Saturn Aura reviews roll in.... nothing but positives

MikeMike

Lifer
Feb 6, 2000
45,885
66
91
The Saturn Aura will easily find a niche with its refined interiors
and European styling (I apologize for
using that term "European" again, but in this case it is literally European, lifted almost wholesale from a European car, the Opel Vectra), but GM can also justify a base price slightly higher than either the G6 or Malibu by delivering a far superior ride and better dynamics in almost every sense. This is one of the best cars from GM that I've had the opportunity to drive, and with perhaps another generation, the interior will have a more cohesive look that the luxury marques execute so well (think of the Volvo S40 floating centre stack or a Lexus IS refined interior). Overall though, the Aura offers a value far beyond its features and options, greater than its V6 engine or 252 horsepower and even more unique than its (borrowed) styling; it is fresh and glowing with a springtime (not Spring Hill) radiance reflective of Saturn's renewal, a sign of better things to come from the youngest of GM's brands.
http://canadianautopress.auto123.com/en.../view.spy?make=Saturn&artid=67245&pg=4

Our conclusion? Saturn has delivered the sort of car we've always been looking for from this promising GM brand. It's affordable, well-equipped and a lot of fun to drive. There are a few glitches, but nothing that would cause you to steer clear. For the first time since its debut, Saturn finally has product to be proud of, and the Aura seems certain to connect with buyers who are looking for alternatives to the imports.
http://www.thecarconnection.com/Vehicle...upes/2007_Saturn_Aura.S180.A10775.html

The Aura's cabin is another winner. The fit and finish borders on Honda Accord quality, the styling is very attractive and, save for the rear bench being a little too low, the seating is comfortable and spacious. It's also well equipped with climate control air conditioning, tilt/telescoping steering and power driver's seat. There are even power adjustable pedals on option.

Despite all the positives, there is a "but" -- Saturn Canada has priced the XR at $30,985. That's quite a jump from the US$24,595 price, considering there's less than a 12% difference between our currencies. Though that's not outlandishly expensive, it's a shame since the Aura is definitely the class of this class, which includes the Camry, Accord and Mazda6.


nice job GM, hopefully we can restrict all reviews from the press, to this thread, there are a ton of reviews that should be rolling in and it looks like GM has a huge hit on their hands
http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news...d=51ab66e3-87bd-4d6e-abe1-957453b083d4
 

MikeMike

Lifer
Feb 6, 2000
45,885
66
91
Originally posted by: jlbenedict
aaah.. another 250hp, 18mpg, gas guzzler

I'll pass

do you know anything???

18mpg is less than its even rated for in the city...
 

Christobevii3

Senior member
Aug 29, 2004
995
0
76
I find it funny how everyone hates on gm's 4 speed, but then never say how it is reliable and cheap to repair.
 

kevinthenerd

Platinum Member
Jun 27, 2002
2,908
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GM's been leaning heavily on Opel lately. The ECOTEC came from Opel. The Saturn ION is getting killed in favor of bringing the Astra from Opel. GM is becoming an American clone of a European company, and honestly, I'd probably do the same if I was in their shoes right now.
 

kevinthenerd

Platinum Member
Jun 27, 2002
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0
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Originally posted by: Mermaidman
(Cross posting)

I think the Civic and the Aura share the same grill :p
Civic vs Aura Grill

right on, but the Civic has headlights more like the Saturn ION: flat on the top and bottom and slanted on the sides. The Aura headlights look more like a Toyota Echo.
 

MikeMike

Lifer
Feb 6, 2000
45,885
66
91
Originally posted by: kevinthenerd
GM's been leaning heavily on Opel lately. The ECOTEC came from Opel. The Saturn ION is getting killed in favor of bringing the Astra from Opel. GM is becoming an American clone of a European company, and honestly, I'd probably do the same if I was in their shoes right now.

you mean, GM is letting Saturn and Opel...

GM OWNS opel.. and they own Saturn...

 
Feb 10, 2000
30,029
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Originally posted by: mariok2006
why did they put a saturn badge on it?

It's really not suited to being a Buick, Cadillac, or Pontiac, and on paper it's very similar to the Malibu and thus not an ideal Chevy either. I imagine part of the idea is also that Gen X'ers have a more favorable (or, if you prefer, less negative) view of Saturn than the other GM badges, and are more willing to give one a shot than another GM car.
 

Nyati13

Senior member
Jan 2, 2003
785
1
76
Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE

nice job GM, hopefully we can restrict all reviews from the press, to this thread, there are a ton of reviews that should be rolling in and it looks like GM has a huge hit on their hands
http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news...d=51ab66e3-87bd-4d6e-abe1-957453b083d4

It's too bad they won't bring over the Opel engines. Opel offers 10 different engines for the Vectra, from a 1.6L I4 to 2.8L V6Turbo in gas, and from a 1.9L I4Turbo to a 3.0L V6Turbo in diesel. plus 4 trannies, either a 5 or 6 speed for both manual and auto.
 

MikeMike

Lifer
Feb 6, 2000
45,885
66
91
Originally posted by: Nyati13
Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE

nice job GM, hopefully we can restrict all reviews from the press, to this thread, there are a ton of reviews that should be rolling in and it looks like GM has a huge hit on their hands
http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news...d=51ab66e3-87bd-4d6e-abe1-957453b083d4

It's too bad they won't bring over the Opel engines. Opel offers 10 different engines for the Vectra, from a 1.6L I4 to 2.8L V6Turbo in gas, and from a 1.9L I4Turbo to a 3.0L V6Turbo in diesel. plus 4 trannies, either a 5 or 6 speed for both manual and auto.

in the U.S. manuals account for... 7%, yes 7% of ALL midsize car sales, it is negligable, hence why no manual.

Diesels are coming, Saturn will be GM's first, and you will see the Opel diesels come over.
 

Mermaidman

Diamond Member
Sep 4, 2003
7,987
93
91
Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE
Saturn Aura reviews roll in.... nothing but positives

Regardless, it's not half the car that's my Olds AURORA.

Damn you, GM, for killing Olds!

 

Nyati13

Senior member
Jan 2, 2003
785
1
76
Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE


in the U.S. manuals account for... 7%, yes 7% of ALL midsize car sales, it is negligable, hence why no manual.

Diesels are coming, Saturn will be GM's first, and you will see the Opel diesels come over.

I was also talking about the 5 or 6 speed autos, like I said in my post.

And, if GM chooses to not even offer a manual (that already exists, and is already in use elsewhere) as an optional item (and could even charge more), then they are just giving away potential sales.
 

MikeMike

Lifer
Feb 6, 2000
45,885
66
91
Originally posted by: Nyati13
Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE


in the U.S. manuals account for... 7%, yes 7% of ALL midsize car sales, it is negligable, hence why no manual.

Diesels are coming, Saturn will be GM's first, and you will see the Opel diesels come over.

I was also talking about the 5 or 6 speed autos, like I said in my post.

And, if GM chooses to not even offer a manual (that already exists, and is already in use elsewhere) as an optional item (and could even charge more), then they are just giving away potential sales.

there is a 6 spd offered, and there is a 4 spd...

no manual is offered, as i assume GM figured they would only sell, o lets say, maybe 20k total manuals? and thats assuming they sell 290k Aura's
 

FeuerFrei

Diamond Member
Mar 30, 2005
9,144
929
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Even if they matched a Camry feature for feature at the same price point, I'd still wouldn't take the Aura because it's a Saturn and Saturn does not have a reputation for quality or reliability. Let's check back in 5 years and observe how well it holds up.
 

MikeMike

Lifer
Feb 6, 2000
45,885
66
91
Originally posted by: FeuerFrei
Even if they matched a Camry feature for feature at the same price point, I'd still wouldn't take the Aura because it's a Saturn and Saturn does not have a reputation for quality or reliability. Let's check back in 5 years and observe how well it holds up.

people here are picking up/loving Mazda's, and their reliability has never been much bettter than Saturns...
 

91TTZ

Lifer
Jan 31, 2005
14,374
1
0
Originally posted by: kevinthenerd
GM's been leaning heavily on Opel lately. The ECOTEC came from Opel. The Saturn ION is getting killed in favor of bringing the Astra from Opel. GM is becoming an American clone of a European company, and honestly, I'd probably do the same if I was in their shoes right now.

No.

On the contrary, GM bought Opel. Opel is therefore a European faceplate of an American company.
 

JonTheBaller

Golden Member
Dec 2, 2002
1,916
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Originally posted by: Mermaidman
Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE
Saturn Aura reviews roll in.... nothing but positives

Regardless, it's not half the car that's my Olds AURORA.

Damn you, GM, for killing Olds!
amen brother. The Aurora was an incredible beast.
 

91TTZ

Lifer
Jan 31, 2005
14,374
1
0
Originally posted by: FeuerFrei
Even if they matched a Camry feature for feature at the same price point, I'd still wouldn't take the Aura because it's a Saturn and Saturn does not have a reputation for quality or reliability. Let's check back in 5 years and observe how well it holds up.

My old Saturn SL2 lasted 235,000 miles.