2006 SAAB 9-7X review from North America

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.

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.