-9,900 | $5,100-5,700 |
| 9-2X Aero | $11,500-12,700 | $10,400-11,400 | $6,300-7,000 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Saab 9-2X include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 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. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
The 2005 Saab 9-2X had a choice of two engines. Base Linear models had a 165-hp 2.5-liter horizontally opposed 4-cyl engine. The top-line Aero had a 227-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cyl. For 2006, base versions were renamed 2.5i and received a boost to 173 hp. Aero's turbocharged 4-cyl increased in displacement to 2.5 liters and in power to 230 hp.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc H4 | 2.5 / 150 | 165 | 166 | 5-speed manual: 22/29 4-speed automatic: 23/29 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc H4 | 2.5 / 150 | 173 | 166 | 5-speed manual: 22/29 4-speed automatic: 22/27 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| Turbocharged dohc H4 | 2.0 / 122 | 227 | 217 | 5-speed manual: 20/26 4-speed automatic: 19/25 |
5-speed manual: 18.9 4-speed automatic: -- |
| Turbocharged dohc H4 | 2.5 / 150 | 230 | 235 | 5-speed manual: 21/27 4-speed automatic: 20/25 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Saab 9-2X include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2006 9-2X 4-door wagon w/side airbags |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
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%. Sideimpact 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%.
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