Bargain Luxury

Needed a vehicle to replace an aging 850 Volvo and carry the family dog. Winter skiing and Pacific Northwest weather were also factors. SUV? Not our style so a wagon was the alternative. Looked carefully at the Subaru Legacy and Outback and the Volvo V70 and XC. Considered the Passat and Audi A4.

Would have preferred AWD but we've found that our FWD Volvo with traction control is easily up to the task for skiing and bad weather driving.

Ultimately, the 2004 Saab won out based on style, acceleration, handling, utility, distinctiveness, and price. Better looking than the alternatives, similar power to the Subaru (Limited Edition), largest interior and most functional of all. (Even larger than the Volvo.) Superb handling and turbo thrills. Best of all, the car was several thousand less than the Volvo and only about $1000 more than the Subaru.

All in all, a great value.