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The 2009 Saab 9-7X is largely unchanged for what will be its final model year. This premium midsize SUV uses traditional truck-type construction and shares its basic design with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy. 9-7X differs from the Chevy and GMC with specific suspension tuning, steering, brakes, and dashboard design. It seats five and has all-wheel drive. Three models are available.

The 4.2i has a 285-hp 4.2-liter 6-cylinder engine. The 5.3i has a 300-hp 5.3-liter V8. The top-line Aero has a 390-hp 6.0-liter V8. All use a 4-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 6500 lb.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. Aeros have sport suspension, specific exterior trim, and 20-inch wheels. Newly available on all 9-7X models is a wireless cell-phone link.

The 2009 Saab 9-5 gains a new top-end trim level for what is likely this car’s final model year in its current design. Saab’s flagship car comes as a sedan or wagon called the SportCombi. Base 2.3T, mid-line Aero, and new-for-2009 Griffin trim levels are offered. The sole engine is a turbocharged 260-hp 2.3-liter 4-cylinder.

A manual or automatic transmission is available. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and front side airbags. Leather upholstery and heated front and rear seats are standard on all 9-5 models.

Griffins have unique interior and exterior trim. Rear-obstacle detection is standard on the Griffin and optional on the 2.3T and Aero. A navigation system and cooled front seats are optional on all.

The 2010 Saab 9-3X is a new addition to this Swedish automaker’s lineup. The 9-3X is basically a raised-suspension version of the company’s premium-compact 9-3 SportCombi wagon. It has standard all-wheel drive and is powered by a 210-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.

A 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission is available. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. Leather upholstery and heated front seats are standard.

A navigation system is optional. Saab is owned by Spyker Cars N.V., a Dutch builder of exotic cars. We have not yet tested the 2010 Saab 9-3X.

The 2009 Saab 9-3 gets more V6 power, and all-wheel drive availability expands to include more models. This premium compact car is available as a 4-door sedan, 2-door convertible, and SportCombi 4-door wagon. Each body style comes in either 2.0T or Aero trim levels, and all use a turbocharged engine. All 2.0T models and the Aero convertible are front-wheel drive. Standard on Aero sedans and wagons is all-wheel drive.

AWD is also newly available on the 2.0T sedan and wagon. Those models have a 210-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. Aeros use a 280-hp 2.8-liter V6, an increase of 25 hp over 2008 versions. Manual transmission is standard on the 2.0T. A 5-speed automatic is optional on front-drive versions. AWD 2.0T models and all Aeros have a 6-speed automatic. A 6-speed manual is available as a no-cost option on the Aero.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Convertibles have a power-folding soft top with heated-glass rear window. The 9-3 lends its basic design to the Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6, and Saturn Aura.

The 2010 Saab 9-3 sees no major changes, though the Swedish brand is planning to introduce a new all-wheel-drive wagon called the 9-3X (see separate report). Saab’s entry-level car reprises three body styles: a 4-door sedan, 4-door wagon called SportCombi, and 2-door convertible with a power soft top. All should continue to use a turbocharged engine. The 9-3 2.0T sedan, wagon, and convertible use a 210-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. Aero models, which also include sedan, wagon, and convertible body styles, have a 280-horsepower 2.8-liter V6.

All 2.0T models and the Aero convertible are front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is standard on Aero sedans and wagons and optional on the 2.0T sedan and wagon. All 9-3s have a standard 6-speed manual transmission. A 5-speed automatic is optional on front-drive 2.0T versions. A 6-speed automatic is optional on all other 9-3 and 9-3X models.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. Saab is owned by Spyker Cars N.V., a Dutch builder of exotic cars. This report is based on evaluations of the 2009 Saab 9-3.