Last month I reported that the Saab 9-7x was on Death Row, and production would end in a few months. Apparently that’s no longer the case, or GM is even stupider than I thought they were ( and for the record, I think they’re pretty stupid. )
Instead of throwing in the towel on one of the biggest failures in Saab’s failure-lined history, GM is releasing a more powerful, more expensive version. Meet the Saab 9-7x Aero - a new top of the line Trailblazer 9-7x. Here’s the lowdown:
Saab 9-7x Aero Specs
- 390 HP 6.0 liter LS2 OHV V8
- 0-60 MPH comes in less than 6 seconds
- 20″ Alloy wheels
- Base MSRP : $45,690
Ok, so this will be an extremely fast truck – a Corvette engine will do that. And it’s a good looking SUV – it’s hard to deny that. But that’s about all the positive things I can say about this vehicle. Saab does not need a Trailblazer in it’s lineup, and they truly don’t need a Trailblazer SS ( which is what the 9-7x Aero is ). The regular 9-7x didn’t make sense, and this one makes about $6,000 less sense. Bad move GM, bad move. How about spending your time and money on vehicles that there is actually a reasonable level of demand for?
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Well, I demanded it! I love hi-po SUVs. My work and family really necessitate owning an SUV, but I never go off road. Therefore, why not own one that can be sporty? The Aero is just that. Quite frankly, I have never found an SUV that is so engaging to a driver. It’s as close to automotive zen as one can find in an SUV- in fact, most SUVs make it seem unlikely one could ever enjoy a zen-like moment.
Most Saab dealers aren’t foolish, and they know these beasts won’t cater to the folks who are actively considering a Q7, X5, or high-end ML-series. Therefore, you can buy them for under $40k. I found a particularly motivated seller and bought mine for $28k (brand new). I feel like it was the best buy I’ve ever made and the best value I’ve ever been involved with.
Laine,
I’m glad to hear you purchased a vehicle you like. You’d probably agree though, that you’re in the extreme minority here. The market for “fast” SUV’s that suck fuel at an alarming rate is pretty tiny in the days of expensive gas.
Well, I think this is the major problem with the consumer of today. It is as though the Manafacturer is ignoring the consumer when you talk to the pundits. I happen to own a Saab 9 7X and I most assuredly can tell you that this ain’t your Daddie’s old Chevrolet. As far as it being stupid to own one you ought to read Lee Iacoca’s book (you know the guy that turned Chrysler around?): Where Have All The Leaders Gone. In that book he states that the SUV simply will not go away and for one reason: People feel safer in an SUV. Oh sure, we have a demand for smaller vehicles for people that cannot afford gas however now that gasoline prices have dropped the demand for the SUV is back. Try finding an 2008 make and model and you are basically screwed due to the new ones coming out with Flex Fuel. To equate a Saab with a Trailblazer is just simply stupidity at its greatest. You should be in my Saab as I am a conservative driver and some schmuck drives past me thinking he is going to blow me off the road only to accelerate at 0 to 60 in three seconds flat. Now, you might be wondering why some idiot like me would want a vehicle like that. Several reasons. First, the vehicle can compete easily with a BMW and a Lexus. OOPS! Did I say a bad word here? Yes, I did. The problem in my mind with the American Consumer is that he or she is deluded into thinking that a Toyota or Lexus is just a better built car. Which is exactly why I support the Bailout. People from our own Country are purchasing foreign made imports and justifying by saying: “Well, their all made in the USA,” and “they are much more reliable.” Go tell that to the guy that just joined the million club for his Chevrolet Silverado. So, even if the Saab 9 7X is just a Chevrolet in disguise it is one that is a top of the line Corvette Chevrolet. Seems to me that you should do your research before making people think they made a poor investment. I got news for you: ALL cars are bad investments because they ALL depreciate. But just go ahead and buy your Toyota and your Lexus, and even your BMW. Be a traitor on the American economy. Which is why the Bailout is the greatest thing to happen to this country. Because now YOU have a personal stake in making certain you don’t remain communist by purchasing vehicles which are made out of this country. In case your wondering, I work for General Motors and I am highly insulted each time I read a review such as yours becuase most likely you didn’t even test drive, no, you didn’t even place your ass in the car before writing the review.
“Dr” Mark,
You are aware that the Saab 9-7x is built entirely on the Chevy Trailblazer frame, yes? As in, if you take off the pretty sheet metal outside, you’ll have a Trailblazer. Why in the world does Saab need a Trailblazer in their lineup? Saab’s are supposed to be small, quirky cars that are a bit odd – that’s what they are. A Trailblazer, even a very, very fast one, doesn’t even come close to fitting. What’s next – a Ferrari quad-cab 4×4 pickup truck? Even if the word’s sweetest V12 sat under the massive hood, it just wouldn’t make much sense.
As for buying American cars.. I have owned more American cars in my life than I have foreign ones. And by “American cars”, I mean several Fords and a Lincoln. All great cars that fit my needs *at the time I bought them*. My needs have changed, and none of the Big 2.3 had anything even remotely close to fitting my needs. C’est la vie. Niche cars are great – provided that a company can pay the bills. A company as large as GM needs to build fantastic “bread and butter” vehicles to pay those bills. Once they figure out that, then they can build all the cool niche vehicles they want, to satisfy customers such as yourself.
If they can’t manage, then Toyota and Honda will gladly build all the Camrys and Accords that they can. Facts of life, my friend. Consumers buy what fits their needs best – always have, always will.
we just purchased the Aero with 1000 miles on it( its up to 3900 now). this car should be purchased if you have 1-2 primary cars, the gas mileage isnt great AT ALL. we average 13.7 mpg. the back seats arent very roomy but the driver and passenger seat are very comfortable. and putting anything in the trunk , you will have to be careful not to scratch anything. the best part of this car is the power and the exhaust note. that 6.0 litre is beast. on the road u take off and this car can surpass 120mph( 120mph is what the speedometer ends), im srry if i left anything out im srry ,
carmasterzaib@hotmail.com
Now for the truth. If you can’t afford the price of the fuel then don’t buy this pleasure. If you want to bag on something—own it! Know what it was designed to be. Then make the leap to
this performance silky experience. Like any veh you can bury the needle and drop mpg. Like my 99 vette you can see 22 mpg avg. Or if you are wild with it. 8 mpg. The choice is in the preasure on the right foot. This is! A vette in suv skin. Having owned 69, 72,80, and currently 99. Which gets 26 hwy mpg consistently. I know and appreciate my 9 7x. Thanks for the forum, David.