Chrome data has recently added the 2009 Saab 9-3, 9-5 and 9-7x models to their database that includes vehicle pricing and technical specifications.
2009 Saab 9-3
Saabs have always been, well, Saabs. My brother, an otherwise normal person, was the one who first introduced me to this unique Swedish export. His first Saab was a green model 96 and he purchased it in 1975. Even by the bizarre standards of the 70’s, the Saab was an odd vehicle. Unlike today’s cars, where you’re apt to find the ignition lock (or a reasonable substitute) anywhere, most cars back then had theirs on the steering column. Not the Saab. Oh, no. Once the hunt was over, it could be seen on the floor between the driver and passenger seats.
His second Saab was the antithesis of the 96 – a 1979 900 Turbo. Once you hit the interstate, it was hard to keep that one under 80. The 900 had a wide panoramic windshield, curved dash, a boatload of power and an ignition lock on the floor between the front seats. Saabs will be Saabs.
But I digress. For 2009, the 9-3 carries over design changes from the 2008 model. All-wheel drive is an option on the Aero model and boosts horsepower from 255 to 280. Even with all the advancements, some things never change – the ignition lock is still on the floor.
2009 Saab 9-5
Originally introduced in 1997 as a 1998 model, the Saab 9-5 soldiers on with only a few cosmetic changes. Its last refresh, incidentally, was in 2007. If it was a Japanese vehicle, the 9-5 would already be in its third generation. But since it is now part of GM, it looks as if 2009 will be the soonest we can expect something new from the general’s Swedish cousin.
Until then, your choices in upgrades are few. All 9-5’s come with a 2.3 liter 4-cylinder turbo that produces 260 horsepower. Available transmissions are a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic. Options include a Xenon headlight package, navigation system, ventilated driver’s seat and premium leather.
2009 Saab 9-7x
Based on the GMT360 platform and built in exotic Moraine, Ohio, the 9-7x is a Chevy Trailblazer/GMC Envoy clone. For 2008, the 9-7 acquired an additional engine choice – the 6.0 liter 390 hp LS2 engine and the accompanying $45,690 MSRP. Even though the ignition key is located between the front seats, they’re not fooling anyone.
