Saab 9-2X History

The 9-2X was a rebadged version of the Subaru Impreza WRX (and WRX STi) offered for the US market for model years 2004 and 2005, a product of the GM–Fuji Heavy Industries cross-ownership at the time. It received a Saab-branded grille, revised interior trim, and the Saab model designation, but was mechanically identical to the Impreza platform car beneath — all-wheel drive, flat-four (boxer) engine, and five-door hatchback body.

Enthusiasts quickly dubbed it the 'Saabaru'. It sold in modest numbers and was discontinued after just two model years; GM wound down its Fuji stake and Saab's precarious finances made continuation unviable. The 9-2X is a footnote in both the Saab and Subaru histories, notable mainly as an example of the badge-engineering that defined Saab's GM era.