Luxurious comfort and Swedish sportiness are what you get when you purchase the 2009 Saab 9-5. For almost five decades, Saab has been setting the standards for quality engineering and the highest safety systems for passenger autos. Saab cars are the exception to common European sedans or US sedans like the Chevrolet Impala. They offer cutting edge safety features and are especially well-suited for northern climates. The 9-5, as with all Saab models, is a vehicle that is loved by people worldwide and purchased by those who demand efficiency and the upmost dependability.

The Saab 9-5, which made its debut in 2000, is the big brother of the Saab 9000. With each year that passes, the 9-5 is further refined to exceed the desires and needs of its owners. The 9-5 (which is pronounced "nine-five") comes in your choice of a sedan or a sporty wagon design. The wagon design is called the SportCombi. Both models come with a 2.3L turbocharged engine that churns out 260 horsepower at 5300 rpm.

Among all other near-luxury cars, the Saab 9-5 is quite inexpensive. The MSRPs for the sedan and wagon respectively are $34,370 and $35,370. These comfortable, sporty cars are sensible, thrifty alternatives to gas-chugging SUVs which are so popular worldwide today. You don't have to sacrifice equipment either with the Saab 9-5. Leather seating, front seat heaters, steering wheel audio controls, genuine wood interior trim, dual climate controls, standard satellite radio and 17 inch alloy wheels are all standard features and there are many others as well. There are even cool, new headlight washers and a chilled glove box!

The sedans and wagons are also available in an Aero trim that has the same drivetrain and standard equipment, but features a sportier, lowered suspension system coupled with metallic interior trim and sport seats. There is also a calibrated power steering unit that greatly enhances responsiveness and handling.

One of the hottest-selling optional package deals for the 2009 9-5 is the Visibility package that includes automatic dimming mirrors, wipers that sense rain, rear obstacle detection and powerful xenon head lamps. The package costs an additional $1295, but affords drivers an incredible increase in safety. Other packages include a state-of-the-art, factory-installed navigational system for $2945; OnStar assistance for $695; ventilated seats for $995 and roof racks for the wagons at $250.

The appearance of the 2009 9-5 is noticeably Saab - having the classic C-pillar silhouette and a shortened rear deck. Fluid bumpers and integrated grilles act in conjunction with clear headlamps to further accentuate the trademark Saab appeal. The driving impression given by the Saab 9-5 is smooth, controlled, responsive and solid. The transmission is highly advanced and shifts effortlessly and with optimal fluidity. The standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and the Electronic Brake Force Distribution system (EBD) combine with the Electronic Traction Control System (TCS) to grant drivers and passengers cruising potential that is both safe and thrilling. The 2009 Saab 9-5 is an affordably-priced, highly safe, sporty near-luxury sedan (or wagon) that will provide year after year of dependable driving experiences.