2008 SAAB 9-7X Aero 6.0 from North America

Summary:

The most fun you'll have in an SUV

Faults:

Not certain how many miles ago, but I experienced a grinding from the rear differential. Required replacement.

Interior, broke cup holder.

General Comments:

400 HP AWD SUV... need I say more!

Luxury items like heated seats, rear DVD, and air compressor make this a fast fun vehicle built for entertaining everyone in and around it.

If I could afford the 12 mpg rating buying 93 octane fuel, I'd drive this thing until the wheels fell off.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th August, 2009

27th Oct 2010, 02:17

Wow, 93 octane fuel? Isn't that just standard? Here in Australia you can easily get 98 octane.

27th Oct 2010, 08:35

"Wow, 93 octane fuel? isn't that just standard? Here in australia you can easily get 98 octane."

Unfortunately 87 octane is standard here in the states. We also have 89 as mid grade and 91 and 93 as super and premium. Now they are mixing it with ethanol, which is causing all kinds of problems, especially in boats, snowmobiles, and other seasonal machines. The crap only lasts for about 90 days, and then it is garbage, so if you don't completely drain your tank every season, you'll likely have issues with it the next time you fire it up.

This is a cheap additive to fatten the bottom line for the oil companies, but it does no favors for the consumer!

In reply to 27th Oct 2010, 08:35

10th Nov 2012, 02:28

There are two different methods of determining octane ratings. 93 is 98 when the two different methods are set next to each other.

Same fuel; two different rating numbers.

2006 SAAB 9-7X 5.3i V8 from North America

Summary:

GM SUV Sourced SAAB: A Reliable and Pretty SUV

Faults:

The rotors started to warp at 30,000 miles.

Other than the brake rotors warping, this has been a problem free and very reliable car.

General Comments:

I had driven a Chevy Trailblazer for over 100,000 miles, so I think I am qualified to compare the two as they are pretty much the same car, but the SAAB is much better.

What I like about this SUV:

Very quiet at highway speeds.

Pretty styling. I have received many unsolicited compliments.

Comfortable for long journeys. I drive this vehicle for hours at a time.

Handles well around twisty roads given the size and weight of the vehicle.

Very competent engine with good torque and a nice quiet rumble. Excellent AWD system as well as good traction control system. I live in the snow belt, and it has come in handy as I am sales rep. and drive for a living. I can't miss my sales appointments and she has never let me down.

Cheaper to fix than most luxury SUVs due to sharing parts with more plebeian sister SUVs.

Decent gas mileage for a 2+ ton vehicle. The cylinder deactivation is giving me about 18.5 highway and 16 city.

Stereo is very good.

** No comparison to the other GM SUVs of which it is based. My Trailblazer was loud and much less refined. The interior of the SAAB is much better. The SAAB is more refined overall. The SAAB is worh the extra money and is much more comfortable.

Bottom line, if you want a good second car, buy the SAAB. It depreciates so badly when used I got mine with 20,000 miles on it and two years old for 18 grand. It was over 42 grand new.

Is it a SAAB? Ehhhh, not really. I have two other SAABs in my garage. But is it a good luxury SUV? Absolutely.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th March, 2009

11th May 2009, 03:20

Would you buy the 9-4x when it comes out?

16th May 2009, 07:03

I wrote the original review.

As far as buying the 9-4x, I won't be in the market for another SUV for a few years. My goal is to run the 9-7x into the ground but follow the maintenance schedule to a tee. I bought the 9-7x due too cheaper parts when it is off warranty, due to GM parts. I am not sure the 9-4x will be affordable in the parts department.

My goal is 200k miles on this SUV. I think with religious maintenance, it can be done.

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