2005 Saab 9-2X

Pros: AWD traction, sweet cornering, snow grip-ability, gas efficient
Cons: color of seats

Well, well, wouldn't ya know. My old 2WD SUV isn't practical anymore. I needed gas efficiency & AWD - since I live in snowy mountains. What would be more hip that a sweet deal on a LINEAR 9-2X? Driving this new puppy on dirt, that's what!

While the clearance is no where near that of the fun loving Amigo, the handling, all wheel drive & safety factor makes this wagon my new favorite toy. Let's just say I am using this little vehicle for all it's worth. I love driving it & I am praying for some early snow in SoCal.

Images of DanaMite's Saabaru here -
http://www.totalescape.net/pix/2005/saaaabaru/

Pros: Unmatched performance for a car this price. Beautiful handling. Decent styling.
Cons: Poor performance at low speeds. High gas consumption. Gear shifting is a little "notchy".

I am in love with my 9-2X Aero Saabaru. After having researched the Subaru WRX for over six months I was all set to buy one, but then I heard about the GM special pricing. The advantage of the Saab over the Subaru was (a). price (about $4000 cheaper after the discount), (b). better styling- IMHO, (c). 4/50 vs 3/36 warranty, (d). lower cabin noise.

The car is a bit of a drag at lower speeds, but once it gets over about 3000 RPM its a beast. Even at highway speeds it has tremendous acceleration. It handles extremely well in adverse driving conditions, its very stable and confidence inspiring. I have surprised a number of expensive sports car owners on the road.

The interior is very spartan, but it gets the job done. I wish there were more cup holders, larger storage areas, and nicer visors.

Gas mileage is somewhat low- about 19 mpg for mostly city driving.

Pros: Looks, power, cornering, Saab's service, Subaru's reliability, climate control system, audio system
Cons: Noise, gas mileage, automatic transmission, cheap paint.

The car is OK. It looks really pretty, shows real power after 3000 RPM; Saab service is perfect; climate control system easily and in minutes overcomes 100 degree outside, and the audio system is fine.
At the same time the car is really noisy; it vibrates/shakes on idle (a Saab technician told me it was because of the boxer engine, I am not sure I believe him though). Automatic transmission is poor, it does not catch up immediately, gear change is hard to predict - sometimes the car accelerate fast, sometimes not.
Gas mileage is 19/25 by EPA; in reality could not do better than 22.5 on premium, and the car does require premium. Already found a few scratches on the paint (less than 3000 miles), plus a couple of bad ones, down to the primer; if during parking I slightly touch someone's bumper - immediate scratch on mine.
Overall - a good car, but its abilities and quality are definitely overstated.
P.S. Already have a problem with right side rear door - cannot open from inside...

Pros: surprising amount of room, practical hatch design, leather is sharp, sporty and nimble
Cons: interior could have more luxury options, premium stereo pretty good but not great

I downsized from a premium compact SUV -- what a change! I sacrificed the back seat room, but not much cargo space. The 9-2x is a fun, sporty, drive, too. Easy to park, nimble, and distinctive.

Pros: Crisp handling and good power with manual shifter. Gets 29 to 31 MPG.
Cons: None

I bought the 9-2X Linear because it is a sophisticated and better handling Subaru Imprezza. My 2 prior Imprezzas were excellent for what I do ... my car is a tool ... without it I don't make money ... got to go in snow, ice, etc. on back country roads and interstates... AWD, reliability and low maintenance costs dictate my ride. The SAAB cost me same as an Imprezza (after $6,000 discount from Saab). Has side airbags, better warranty, sun roof, defrost wipers and mirrors, far superior interior, and much quieter.

Pros: Turbo is quick, AWD is great in snow, leather interior is sharp
Cons: rough ride on 17" alloy rims/performance tires; lacks storage nooks in cockpit,

Recently bought 9-2x Aero, they could not find the trim package I wanted in the color my wife wanted so we had to settle for the sport package (which is basiclly a moon roof and 17" rims with performance tires for $2000). Let me preface with I live in Buffalo NY and we do get more than our fair share of snow but I expected to tear thru anything mother nature can thru at me with the 'All Wheel drive'. Boy was I wrong, I can't keep this car on the road. I am slipping and sliding everywhere and I have 15 years of winter driving experience! It was so bad I had to go and drop another $700 beans On a set of snow tires (and rims!). Also, I found the the ride is a little rough in the performance tires, yes they grip the dry warm road fine but you can feel every stone as you drive over it. Long story short, If you live anywhere in the world that gets more than 1" of snow a year, stay away from the Sport package it negates any of the benefits you get from the AWD.