The 9-7X was first revealed at the 2004 New York International Auto Show, and was available starting with the 2005 model year, as a replacement for the Oldsmobile Bravada.

GM had marketed the Saab 9-7X as a direct competitor to more upmarket luxury SUVs, like the Volvo XC90 and the Volkswagen Touareg.

For the 2008 model year, the new Aero trim level was added as a more luxurious version of the Chevrolet Trailblazer SS.

Also for the 2008 model year, the Saab 9-7X with the 5.3L V8 engine was available with Displacement on Demand technology to reduce fuel consumption.

Although the Saab 9-7X was developed for the North American market, the model was also sold in other countries, including Chile, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, the Middle East, Sweden and Syria.

In August 2012, General Motors recalled more than 258,000 SUVs in the United States and Canada to fix short circuits in power window and door lock switches that could cause fires.

The recall covered Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, Isuzu Ascender and Saab 9-7X SUVs from the model years of 2006 and 2007.

In 2014 GM cancelled previous safety recall 12180 regarding window switch short circuit and or fire.