Before I begin, I have no idea where to put this, so I guess it'll go here.
2005 9-7 Six-Month Ownership Review
Well, I’m just about to hit the six-month mark in my 9-7x. It’s the 4.2. Major differences between the Saab and it’s Chevy/GMC stablemates are:
AWD, no low range.
More noise dampening and overall refinement.
Sits 1” lower over the TB/Envoy. Mine is on Trailblazer factory springs so it sits 1.5” higher than a stock 9-7x.
Larger front sway bar.
Clear jewel tail lamps.
Projector headlights and fog lamps.
Steering response is much better.
Center mounted ignition.
Base model comes fully loaded with XM, OnStar, Heated Leather, Power Moonroof, Automatic Climate, Steering wheel audio controls, Plastic woodgrain trim and a rear cargo shade.
Comparison: 2005 Trailblazer vs. 2005 9-7x
I drove a 2004 Trailblazer LT with 97k on it when I was shopping for an SUV. The Saab is much more nimble, quiet and comfortable.
I purchased my 2005 9-7x from a Cape Cod dealership for $5,500 with 114,800 on the clock. Was a one owner, dealer serviced, non-smoker truck. I came to the conclusion it was garaged as the frame and underside were in excellent shape.
Doing some research using listings from Cars.com, I found two 2005 Trailblazers in LT grade with all my options. XM/OnStar, Leather, Bose, Steering wheel controls, one with 112,656 and the other with 108, 828. Both were priced right around $6,300. So far, I've driven slightly over 15,000 miles without trouble.
Reason: The Saab depreciates much faster.
Reliability and Cost
Overall, the truck has been very reliable. It did take a ride on a tow truck just once. The throttle control failed, causing it to go into limp mode; I didn’t want to risk damaging anything. I replaced a faulty injector, which caused a horrible misfire and hard starts.
I’ve done basic work to it as well. Brakes, Tires, Sway bar links, Plug, Coils and a new air filter. In other words nothing that another vehicle wouldn’t require.
I average around 17.7 MPG in mixed driving, which isn’t bad.
Interior Fit and Finish
Even though it carries the Saab name, it has the same interior quality as the Trailblazer and Envoy. The center console squeaked horribly until I got in there and tightened it down. The drivers seat sags ever so slightly and the seat adjustment panel had to be drilled back into the seat frame. The quirky Saab pop out cup holder is totally useless, and snapped when subjected to a Diet Snapple bottle. Some of the buttons on the radio and HVAC controls have worn down to white. Lastly, the leather shift boot detached itself from the plastic chrome trim it’s attached to. The rear hatch glass doesn’t work and I have yet to fix it.
Exterior Fit and Finish
Peel back the Saab skin and it’s the same as a Trailblazer. The bumper cover mounting parts can fail causing bumper droop. The taillights let in moisture and fog up with condensation. Paint quality is good, but some spots are a bit poor.
Summary
The 9-7x is a great 5-passenger SUV. It’s solid, comfortable and refined. It was named one of Inside Line’s 10 Worst, and that’s total bullshit. It’s great. It’s lineage is a little messy but it really is a great truck. Don’t be put off by the Saab badge and the key in between the seats, since it shares so much of it’s underpinnings with the Trailblazer, parts are available and priced well. The only real exception is the body panels and the light assemblies. If you’re a stickler for dealer repairs don’t fret, most Chevy/GM dealerships can service it just fine. Fun fact: The fog lamps are the same as the Cobalt SS and Pontiac G6.
If you want a bulletproof Chevy platform with upscale features for around about five grand I suggest you stop here, because the 9-7x is a fantastic all around SUV with just a little alternative flare.
I foresee 250,000 miles out of this thing easily
2005 9-7 Six-Month Ownership Review
Well, I’m just about to hit the six-month mark in my 9-7x. It’s the 4.2. Major differences between the Saab and it’s Chevy/GMC stablemates are:
AWD, no low range.
More noise dampening and overall refinement.
Sits 1” lower over the TB/Envoy. Mine is on Trailblazer factory springs so it sits 1.5” higher than a stock 9-7x.
Larger front sway bar.
Clear jewel tail lamps.
Projector headlights and fog lamps.
Steering response is much better.
Center mounted ignition.
Base model comes fully loaded with XM, OnStar, Heated Leather, Power Moonroof, Automatic Climate, Steering wheel audio controls, Plastic woodgrain trim and a rear cargo shade.
Comparison: 2005 Trailblazer vs. 2005 9-7x
I drove a 2004 Trailblazer LT with 97k on it when I was shopping for an SUV. The Saab is much more nimble, quiet and comfortable.
I purchased my 2005 9-7x from a Cape Cod dealership for $5,500 with 114,800 on the clock. Was a one owner, dealer serviced, non-smoker truck. I came to the conclusion it was garaged as the frame and underside were in excellent shape.
Doing some research using listings from Cars.com, I found two 2005 Trailblazers in LT grade with all my options. XM/OnStar, Leather, Bose, Steering wheel controls, one with 112,656 and the other with 108, 828. Both were priced right around $6,300. So far, I've driven slightly over 15,000 miles without trouble.
Reason: The Saab depreciates much faster.
Reliability and Cost
Overall, the truck has been very reliable. It did take a ride on a tow truck just once. The throttle control failed, causing it to go into limp mode; I didn’t want to risk damaging anything. I replaced a faulty injector, which caused a horrible misfire and hard starts.
I’ve done basic work to it as well. Brakes, Tires, Sway bar links, Plug, Coils and a new air filter. In other words nothing that another vehicle wouldn’t require.
I average around 17.7 MPG in mixed driving, which isn’t bad.
Interior Fit and Finish
Even though it carries the Saab name, it has the same interior quality as the Trailblazer and Envoy. The center console squeaked horribly until I got in there and tightened it down. The drivers seat sags ever so slightly and the seat adjustment panel had to be drilled back into the seat frame. The quirky Saab pop out cup holder is totally useless, and snapped when subjected to a Diet Snapple bottle. Some of the buttons on the radio and HVAC controls have worn down to white. Lastly, the leather shift boot detached itself from the plastic chrome trim it’s attached to. The rear hatch glass doesn’t work and I have yet to fix it.
Exterior Fit and Finish
Peel back the Saab skin and it’s the same as a Trailblazer. The bumper cover mounting parts can fail causing bumper droop. The taillights let in moisture and fog up with condensation. Paint quality is good, but some spots are a bit poor.
Summary
The 9-7x is a great 5-passenger SUV. It’s solid, comfortable and refined. It was named one of Inside Line’s 10 Worst, and that’s total bullshit. It’s great. It’s lineage is a little messy but it really is a great truck. Don’t be put off by the Saab badge and the key in between the seats, since it shares so much of it’s underpinnings with the Trailblazer, parts are available and priced well. The only real exception is the body panels and the light assemblies. If you’re a stickler for dealer repairs don’t fret, most Chevy/GM dealerships can service it just fine. Fun fact: The fog lamps are the same as the Cobalt SS and Pontiac G6.
If you want a bulletproof Chevy platform with upscale features for around about five grand I suggest you stop here, because the 9-7x is a fantastic all around SUV with just a little alternative flare.
I foresee 250,000 miles out of this thing easily
