A few thoughts on the 9-7x

[Flash9-7x]

Just found this site. It appears that the 9-7x is approved of by some, and even loathed by others. Having never been a Saab owner, I cannot speak to the passion, however I would like to share a few thoughts on the 9-7x.

I have owned SUV's since 1983 when Chevrolet first introduced the S-10 Blazer. I orderd a 2wd 4 speed 2 door. It was the closest thing available to a '55 nomad (as in 2 door station wagon). I have always liked station wagons. I continued owning SUV's, Blazers, Bravada's, and 1 Escalade. I have a lease due up in a couple of months and was considering Cadillac's SRX, Buick's Ranier, BMW's X-3/5 and the Hummer H3. The Saab 9-7x seems to be the perfect vehicle for what I was looking for but could not find in the other choices. The SRX is OK but a V8 will run you 50 grand. The Ranier has significant interior improvements for '05 with a better cabin than even Lexus. However the ride was a bit too soft. The BMW's had excellant driving abilities however the interior was a bit plain for my taste, especially for the price and they only burn premium. The H3 is still a possibility, however it is primarily designed for offroading and that is not my 1st need. Then we have the Saab 9-7x. From what I gather, it will have the interior luxury of the Ranier, the driving performance more akin to the BMW's, and priced with a V8 10 grand lower than the SRX. This for me is exactly the vehicle that I was looking for. I am not totally sold on all of the exterior styling (as in backend), however the 1" lower suspension and 18' wheels, plus the optional 300hp V8 and the ability to tow 6500 pounds, all while having some modicum of performance seems like a vehicle that just might fit my needs.

I realize that it is not a purists favorite, however, for a longtime SUV driver, this may be my first opportunity for "enlightenment".

Regards,

Flash9-7x

[Lodro]

Interesting perspective. Sounds like you are just the man that Saab is looking for!

[CleveSaab]

I was at my dealer today. They had a ton of pics of the 9-7X.
I think it's very pretty and looks nothing like the model it's based on.
No, I still wouldn't buy any SUV, but if I were going to, the Saab would be first on my list.
My dealer told me he has lost over 40 of his regular customers BECAUSE they don't have an SUV.

[benji9k]

Originally Posted by CleveSaab

BECAUSE they don't have an SUV.

But they could. 9-5 Aero + 6-inch lift kit + 18-inch wheels & dirt tires = Saab SUV.

Excellent objective opinion, Flash, welcome to the site.

[squishmann]

i think the car would be great if the back of it just looked better.

it's also not going to win any awards in safety.

[CleveSaab]

It does have an anti-rollover system called ROS.
Funny how the Trailblazer still won't.

[valbowski1980]

Originally Posted by CleveSaab

It does have an anti-rollover system called ROS.
Funny how the Trailblazer still won't.

It's also funny (to me anyway) how the Subaru Outback doesn't have one either. Doesn't need one since it's stable enough. It also does virtually everything an SUV can, a lot of it better. Just food for thought.

[squishmann]

but it still looks like a wagon and it doesn't have that commanding view of the road.

[valbowski1980]

Originally Posted by squishmann

but it still looks like a wagon and it doesn't have that commanding view of the road.

And an SUV is nothing more than a wagon with a lift kit anyway. That and the Outback does sit higher than most cars.

[squishmann]

^^^may be true but the simple fact is an outback doesn't give someone the same feeling as an SUV. you don't have the interior room in a car like you have in an suv. that's what people like. they like the floaty ride, the excellent leg room, and the view they get.

if i didn't like 'driving' so much i would buy an SUV.

[ViggenPilot]

We went to the Washington International Auto Show last Friday (really just dealers' show). We both liked the 9-7x immensely and this is immediately after we came from the Lexus area of the show and sat in the their very nice, but very pricey SUVs.

Wife wants a SUV for the utility and has a "thing" against wagons and
minivans (don't flame me or her please anyone).

This was the black 9-7x they had at the NY Auto Show last spring (9-6X
will debut there in '05 FYI - just read that in this week's AutoWeek).

In any case, after viewing this auto in person, those who say it's not
a SAAB don't know what they're talking about. The interior is
completely SAAB - that was the wife's first comment and she's not a car-crazy person like us. SAAB dash, seats, cup-holders, ignition in the center console, classy, nice materials etc. Front end is unmistakably SAAB as are the wheels, angular look etc. The price point is on the mark too ($37-45K)- having just looked at the Lexus GX 470 at $52k and the bigger model at $67k, this looks like a steal.

It's a nice looking ride and very SAABish to us. Other attendees had
multiple positive comments as well.

FWIW, the whole argument of "a SUV is just a wagon with a lift kit..." is so flawed it's not even funny - completely not true at all, but that's another argument for another day.

[USAF - 1]

I have been reading these posts with interest as I am considering the 9-7x, as well as the Touareg and Volvo XC90. I personally don't want an SUV, but my wife does. I have been looking at the 9-7x sister cars, i.e. the Trailblazer and Buick Ranier, and the resemblance to both, especially the Ranier is almost too much. Take a look at this interior Ranier shot.


http://www.buick.com/rainier/photogallery/interior/

Now compare it to the Saab 9-7x interior shot.

http://www.saabusa.com/flash/97/gall...arged/int1.jpg

There is not much difference. I think the Buick interior looks pretty nice, almost better than the Saab interior. Then again, it's just my opinion. I wish GM would have made the 9-7x a bit different than its standard SUVs.

[squishmann]

what i don't like about most american cars is the rubberyness of they're interiors. it seems that they found the cheapest materials possible. that's how the buick feels. hopefully the saab will use better materials.

i also like the saab interior better b/c it just looks cleaner. the buick is all over the place. the clock radion LCDs. parking brake from '88. plastic door pulls. the headliner is gray and the car has a beige interior?

i will make note that pontiac has been improved. their new cars seem to have it together.

if your looking for a capable SUV then i would personally recommend the Touareg or XC90.

Touareg>>>Volvo

Originally Posted by USAF - 1

There is not much difference. I think the Buick interior looks pretty nice, almost better than the Saab interior. Then again, it's just my opinion. I wish GM would have made the 9-7x a bit different than its standard SUVs.

The Saab mostly differs in the special heating vents GM likes to mention a lot, the ignition in the center in place of a cup holder which is now in the dash like the 9-5, and the placement of the wood trim. The Rainier's still looks like the Trailblazer's, complete with giant panel gaps and a lumpy appearance. The Saab's looks different enough, and much better.

[valbowski1980]

Originally Posted by ViggenPilot

FWIW, the whole argument of "a SUV is just a wagon with a lift kit..." is so flawed it's not even funny - completely not true at all, but that's another argument for another day.

Considering that this "utility" that you speak of is barely if not at all used but most SUV owners it might as well be a wagon with a lift kit.



Hey I have an idea, lets build one with a huge fuel sucking motor that gets a terrible emissions rating so it can actually merge its fat, almost 6000 pound *** into traffic and extra ground clearance so the driver feels that great sense of superiority over everyone else. But hey, gotta love that extra body roll and ****ty brakes.



Look ma. No hands. Ops I'm upside down and I dropped my Big Mac and spilled my diet Coke.



Keep them rolling America, the Saudi Royals need a new Bentley convoy.

Originally Posted by valbowski1980

Hey I have an idea, lets build one with a huge fuel sucking motor that gets a terrible emissions rating so it can actually merge its fat, almost 6000 pound *** into traffic and extra ground clearance so the driver feels that great sense of superiority over everyone else. But hey, gotta love that extra body roll and ****ty brakes. [/color]

Nice to know you have such a positive attitude. Sure, some SUVs suck, but do you need to keep repeating that. We get it.

The 9-7x isn't great but since it's development cost probably weren't that high, it should make a decent profit so Saab can develop cars that are more in line with their philosophy, regardless if it's a car or SUV.

[ViggenPilot]

I'm not going to argue the merits of SUVs with Valboski AGAIN - we'll just have to agree to disagree.

The bottom line is that SAAB was/is starving for new product and they were going to lose dealers if they didn't give them an SUV - that's what their customers were demanding. The company could not survive on 2 models alone and ones that were getting rather long in the tooth at that.

You can ague those FACTS if you want, but you'd be wrong.

[Flash9-7x]

Last weekend went back to each of my previous options, BMW X3/5, Buick Ranier, Caddillac SRX and closely assessed each interior. I then went to my local Saab dealer to personally "feel" the interior (9-3SS), sit in it, touch it, review the lines and seams, materials and grab a brochure. I left even more convinced that this is the right choice for me. I have actively sought any info on this vehicle, even attempting to locate engineers working on the project in Ohio. My conclusion, especially with ViggenPilot's first hand account, is that this is exaxctly the vehicle that I have been looking for.

With your money you can choose to buy and drive according to your criteria. The 9-7x meets mine.

[Buddhabman]

I checked the comparison interiors that USAF-1 listed. You are right they are similar. I think Saab used the Buick Rainier platform, which has the nicest interiors of the Trailblazer styled SUV's. I have sat in a Ranier and I like it. interior wise it is not a slouch. The plastic you see in some of the others is improved in the Buick. If they get the driving dynamics worked out with the lowered independent suspension and the 5.3 V8 and the brakes it might be an Ok ride. I am hopeful as we need a larger car. It's still on our list of SUV's to checkout.

9-7X
SRX
B9X Tribeca
Pathfinder
Armada
Tahoe
Durango w/Hemi of course ;-0
Armada

[TC]

B9 Tribeca = SAAB 9-6X