Reader Review of the Week: 2008 Saab 9-5

“This is a great, underappreciated and overlooked European sedan. With a Saab 9-5, I believe you get a distinctively styled, fun-to-drive, relatively fuel-efficient, roomy, comfortable, safe, European-engineered luxury sports sedan at a great value.

“Although not quite as distinctive as the Saabs of the 1970s through early 90s, this is still not a cookie-cutter car. This car is best appreciated as a driver behind the wheel. It has nice performance, delivered responsibly through a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, in addition to decent handling and steering. It’s roomy all around, particularly the backseat, and the trunk is enormous.

“I may be in the minority, but I really like this car’s styling both in and out: Sporty, assertive and distinctive. It will grow on you. Inside, the cockpit feel of the dash puts all the controls exactly where they should be. This is my fourth Saab and it has not disappointed. I believe this is a smart choice and a value in the $35,000 luxury sport sedan universe. Worthy of consideration, at least.”