Makesโ€บSaabโ€บ9-7โ€บ2009

2009 Saab 9-7

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems โ€” with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.

Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Body styles
X 4dr SUV AWD 4.2i/5.3i/Aero
Engines
4.2L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.0L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
16 combined ยท 14 city / 20 hwy
Length
192.9 in
Curb weight
4,720 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
0 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Few owner complaints14 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 47 for similar models.
  • No recalls so far

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 36 similar 2009 models โ€” not a review. How we calculate this โ†’

Overview

The 2009 Saab 9-7 is a SUV - offered with 3 engines (4.2L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl and 6.0L 8-cyl) and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.

It measures about 193 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,720 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 16 MPG combined (14 city / 20 highway), 10% worse than the 2009 SUV - average of 17.7 MPG, for an estimated $4,200 a year in fuel.

It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the exterior lighting.

What changed for 2009

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2008 9-7 โ€” a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 9-7 โ†’

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
X 4dr SUV AWD 4.2i/5.3i/Aero192.9 in75.6 in70.5 in113 in62.6 / 62.2 in4,720 lb53/47

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence โ€“ Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements โ†’

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCOโ‚‚ g/mi
9-7X AWD4.2L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive14 / 20 / 16-10%$4,200555
9-7X AWD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive14 / 20 / 16-10%$4,200555
9-7X AWD6.0L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive12 / 16 / 13-27%$5,150684
Spend $9,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
17.7 MPG2009 Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this โ†’

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Saab 9-7 under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2009 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2009 Saab 9-7 (this car)16 MPGNot rated0
2009 Toyota Land Cruiser15 MPGNot rated6
2009 Toyota 4Runner18 MPGNot rated6
2009 Toyota Highlander26 MPGNot rated9
2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee18 MPGNot rated1
2009 Chevrolet Tahoe21 MPGNot rated4
2009 GMC Yukon21 MPGNot rated4

Recalls (0)

No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2009 Saab 9-7.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA โ†—

Not every 2009 Saab 9-7 is affected โ€” only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

14Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
80,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Exterior Lighting11
Electrical System3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
15/05: 115/06: 115/08: 115/09: 215/11: 115/12: 316/03: 116/06: 117/08: 118/03: 119/10: 115/0515/0815/1116/0317/0819/10max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2009 Saab 9-7 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
  2. Exterior Lighting โ€” 11 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  3. Electrical System โ€” 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 80,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  5. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Saab 9-7. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2008 9-716192.9 inNot rated114
2007 9-716192.9 inNot rated421
2006 9-716192.9 inNot rated418
2005 9-716193.7 inNot rated210

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Saab. How we calculate this โ†’