Can't beat 'em with a stick.
The Bad: They're ugly. They're really ugly.
The Good: They're incredibly durable and reliable. Unlike a lot of popular guns (e.g., 1911, Hi-Power) they don't require a gunsmith to make them really sing. There's a ton of aftermarket support. They're well priced compared to their real competition (H&K, Sig, the high-tech toys).
It's an excellent choice for a first auto pistol; if it's your first handgun ever, I'd recommend a .357 revolver. If you really want a semi-auto pistol, though, you can't go wrong. They really are just that good.
Oh, one thing -- be sure to replace the front sight post with an aftermarket -- they're so cheap and plentiful that the factory barely pins in the stock ones any more.
Also, depending on your application, the .40S&W cartridge is "better" than the 9mm for defense applications, and the magazines hold almost as many rounds. Just sayin'.
--Jaeger
