 About the Saab 9-7xThe 9-7X represents a number of firsts for Saab. Aside from being the first Saab to be manufactured stateside, it is Saab's first SUV, first all-wheel drive, and first vehicle to come standard with a V-8 engine. It is GM's flagship successor to the Oldsmobile Bravada as GM's mid-size SUV, positioned as both GM's highest priced mid-size SUV and Saab's most expensive model ever produced. Despite all of this, the car is, all in all, pretty much a GM disguised as a Saab, possessing more of a resemblance to the Chevrolet TrailBlazer than any other genuine" Saab. It is for this very reason the 9-7X was given the nickname "Trollblazer" even though it was produced in America. The Saab 9-7X was designed by General Motors Corporation and produced in Moraine, Ohio.The model's most powerful... View more engine option boasts a whopping 300 hp. Its most conservative model lays claim to decent gas mileage stats for its class, achieving 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. The 9-7X seats five, with no third-row seating available. It does, however, offer a spacious 80 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats are folded down. It has a towing capacity of up to 6500 pounds, although a weight distribution hitch is highly recommended for loads over 4000 pounds. Production of the 9-7X began in 2005, representing a significant departure from traditional, Scandinavian-designed Saabs. It was also the first GMT360-based vehicle to not offer rear-wheel drive. Most model years remained the same throughout its brief, 4-year run with only minor badging and accessory changes. A new high-performance variant, however, was added in 2008. Nicknamed the "Aero", this model boasts 20-inch wheels, a heavy-duty automatic transmission, and the same 6-liter, 390 hp engine found in the Chevrolet Trailblazer SS. The Aero is even capable of going from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just under six seconds. Unfortunately, the 9-7X wasn't as popular as initially hoped, and declining sales eventually led to the closure of the Moraine plant on December 23, 2008. Even though production of the American SUV in Swedish clothing ended with the 2009 model year, rumors have it that the 9-7X will be resurrected for the 2012 model year. The 9-7X was produced with three trim levels, namely the 4.2i, 5.3i, and Aero. The 4.21 came with a 4.2 liter 290 hp inline six. The 5.3i sported a 300 hp V-8 that produced much more torque than the 4.2 liter. The Aero model, marketed as the top-of-the-line sports edition, came with a hefty 6.0 liter V-8 producing up to 390 hp and 395 pound feet of torque. All models came standard with an all-wheel drive limited-slip differential, traction control, and stability control. They were only available with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The 9-7X was rated "One to Watch" by Consumer Guide in 2006. Car and Driver gave positive ratings to the vehicle's engine, quite cruising, available torque, and body-on-frame combination. Road & Track deemed the 9-7X's V-8 engine as "satisfying to drive", while Motor Trend reported that it handled better than any of its other GMT360 brethren. Traditional, die-hard Saab enthusiasts, however, are not convinced. Just because it bears the Swedish moniker doesn't necessarily make it a genuine Saab. Aside from the Scandinavian badging, this vehicle screams Uncle Sam. View less | |||
|
| |||
| |||
