Saab 9-2X

jlangdon

Bought my 9-2X Linnear the first week of August and I really do love her!

I don't know how delivery is going in other parts of the country, but the delivery of mine was slow. There wasn't an automatic to be found anywhere in South Texas, so the dealership claimed one for me that was due to arrive in port within a day or two. It took them two weeks to get it to me. They say the car was available in July, but I don't think it really was widely available and still might not be. Our local dealer sold out and hasn't gotten any more yet.

Also, they didn't seem to put any thought in the types of cars they sent to the dealerships -- I called the two other dealerships in S. Texas (Houston and San Antonio) and all of their cars had manual transmissions and cold weather packages, as well! Stupid!!!

While I was purchasing my car, two other customers came in really interested in the 9-2X but were equally bummed about the manual/cold weather thing. One ended up buying a 9-3 and the other went elsewhere. So, if you wanted the car relatively quickly, it wasn't available.

I do love the car, though. It's comfortable, solid, handles beautifully and attracts a crowd of admirers in parking lots. Interestingly enough, the only folks who said it looks like something else didn't mention Subaru -- they said Mazda. Then again, Subes aren't popular cars down here at all. The closest dealer is 60 miles away.

Julie

ateixeira

Keep in mind the '05 Impreze got the same interior improvements. Saab got all the credit.

-juice

michaellno

No arguments .. the new car will be for the wife. I got a new car 2 years ago, so this one is hers. I'm trying to stay out of the decision making process .. the only reason I'm test driving it is to see if it is something that she'll want to look into further. So far, we've driven:

Chrysler Pacifica
Saturn VUE AWD V6
Subaru Outback XT Limited

jchan2

Chrysler has introduced a base FWD model of the Pacifica- complete with wheelcovers, bench seats for the second row and not much options. Looks like that combo won't be popular unless it's at the airport rental car parking lot.

Now Back to the 9-2X- sounds really stupid to have cold weather packages on the car when it's being shipped to the south!

35moparman

stay away from the9-2X Aero 2L turbo w/ auto trans and it's incredibly annoying turbo lag. Took my 18 yr old daughter to drive one today.
she really liked the way it handled. She also was impressed with its power. It took her awhile to get used to the clutch. Once she did she commented on how smooth it accelerated. I asked her if this would be a car she could be happy driving when I turn in her leased Beetle Turbo S early, she nodded and said 'No problem'. We are going to try the Mini Cooper S Works next

km24

Where did you buy your Saab 92-x from for $20,700? Also is it a aero or a linear, auto or stick?
thanks

rsholland

... I'm planning on taking a test drive of the 9-2x Aero this weekend. I test drove a WRX wagon a couple of years ago and will be interested in the differences. I'm hoping that the interior is nicer that the Subaru.

As juice noted, the Impreza got most if not all the interior upgrades that the 9-2x got, minus the leather option.

Better still, compare the 9-2x with the all new Legacy GT which is priced within pennies of the 9-2x.

Bob

michaellno

Drove the 9-2x on Saturday. Certainly underwhelmed. As someone pointed out, lots of turbo lag with the automatic. I also didn't like the black and parchment seats - the colors just didn't appeal to me.

And yes, the wife and I have already test driven an Outback XT Limited with the 5EAT tranny -- it's on our short list. The Saab is not.

jchan2

I think the interior (for future years) should add a purely beige leather seat, not the black with cream insert they have right now. Even a nice light gray color for the leather would do fine. As long as you have more choices other than the current black on cream (which is sure to attract plenty of stains)

catherine9

How does the interior look compared to a Volkswagen interior? My Golf has beige seats and a black dashboard, and I really like it. Does the material look cheap?

jchan2

Volkswagen's interiors have been highly praised in some auto magazine (could be CR, who knows?)but the Saab's interior on the 9-2X shares the same parts as the Subaru Forester and the updates that went on the Saab interior are also on the 2005 Subaru Impreza's interior. But everybody has their own opinion on interiors. I personally think that the Volkswagen's interior is better than the 9-2X's interior, but that's just my opinion.

ateixeira

I prefer VW's interior materials, but the design of the Subaru is a little more imaginative.

Ideally you could get the cockpit design flair of the Subie with the materials from the VeeDub.

-juice

jchan2

you could also get the interior design flair of Subaru with the quality of VW, then with the reliability of Honda, tossed in with the price tag of a Hyundai. Now that's a car.

ateixeira

Add the rebates from a Chevy, and Saturn dealers to sell it. A Mitsubishi warranty and free service.

:-)

-juice

Kirstie_H

For an upcoming article, one of our editors is looking to correspond with women executives about what they drive – or wish they did – and why. If you’ve got an opinion, please email Joanne Helperin, using “execs” in the subject line, at jhelperin@edmunds.com

darandall

I bought a 9-2x Linear about a month ago, primarily for my kids - hence the Linear! the manual was fun, but very long throw clutch, and with some less experienced drivers coming along, I opted for the auto - also the cold weather package because we live in Mass. where it gets, well, cold. Paid $22,500 all in, and ended up with 1.9% financing after some serious negotiation. I did lots of comparisons with the Impreza, and liked the styling, ride difference, soundproofing and warranty enough to pay what turned out to be roughly a $1000 difference, although I did not do any hard negotiating at a Subie dealer. So far - 900 miles - everything seems great, and the kids are pleased, as well as protected. Air bags, AWD, and ABS were prerequisites! Donn

harlequin1971

congrats - sounds like solid reasoning to me for a purchase choice.

the kids should love it...wish I had a car that cool when I was a new driver...wait, maybe not...I would have gotten into even more trouble, my lead foot in a 60hp diesel rabbit was plenty!

ateixeira

Congrats, Donn.

AWD should turn out to be a good choice for kids in that cold climate.

-juice

km24

Hi
How does the Saab 92-x ride compare to the Subaru wrx wagon?
Thanks
Khyle

balve

It's great and I got it for the same price as a WRX wagon. Haggled with the dealer for a bit and got $3,000 off invoice. Love the car for that price.

tonedebone

Ditto

With $3k off it was within spitting distance pricewise of the WRX - better looks and free maintainance (only two services are covered ~ $400 worth) close the gap further.

Just got her home. 19 miles on the clock, lots more to go.

qbrozen

$3K off invoice? Or $3K off sticker?
In other words, what did you pay and with what options?
Because I don't see any incentives listed here on Edmunds, so I'm thinking you meant $3K off sticker (MSRP).

thanks.

tonedebone

I paid $3.5k under sticker for an Aero with premium & cold packages.

I think Saab have realised no-one is falling for their "premium-luxury" spin and are quietly letting them go for WRX prices. In my opinion the car I got at the price was what Saab should have pushed in the first place; Edmunds slams the 9-2 for being no more car for a lot more money. If the premium package was standard at $27k then the car could be sold for what it is ... a top of the line Impreza.

Went out on a twisty tree-lined road last night. The HID lights are awesome and might one day save my life. I guess I can't put an MSRP on that !

qbrozen

yeah, that jives a bit more. Carsdirect shows them for about $3400 under MSRP.

I'm still holding off, though. If it really was $3K under INVOICE, I might have to start buttering up the wife.

You know, one complaint I do have that I noticed when pricing it up here and at carsdirect (and maybe this has been mentioned before?) is that I gotta take the sport package to get a moonroof? Kinda annoying if you ask me. 2 completely unrelated things that are bundled together.

kyfdx

"I might have to start buttering up the wife. "

Hey now.. this is an automotive website!!

qbrozen

lol

tonedebone

> 2 completely unrelated things that are bundled together.

They should've called it the "sunny weather package" ... the tires on the 17' wheels are summer rated only.

KCRam

http://www.edmunds.com/new/2005/saab/92x/100395587/roadtestarticl- e.html?articleId=103284

kcram
Host - Wagons

waveho

For the wife: cold weather and leather package, 5-speed. Had it for a month and I've been doing all of the driving so far, as the wife has been out of state for a few weeks. I really like it, but wish it was a little roomier for us bigger drivers (I'm 6'4"), and with space further compromised by two child seats in the back. But this is for short-hauls only with the kids--I still have my 2002 Suburban for the bigger family trips. I also don't get all this criticism about the 9-2X as compared to the Imprezza. I test drove both and you are really only paying for a few things by going with the Saab version, and those things may be more important to some than others. The biggest deal is styling--I don't like the Subaru look, or that of any other Japanese car. This really DOES look like a Saab, and it drives stiffer, and the Xenon headlights are killer. I can't believe that anyone would get an automatic in this thing either--the Linear performance was marginal with the auto, but the 5-spd is really excellent, despite the long throw of the clutch, as has been mentioned. Nice little car.

jchan2

the 9-2X was one of about seven cars that got a "GOOD" rating, the IIHS' highest rating.

waveho

I feel after my last post that I need to expound a little more on my impressions in reading the various reviews and opinions of the 9-2X. It seems that while both Saab-phile and Subaru-phile camps generally are battering the car, most folks who have no predispositions to either camp give it a pretty favorable review. I think that it is a genious idea for those like me who are envious of the Subaru mechanics of the boxer engine and superior awd system but prefer the look and handling of European machines. While the blend is hardly seamless in the 9-2X, it's a damn pretty good first go by GM in getting the companies together. Saab will probably learn from the experience and put some more of its Saab ingenuities into the next model and offer more luxuries as standard equipment, such as the power groups and leather. Maybe instead of "Saab-tuned" suspension, steering, and handling, they could develop something special and altogether new for the 9-2X.

Those of you looking to buy a 9-2X, don't be put off by some of the detractors who are just upset about being sold out or some such. Drive the Saab and drive the Impreza and make up your own minds. The reality is that there have been, and will continue to be merging of vehicles in the increasingly multi-international manufacturing complexes. Many Volvos are now built on Ford chasis. Chrysler is putting Mercedes engines in their cars since the merger--like the 280 turbodiesel going in the 2005 Jeep Liberty. Mercedes will be taking more and more from their Chrysler factories as well.

Interesting to note that Saab isn't stopping with the 9-2X; the Chevy Trailblazer is next to be outfitted as a Saab. If you listen carefully you can hear the detractors sharpening their red pencils even though the vehicle has yet to be fully developed.

crikey

the 9-2X was one of about seven cars that got a "GOOD" rating, the IIHS' highest rating.

Let's not fail to mention that the Subaru Impreza also got the same ratings:

Among the seat/head restraints that were tested dynamically, the winners are the ones in Volvos (all models) and Saab 9-2X and 9-3 models. These are rated good. So are the seat/head restraints in the Jaguar S-Type, Subaru Impreza, and some Volkswagen New Beetles.

I'm not a Saab-phile or Subaru-phile but I think mentioning these things warrant objectivity. As far as choosing between the two, both are great cars and either one would be welcome in my garage. I do like the exterior styling of the Saab more than the Subaru, but am put off with the method in which 9-2X options were packaged.

ateixeira

Saab stole the lime light and got credit for Subaru's design. Same thing happened with the new interior (2005 Imprezas got the same upgrades).

Still, it's nice to have options and the 9-2x does look better.

-juice

tonedebone

Most of the changes (Leather, ACC, Moonroof, even the center console I think) have been available on European WRX's for years. Subaru of America would prefer I stumped up extra on bigger and automatic cars to get features I desired and hence lost my deal to Saab.

The real innovators here, Fuji Heavy Industries, still got most of my cash.

ateixeira

Would you believe Canada has had a WRX with the all-weather package all along?

-juice

jchan2

Most people, when they hear the 9-2X did well in a crash test, they immediately assume Impreza also did well. But, I do think Saab is taking a lot of credit for what is basically Subaru's work.

ateixeira

I don't think Saab really did any more than meet with FHI engineers to select fabrics and colors.

Next go 'round they'll be more involved.

-juice

rsholland

and check out 9-2x prices against Legacy GT Limited prices, you will find the 9-2x has a slightly higher MSRP, but is discounted more heavily than the Legacy GT Limited.

http://www.fitzgeraldautomall.com/

9-2x Aero 5-speed manual
Delivered Internet Price: $27,583
Delivered Value Price: $27,922
Factory Invoice: $30,583
MSRP: $31,890

Legacy GT Limited wagon 5-speed manual
Delivered Internet Price: $27,145
Delivered Value Price: $27,484
Factory Invoice: $28,423
MSRP: $30,764

This tells me (A) the 9-2x is overpriced, (B) it's not selling as well as the Legacy GT, and (C) the Legacy GT Limited wagon—and especially the WRX wagon, are real bargains.

Bob

ateixeira

I bet Saab's better deals are the leases. To buy the Legacy is a much better value.

-juice

jchan2

normally offers lease deals, though on GM's website they did list a $1000 cash back on the 9-3 a few weeks back.

rsholland

does have a better warranty than the Legacy.

Bob

waveho

The correct comparison would be to the Impreza wagon and not the Legacy GT. The Impreza and Legacy are two completely different platforms. There is no Legacy WRX model at all, in fact. I would encourage you to test drive and then price the 9-2X and Impreza models back to back and then step back and see which one you like to drive and be seen in. You will of course pay a little more for the Saab version. I chose the 9-2X myself. I wouldn't go for the Aero, personally, because while it is a great performance vehicle on the open road, 90% of the driving that I and my wife do is around town or just on the highway, and the turbo lag, coupled with the Aero's engine being less powerful, pre-turbo, on the low end gears, the Linear drives much more spritely in and around town than the Aero.

rsholland

I've driven all three, and am very familiar with WRX and Legacy GT, being one of the Subaru Crew Chiefs here at Edmunds.com.

I made the Legacy GT/9-2x comparison because they are priced within pennys of one another. My point is, and has been, you get much more car for the money with the Legacy GT than you do with the 9-2x.

Bob

rsholland

the turbo lag you mentioned on the 2.0L WRX/9-2x Aero is far less noticeable in the 2.5L turbo found on the Legacy GT. Yes, it's there, but it's almost a non-issue if you're driving the 5-speed manual.

The 2.5L Legacy GT is simply a far easier car to drive fast. You don't have to keep it "on boil" like you do with the 2.0L 9-2x (WRX) engine, to get good power.

And... it's a much roomier and more comfortable than the 9-2x or WRX, especially for rear seat passengers. It also holds much more cargo for when you go on vacation.

Bob

ateixeira

The 2.5l turbo has AVCS, Subaru's VTEC basically, plus the extra 25% displacement. So it makes better power off boost compared to the 9-2x Aero, also.

-juice

waveho

Ah, a Subaru crew chief. Well, that makes sense and puts your responses in a different light. I, for the record, have no association with any vehicle manufacturer, but consider myself to be a fairly knowledgeable car enthusiast. If anything, I do have a slight nationalistic bent toward American vehicles.

In short, I'm probably a fairly typical car buyer who has some knowledge of mechanics. As such, I can assert that I am very envious of the Subaru mechanics and AWD systems, as well as overall quality. However, while a lot of people swear by them and love them and will only drive them, I find Subarus to be butt-ugly. I know, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and objective determinations should be overriding, but it is what it is--Ugly. All of them.

So I get a little tickled when I see Saab Purists and Subaru Indignants on this board and others, as well as test drive reviews, just up in arms about the travesty that is the 9-2X. Neither group will admit that, all in all, it's a pretty damn good union that benefits both manufacturers, if considered objectively. Imagine, a nice-looking Impreza that will cost a couple bucks more! That's a pretty universal sales concept that's been working well for a long time. Fact is, you can bargain down the 9-2X to very close to Impreza numbers and then add in leather if you work the dealer. And it may be in my imagination, but the 9-2X seems quieter, more responsive, and well, more sexy than a comparable Impreza. That's hard to put a dollar figure on.

rsholland

I'm not associated with Subaru. I am not on their payroll. Yes, I do know some people there, but my Crew Chief thingy here at Edmunds is purely voluntary. I am nothing more than a rabid Subaru fan, as you are a Saab fan.

That being said, I still say the Legacy GT makes more sense any way you slice it over the 9-2x. Remember, I'm looking at this from a dollars spent point of view, which is why I keep leaving out the much cheaper WRX. If I'm going to spend $31K, which is roughly what a 9-2x Aero and Legacy GT Limited sticker for, there's no way the 9-2x wins.

As I've said, I've driven the WRX, 9-2x Aero and Legacy GT. Judging by your responses, I doubt if you've even seen a Legacy GT, let alone driven one.

Bob

ateixeira

All of them ugly? Even the new Legacy?

Their styles vary so much I find it hard to even believe a statement like that. Baja looks one way, WRX bug-eyes look another, new WRXs another, Forester yet another, Legacy yet another, and upcoming B9X has a whole new design theme.

So which ones are you referring to? No two are the same, or even similar.

For the record, I never called the 9-2x a travesty, my position (while in the minority) was that Subaru could spread costs and gain from it, and I've always complemented the styling of the 9-2x.

The price is hard to get over, unless there are lease deals to offset the large increase.

a nice-looking Impreza

Agree. Best looking, as a matter of fact.

that will cost a couple bucks more!

Disagree. Couple thousand, and actually I think it's even more than that. $31k sticker, maybe you can get them down to $27k if you're really good. But WRX wagons can be had for $21k and even loaded up it's hard to break $24k street price.

-juice

tonedebone

> Disagree. Couple thousand, and actually I think
> it's even more than that. $31k sticker, maybe you
> can get them down to $27k if you're really good.
> But WRX wagons can be had for $21k and even loaded
> up it's hard to break $24k street price.

I test drove a 92X and a WRX on the same day. Identical drives and got near identical quotes from the two dealers. Could probably have beat the Subaru guy down more, but the 92X had the options I wanted (granted, that put the price up again).

Does anyone have any info on insurance for a WRX ? For my 92X the premium went DOWN from my 7 year old Integra (base engine).

After 4 years I expect to sell the 92X for the same price as an '05 WRX, plus a bit extra for the leather. Taking into account the free maintainance, possible insurance difference and the gamble that anything breaking in the 4th year is still under warrantee, the actual cost to own a 92X vs. a WRX is negligable.

For the price of a Starbuck's each day I get to sit in my heated leather seats in what I think is a nicer looking car.

The Legacy was too big for me and my garage, so was off the list from the start.

kyfdx

"After 4 years I expect to sell the 92X for the same price as an '05 WRX, plus a bit extra for the leather."

Have you checked Saab residuals? I think you will be sorely disappointed... Figure on getting about 40% of MSRP after 4 years..

That doesn't mean it isn't a nice car.. Just the vagaries of the used car market...