Stock Knob isn't that bad
The stock shifter that we share with the Saab 9-3 is actually pretty nice in my opinion. The shape of the shifter knob seems to lend itself to accurate throws, and the lock-out feature reminds me (on the highway) that I'm driving a 5 speed, and not a 6

. I think that it adds some safe, quirky character and if you look at it the right way, it could even be considered an anti-theft feature

. Just my opinion; take it with a grain of salt since I'm not daring enough to open up the shifter yet.