The 2008 Saab 9-5 Sedan is an entry-level midsize luxury sedan designed for those who look for style, comfort and cargo space. The Saab 9-5 Sedan debuted in 1999 and was updated in 2006. Add-ons for 2008 are standard OnStar communications system, sport seats and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The new four-door Saab 9-5 Sedan is available in two trim levels: 2.3T and Aero. The 9-5 is powered by a turbo-charged, 2.3-liter, in-line, four-cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard. Five-speed automatic transmission with sport and manual modes is optional.

The Saab 9-5 includes most luxury features such as heated leather seats; dual-zone automatic climate control; cooled glove box; and nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with in-dash six-CD changer, satellite radio and auxiliary audio jack. The boxy, European design and characteristic Saab flavor remain. Seats are quite comfortable, particularly those equipped with optional heating and ventilation. Front and rear passengers will find the car spacious. A split-folding rear seat and around 16 cubic feet of trunk space increase the versatility of the new 9-5. Both body styles feature different 17-inch wheels.

Important safety equipment includes front-seat active head restraints and side-impact air bags to protect the head and torso; anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes; anti-skid system; emergency inside trunk lid release; daytime running lights; and stability control. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rated it 'good' in front-offset crash testing; the 9-5 was also named Best Pick in crash test survivability. In government crash tests, the new 9-5 earned a perfect five stars for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal impacts.