Evan
26-10-04, 05:34 PM
I just spent some time reading the crash test results for virtually every SUV and 'crossover' currrently available. This includes the GM versions of the 2005 Saab 9-7. Not only do the numbers show deplorable safety specs for the GMs, but the videos really tell the story. Pictures as they say...
If you are a fan of Saab and its safety history, or are on the fence as to the 9-7, this should seal things. By comparison, the Volvo XC-90 is the standard bearer for the group, as might be expected for the 'in-house designed' Swede. The Honda Pilot/Acura MDX look every bit as good, as does the BMW X-5. The European models tested do quite well, but across the board, the US manufacturers do quite poorly with the Envoy and Aztec in the safety basement. One exception is the Pacifica, but that is really a German car now, right?
Anyway, it means GM has totally dispensed with claim to safety as a selling point for Saab. From there it was up to the Swedes to 'modify' the ugly, lumbering land yacht into something with style (not quite) and performance (we shall see). As my family, in our 9-5, just narrowly missed being crushed in the recent "biggest multi-car accident in Maryland history", I will say a big "no thanks!" to GM and the 'Saab' SUV.
Give me the 2005 Volvo XC-90 V8 to replace my V-70XC. Or should I wait another year for the next Saabaru, the 9-6x?
If you are a fan of Saab and its safety history, or are on the fence as to the 9-7, this should seal things. By comparison, the Volvo XC-90 is the standard bearer for the group, as might be expected for the 'in-house designed' Swede. The Honda Pilot/Acura MDX look every bit as good, as does the BMW X-5. The European models tested do quite well, but across the board, the US manufacturers do quite poorly with the Envoy and Aztec in the safety basement. One exception is the Pacifica, but that is really a German car now, right?
Anyway, it means GM has totally dispensed with claim to safety as a selling point for Saab. From there it was up to the Swedes to 'modify' the ugly, lumbering land yacht into something with style (not quite) and performance (we shall see). As my family, in our 9-5, just narrowly missed being crushed in the recent "biggest multi-car accident in Maryland history", I will say a big "no thanks!" to GM and the 'Saab' SUV.
Give me the 2005 Volvo XC-90 V8 to replace my V-70XC. Or should I wait another year for the next Saabaru, the 9-6x?