AccessMyLibrary provides FREE access to over 30 million articles from top publications available through your library.
Create a link to this page
Copy and paste this link tag into your Web page or blog:
Drivers Log.(News)(Product/Service Evaluation)
2005 Saab 9-2x
Date in fleet: April 16-22 As-tested price: $30,195 Powertrain: 2.0-liter turbocharged H4; awd, five-speed manual Output: 227 hp @ 6000 rpm, 217 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Curb weight: 3100 pounds
MORRISON: I thought this would only be a couple of grand more than an equivalent WRX, which I think would put it around $26,000, $28,000 max. If indeed that price is accurate, I think Saab could have a problem on its hands. The reason I say so is because the 9-2x is clearly nothing but a WRX (thanks, Captain Obvious), and I don't think Saab is making any attempt to cover up the fact.
Price questions aside, I like this car-maybe more than I like the WRX. The 9-2x feels a little more compliant, sounds a little quieter and gives an overall more refined, luxurious feel. But it still goes just as hard and fast, still handles well. I think the subtle exterior mods work well, though the cabin gets the typical Rainier-like makeover: just a nicer radio face and some seemingly higher-quality plastic trim pieces. I think the seat-cover material may be a bit different, but I'm not sure. Overall, there isn't such a big improvement in quality as to surprise you too much, and I don't think the car's overall character is different from the WRX's in any meaningful way.
Which brings me back to my initial question. If it only costs $2,000 or so more than the Subaru, I can see a certain type of buyer making the leap. But if you have to spend $4,000 to $5,000 more, I don't think it's worth it.
RAYNAL: Mr. Morrison makes a semi-valid point: It's true that $30,000-plus is too high. Where I differ slightly is that this car shouldn't cost any more than a WRX. It shouldn't be "a couple of grand more.'' It should be exactly the same. Why pay more for a Saab badge and slightly softer suspension and more sound-deadening material over a Subaru badge? Badge snobs will do it, the rest of the thinking car consumers will scoff, and go with the Subaru. As they should.
WRXs are good cars. Maybe even great cars. As is this one. There's plenty of power, ...
- Subaru Impreza WRX Gets Bold Redesign for 2004; Redesigned Model Debuts at...
- Press release article from: PR Newswire January 6, 2003 700+ words
...introduced the redesigned 2004MY Impreza WRX sedan and Sport Wagon models at the North...Show. Available in late March, the new WRX models feature bold new styling for a more...20030106/PHM042 ) The 2004MY Impreza WRX models adopt larger headlights, now combined...
- Subaru's WRX Sport Wagon is Quick, Fun to Drive.
- News wire article from: San Antonio Express-News (San Antonio, TX) December 7, 2001 700+ words
...introduce to the U.S. market the Impreza WRX, a street-legal version of its famous...been invited to), information about the WRX has been rather sketchy. Therefore, I...set me up for a week's visit with a WRX sedan. Alas, as the day neared for the...
- 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX to Make Public Debut at ESPN X Games 14.
- Press release article from: PR Newswire July 31, 2008 700+ words
...The newly-announced 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX will make its public debut at X Games 14...and handling upgrades, the 265 horsepower WRX will be on show at the Subaru display in the Sponsor's Village. A 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX will be awarded to the "Subaru Most Outstanding...
- Subaru Impreza(R) WRX(R) STI(R) Restyled for 2006; 300-hp Supercar Gains AWD...
- Press release article from: PR Newswire July 21, 2005 700+ words
...given the all-conquering 300-horsepower WRX STI model several performance enhancements...new tail lamp cluster design. The 2006 WRX STI is also distinguished by the lower-profile hood scoop from the standard WRX to aid forward visibility. Daytime running...
- WRX wagon suited to snow, sun and sprints.
- Newspaper article from: Chicago Tribune (via Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service) May 2, 2002 700+ words
...and expanded to include a high-performance WRX rendition. AWD may be a shield, but Subaru's new WRX designation for the turbocharged subcompact...the weapon that goes with it. The Impreza WRX, modeled after Subaru's rally car, means...
- Subaru Unleashes Impreza(R) WRX(R) STI(R) Limited for 2007.
- Press release article from: PR Newswire April 14, 2006 700+ words
...America, Inc. unveiled the 2007 Impreza WRX STI Limited model at the New York International...edition of the road-conquering Impreza WRX STI packages greater comfort and refinement...bin/prnh/20050404/PHSUBARULOGO ) The WRX STI Limited will be available in the fall...
- Subaru Designs Custom Impreza WRX STI for Rally Champ Travis Pastrana.
- Press release article from: PR Newswire February 9, 2009 700+ words
...Championship for Subaru in 2008 - Special WRX STI Fortified with SPT and STI Parts - Carbon...show a one-of-a-kind Subaru Impreza WRX STI designed for its factory rally driver...create a brilliant yellow "199" liveried WRX STI to commemorate his third consecutive...
- WRX wagon suited to snow, sun and sprints.(Chicago Tribune)
- News wire article from: Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service Mateja, Jim May 3, 2002 700+ words
...and expanded to include a high-performance WRX rendition. AWD may be a shield, but Subaru's new WRX designation for the turbocharged subcompact...the weapon that goes with it. The Impreza WRX, modeled after Subaru's rally car, means...
- LANQuest Announces Net/WRx-NT; Complete, economical software solution for...
- Press release article from: Business Wire May 21, 1996 700+ words
...testing services, today announced Net/WRx-NT. This Windows NT based software provides...standard PC in a simple test bed. Net/WRx-NT enables users to define, generate...Product Reliability and True Capability Net/WRx-NT provides users with a key resource...
- Subaru Launches Next-Generation Impreza WRX STI.
- Press release article from: PR Newswire November 15, 2007 700+ words
...Inc. debuts the all-new 2008 Impreza WRX STI today at the Los Angeles International...and dynamic handling-control. The 2008 WRX STI is built exclusively as an aggressively...bin/prnh/20071115/NETH097 ) The 2008 WRX STI is the third-generation of the rally...
Source: HighBeam Research, Drivers Log.(News)(Product/Service Evaluation)