From the logbook: Saab 9-5

With over 100 years of combined auto-testing experience, the engineers and support staff at our 327-acre facility run our cars through a series of more than 50 tests and evaluations. And every car is equipped with a logbook so that each driver can write down his/her thoughts on what works...and what doesn't. As we do each week on the blog, we've gathered highlights from a newer test model to share our raw first impressions.

The Saab 9-5 was introduced in 1998, and while it was freshened in 2002 and 2006, it has changed little since it launched. With that in mind, here's a snapshot of what we think of our 2007 Saab 9-5 sedan (stickered at $38,310), which we equipped with the optional five-speed automatic transmission:

"[The 9-5] has gone way beyond quirky to just plain being old."

"Too much road and wind noise."

"Good high-speed cruiser with linear steering and good grip, but a fidgety ride."

"The seats are not all they're cracked up to be--flat, slippery, soft underneath, narrow, not enough lumbar."

"Good seat heaters."

"Cramped rear seat for teenagers."

"The cup holder under the arm rest is not useful to anyone."

"Clumsy cruise control is not intuitive at all."

"Auto windshield wipers rarely work at the appropriate speed."

"There's not enough telescope range on the steering wheel, and it's slightly canted toward the driver on the right."

"Some of the decisions GM/Saab made for the interior baffle me: I mean, why use a ',' to separate the 10ths of digits in the odometer - like '24,6' - instead of '24.6'?"

"Strong power, but these [unrefined] four-cylinder noises are out of place in a $38,000 car."

"Good headlights and the 'Night Panel' feature is a nice gimmick for nocturnal types."

"Acura TL does everything better for less money."

Clearly, despite its updates, the 9-5 is up against some stiff competition. We'll have more on this and other upscale sedans soon. -- Mike Quincy