Saab's flagship vehicle has an awful lot going for it. Not only is it a very stylish car with a reputation for performance and comfort, it also can brag that it has the lowest ownership cost in its class, a distinction that is helped in part by the fact that the car runs on regular-octane fuel.

The 9-5's aerodynamic headlights and three-port front grille are distinctly Saab - as is the uniquely-located ignition key, which has always been (and we can assume always will be) located in the center console area. The list of standard equipment contains items of advanced luxury and sophistication that wouldn't even be available on many other cars.

Safety is a priority with this car, beginning with its frame. Saab's Pendulum B-Pillar is made of high-tensile steel that works with the sills and crossbars to absorb impact energy so that the occupants miss the brunt of it. Active head restraints and all types of air bags are in place, and traction and stability control are included. All models of the 9-5 have done very well in government crash-testing.

The comfortable interior features leather seating and leather and wood accents, plus seat-heaters for front and back. There's also a standard cabin-air filter, side-window defoggers, and a sophisticated audio system.

The 9-5 comes in 11 exterior colors, with an additional color (Ice Blue Metallic) available when the 60th Anniversary options package is added. Other options packages are the Visisbility Package, which adds xenon headlights and rain-sensing windshield wipers, among other things, and the Aero trim package, which adds sportiness in various measures. A navigation system is also offered, as is OnStar technology.