Saturn Aura

chevy598

I have a 2006 Impala with the 3.9L 4 speed tranny, and as soon as I saw the Aura I fell in love. Does anyone know how much driving difference there is between 3.9L with a 4 speed and the 6 speed, and is it worth trading in for? I'm talking actual driving not spec sheets.
I'm not all that familiar with Foreign car engines, but IMO that 3.9L has to be one of the most advanced engines out there. Loads of power and pretty good gas mileage for my outdated 4 speed(30 mpg at 70mph).

isartam

Both cars have received good reviews, here by the same reviewer: 2006 Chev Impala LTZ, with a "buy" recommendation. And for the 2007 Aura XR, very impressed.

But is the Aura worth kicking the Impala out of bed? Depends on how often you like to change cars/take out new loans/take a new lease. My take is that if you are happy with the Impala, don't leave home. But it's your money.

chevy598

Good reviews, but now I'm really confused. I do love my Impala, but that Saturn is so hot it makes me sick. I'll probably end up keeping the Impala for a year or two, because I like it so much.
A word of notice, I have a giant rottweiler who loves to tear seats with his toe nails, and those "flip and fold" seats are a pet owners dream.

ray_h1

I take it trimming "Black Bart"'s toe nails is not a viable option...

savetheland

Impala is a solid nice car with 3.9L. It is bigger and more roomy and probably more luxurous. Unless you are interested in more sporty driving I would stick with Impala. In couple of years GM most likely will improve Aura - then it makes more sense to trade in.

zacware

For the first time in my life I have no car payments, and then my wife's car falls apart.

I'm a big Saturn fan, but my mid-life-crisis biological alarm is really pulling me towards a Aud A4 for $359 a month with no money down, 15K miles a year for 2 years.

The saturn leases on their web site are 12K a year. Do anyone know what they charge to "pre-pay" for extra miles. Also, the leases are 39 months (I know I could get less), but just curious how a 39 Month lease works out since the warranty if 36 months?

If anyone has any pluses for the XR over the A4 that would be most helpful. There's a comfort level in having a nice friendly saturn dealership nearby versus the scarcity of Audi dealers, but it is an awfully nice lease program Audi has going on right now.

1487

Pics are floating around of the new Malibu. I think they did a good job of differentiating it from the Aura. Both cars a very good loking and its hard to say which one is better right now, but the Malibu is VERY nice indeed. If they price it even cheaper than the Aura and offer similar features it should be competitive. GM will actually two of the better midsizers on the market next year,

Saw my first XE on the street today.

vanman1

Audi's are unreliable and expensive to fix. Do yourself a favor and buy the Saturn.

npgmbr

So are Infinitis! My 99 Infiniti G20 is ridiculously expensive to repair. This year I spent 500 bucks on a rear brake calipar and that didn't include the 200 bucks to install it. Then later this year I spent 600 bucks on a alternator. Installation for that was about 100 bucks. Despite how nice I think my car is, I probably won't buy another Infiniti. Although my 89 Baretta and 91 Tracker were not as well put together (in terms of interior materials) they were very reliable cars and not expensive to repair. I'm definitely going back to GM when my G20 dies.

savetheland

You need to choose car according to your income. If $700 for brake repair is too much - it means you do not have enough income to qualify for luxury car – buy Nissan instead. Even (and especially) used luxury car will cost you unless you can repair car yourself.

There is a reason why luxury cars are costly to maintain –the whole purpose of manufacturing luxury cars is to make extra profits on well heeled customers. I assume that Lexus ES will cost you more in repairs than Camry even though it is the same car.

cajuncycler

Must be nice to rich and have throw away money laying around. :surprise:

npgmbr

You're wrong. I buy according to whats appealing to my eyes and hands. In a year and a half I've spent more than 2k in repairs on my G20. I just didn't know that parts for an entry level luxury vehicle eight years old would cost this much. When compared to my Baretta and Tracker (neither of which had an alternator die at 80k miles) the price of that particular part is astronomical. One of the perks of buying a luxury model is that parts are of the highest grade to ensure reliability. That 500 dollar alternator and brake caliper should have lasted well beyond the date in which they failed. I purchased this car for 21k in 1998. Its been long since paid off and the repairs have only a minor impact on my bank account. So plese, save your personal finance lesson for someone that needs it.

1487

The Aura XE is included in the new C&D issue and finishes a disappointing 4th place behind the Optima, Accord and Altima. If you read C&D you know the Accord always wins every comparison so that wasnt a surprise even though the Aura had better peformance in every category and cost less. They put it in 4th due to its interior and the operation of the trunk lid. Styling and performance didnt seem to be a factor in their rankings.

savetheland

Don't know about 2007 Altima, but previous Altima didn't finish last in any comparo test even though had much worse interior than Aura and was unrefined in many aspects. So I think interior is just excuse. Probably they just did not like Aura.

1487

C&D wasnt too crazy about the Aura when they first drove it two issues ago. They complained about the interior in that review and said the Opel Vectra's interior would've been much better. I dont know about materials, but in terms of design I find the Aura's interior to be superior. Basically C&D said the Aura exibits some of the nice qualities of GM's newer products (design and handling) but was "typical" GM in terms of interior quality.

savetheland

Yes, lower dash in Aura is hard plastic and door panels are flimsy. But in Altima the whole dash was hard plastic and many part had flimsy feeling. Nevertheless they were elated about it.

Asian companies get pass on everything, the reason IMHO is because initially Asian were underdogs. Even Saturn was treated differently from GM because many thought it was another Asian company.

jaxs1

Where are all the power ports?
I can't find any photos showing where you would charge a cell phone, portable GPS or the portable music player you plan to plug into the radio.

Regrading the AUX input, they should have put the aux audio jack and charging port together under the armrest or some other covered location so you don't have the audio cable hanging down the dash looking ugly and attracting attention from thieves (who may break in and try to find a hidden iPod) unless you unplug and hide the audio cable every time you park.

The Toyota Camry and BMW 3 series have their audio ports and power ports side by side and in cubbies with doors you can shut to hide your portable devices.

It's great that it has an aux input at all, but they didn't think it all the way through. Some other cars (Chrysler models) automatically sense when the cable is plugged in and switch the audio source input for you automatically.
That too would have been a cheap and useful touch for ease of use.

1487

I think one reason GM doesnt put their MP3 jacks in the storae compartment is that they want you to able to use that for CD storage. Obviously you cant have the bin full of CDs (or whatever) and then stick your iPod in there as well. Not to mention its easier to plug in an MP3 player on the radio than into a port inside the center storage bin.

jaxs1

There doesn't have to be only one storage compartment in the car. Plus, if you own and use a portable MP3 player, you are very unlikely to have the compartment crammed with so many CDs that there wouldn't any room for a small MP3 player also. Many MP3 player owners wouldn't store CDs in the car at all.

Where are all the power ports anyway? I assume they are in one of the hidden storage compartments, but they are not shown in any photos I've seen.
Also, does anyone know if at least one of the power ports stays active when the car is off, so you can leave a cell phone charging in the car while the car is parked? A cell phone charging is not going to drain the car's battery,

62vetteefp

Not sure if this answers the specific requests but GM sells a kit to locate the MP3 jack in other parts of the car. So not only will the radios all have the jacks for all kinds of players (hey, apple is not the only one out there) but will have an iPod specific port available.

General Motors Thursday unveiled its "Personal Audio Link" iPod adapter, which will be introduced on the 2007 Chevrolet HHR, due out in October. GM expects to make the device available on all 56 of its models, mostly by the end of 2007.

The iPod adapter will be sold at GM dealers for less than $160, plus an installation fee. The music player will also hook into the car's glove box, and will have similar features to Ford's offering.

IPod adapters for car stereos aren't new. So-called "after-market" adapters are usually plugged into an in-dash cassette deck, or synchronized with an unused FM radio frequency.

But those systems are harder to use and don't offer as good a listening experience as an integrated system like Ford and GM plan, said Ted Schadler, an analyst at Forrester Research, a tech research firm.

jaxs1

Sounds iPod specific and would put the player out of reach all the way inside the glove box.
If it could be located in the console storage that might be a nice solution for iPod users who want to use the player both inside and out of the car.
Still not as nice as having both a power port and standard audio input both hidden and within arms reach like a Scion tC, Camry or BMW 3-Series.

SCION tC

The tC is extra-slick because it gives you everything (power and aux jacks for any mp3 player, PLUS an iPod port that allows you to control, power and receive audio from the iPod).


2007 CAMRY

vanman1

I am considering exactly these 2 cars for next year. The Impala is a bigger car with more trunk space but the Aura XR has a better engine / transmission. Both interiors are good, I can't give either the nod. For me it will come down to whether I can live with a little less room than my Intrigue. I have yet to try an Aura so back to back tests would also be needed.

genmtrfan

Vanman,

I have the same delima. I like the Impala 3.9 LT3, but the Aura has also caught my attention. We have a family of 6, so the bench option would be nice for the few times we didn't take our mini-van. However, most of the time it's just me, so I think you have to look at which car you'd be happiest in, if this car isn't an every day family hauler. I'm leaning towards the Aura, but I also want to see the new Malibu first.

I'm mad enough at Car and Driver to cancel my subcription. I agree with the above comment about the interior. It should not have been enough of an issue to slide it down to fourth place. I also wish that Saturn would have provided a less exensive XE. They could have put aluminum wheels on it for about 21 and it would have compared more favorably in price. As it was, you could have almost gotten an XR for the price as tested. It's not like all of the other cars were loaded.

1487

I thought the XE model in the test was a base model with no options. It wasnt even the most expensive car in the test in spite of the V6. I think the Camry and Accord cost more.

BTW, the pics of the new Malibu have been released on various sites. It looks very good, it's almost a toss up between it and the Aura.

npgmbr

Yes this hook-up would be iPod specific (which would not make it of any use to me as I have a Dell DJ) but it being in the glove box is an extra in terms of security. Your iPod is controlled through your cars radio ant it will even display the track information on the cars radio and provide all control from your radio. that way your iPod stays out of site and you never have to touch it to change tracks. I read that about a month ago when GM announced the iPod link up.

jaxs1

It is still less than ideal. It does not need to be in the glove box for security when there is other hidden storage in the console. Many people with an iPod are going to want to take the iPod out frequently to either use it outside the car or to load more music and it will be a hassle getting it out of the glove box vs getting it out of console storage.

That is the same mentality as having CD changers in the trunk of cars back in the 1990s. There are probably some new cars being manufactured that still have CD changers in their trunks even today.

1487

Some European cars still put the CD changer in the glovebox, especially if you get navigation. I cant think of any American cars that still do this.

driverdm

The Passat is a beauty. a league above the average Nissan/Ford/Honda/Toyota as it should be considering the cost for one can reach far in excess of $30K. They have some great deals on 2006 models. The 2.0 runs like it has a V6 under the hood (check the 0-60, you'll be surprised) and the 3.6 is quick. The attention to detail puts it in the affordable Bimmer light that VW carves and it doesn't disapoint. Only thing that disappoints me about it is the lack of wood on the door. I also believe that if you get one with wood, it is actually real wood and it is designed to resemble an Audi A8, awarded best luxury interior several times. Keep in mind I do not own a Passat. I have thought of buying one for some time and may just end up in a CUV instead. I have just been in the same circumstance. I speak completely without bias. I like the Aura which is why I monitor this thread but it is no Passat by any means. Some body will probably bring up reliability but my research has indicated that VW has worked out the first year bigs well. Fit, finish, value, luxury, PASSAT is first place here. It has a push button key fob, electornic hand brake, and even a self draining umbrella holder in the door, and those are just three of the standard features you can get on a base model. Right now a base model with auto should run you 20K for a 2006 model.

1487

The Passat is a high quality piece but its expensive with options and its not that attractive to many people, including myself.

jaxs1

The previous Passat was nice looking enough that it was easier to trade style for risk of reliability problems and high prices.
The new exterior is not great.
VW messed up the styling so badly that, to market the new Passat, they had tv ads making fun of people who buy cars based on looks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18Bpy4EvivI&mode=related&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kePNaRLTIvs

Shocking and ironic coming from VW of all companies.
The same company that had an ad for the Toureg where a guy tries to impress his ex girlfriend by driving by her on a test drive (with the salesman ducking under the window).

1487

I dont know specific sales figures but I dont think the Passat is selling that well. I certainly dont see many. I think at the end of a full year the Aura's sales will equal to or greater than the Passat primarily due to the Aura's pricing being right in the heart of the midsize market. The Passat starts out cheap, but climbs to nearly $40k with options. They equipped it like a luxury car but people arent willing to pay luxury money for a Passat. VW overestimated how much value the average non luxury consumer places on high end features. People in this market arent willing to pay for 12 way seats, memory, 600W audi system, umbrella holders, laser cruise control, etc.

62vetteefp

Aura is already outselling Passat. Will it continue? Probably since Aura is just getting to the dealers and there is not a lot of customer knowledge of it yet.

1487

when a brand is brand new (no pun intended) it takes a while to build up steam. I would assume that the Aura's best days are yet to come and it will probably average 6-7k units a month. December was its best month yet. I have no idea what GM's capacity it to build Aura hybrids but they should add some volume. I have a feeling the 6 speed auto will be standard for '08 which will help some more.

duncan36

Well my folks who have bought only Japanese cars since their '86 Acura Legend sat in the Aura and for the money thought it had the best interior at the auto-show.

I trust their judgement more than C&D frankly.

deerlake7

I've driven both the V6 and 2.0T Passat and they're nice vehicles (I've owned two of the previous generation). The 2.0 is certainly the better value, but if I get one, I'll probably break down and get the 3.6. My big concern is that I'll probably give this car to one on my kids in three years and I'm concerned about long term reliability. I found the Acura TL to be a bit rough riding for my taste and was disappointed in the Altima. Since I've got an extra car hanging around the house, I may just wait until fall the get the new Accord. Lot's of good choices.

vanman1

I too would like to see a Malibu before making a decision though I like the idea of owning a more exclusive Aura (like my current Intrigue). I have a feeling once the Malibu comes out it will be a huge seller much like with the Equinox vs. the VUE.

I think the trunk space will come in handy more than once in a while on the Impala but I also think I could live with out.

Car and Driver doesn't bother me, they had lots of nice to say about Aura. No I don't agree with them but I guess I would have to drive / see all those cars back to back to make a proper judgment.

1487

The Malibu (or any chevy) is going to outsell the Aura due to the number of dealers. I agree the Aura is more exclusive, but the Malibu is likely to be somewhat cheaper. In addition I like the wheels and interior of the Malibu better than the Aura. I was leaning towards teh Aura but I knew I wanted to see the Malibu first. Now I want the Malibu.

62vetteefp

maybe you should wait for the new LaCrosse?

nrborod

6spd auto standard on which trim level? The XE for '08? You got inside info?

1487

no, but I read that stability will be standard for '08. The 6 speed is my guess.

sidv

Car and Driver are a pack of pinhead clowns. Their anti-GM bias is completely transparent and oh so old and tiresome. Test drive what you like and buy what you like the best.

vanman1

Yes.. the Chevy will be cheaper than Aura. I suspect a 3.6L powered one could be had for at least a couple of grand less. Price will be a big factor in my decision.

Looking forward to seeing this car in person next month at the Toronto auto show. I hope they have some that you can sit in.

vanman1

This should silence the critics for a while:

http://autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070107/FREE/70107002/1056/autos- hows

62vetteefp

Juror Steven Cole Smith, AutoWeek contributor and juror, said GM overcame the threat presented by the all-new Toyota Tundra also revealed at the Detroit show.

Maybe I was mistaken? Perhaps the Tundra was in the running?

m1miata

The Chevy Citation was also a Car of the Year! Recall those cars? The car of the future - the X Car. Well, I guess it was the car of GM future, such as it was.

I guess the Aura is OK. The exterior is not bad; perhaps adding an after-market grill. The interior is an improvement over previous GM offerings of say a couple years or more ago. As an overall value play, the $20K version is pretty good. I may test drive one some day. I would like to see how the New Malibu will compare. If it can be had close to $20K-21K with the 3.6 V6, that would be nice indeed.

Guess one could test drive a Camry V6, Aura 3.6 V6, Altima 3.5 V6, and a Honda V6 all in the same day and just draw their own conclusion. If I was purchasing an Aura or Malibu, as compared to a Camry or Honda, I would expect a pricing difference of $3K or more to help offset the resale hit those could potentially have. From the photos, I like the Malibu interior. Too bad it doesn't have a hand brake for the emergency brake, that would be a big plus for me. Hate those foot brakes. Heck, I may have cut Malibu a grand slack just for hand brake, if it had it.
-Loren

62vetteefp

Citation was the Motor Trend car of the year. This is a nationwide pole of industry press. Citation was a great car in its time. Large interior, etc. Issue was the quality. Now way Motor Trend could know that. I think today though that theyare pretty sure GM will continue it's quality story with them Aura.

Loren, you just do not agree with the industry experts..

Oh yea, the hand brake. Oh so important to make a buying decision. Your anti GM bias comes thru no matter what it takes to qualify it.

savetheland

Congratulations to Saturn fans with Aura winning NACOTY! It is publication independent award compared with MT COTY because it is kind of average opinion of all NA journalists.

I finally got my hands on C&D and read the midsize compare. As I expected Camry is a crap. I sat in Camry and confirm that interior is cheaply made. Driving experience is not applicable to Camry – it is kind of Buick for aging baby boomer generation. I cannot believe that GenX or GenY will aspire to buy Camry. Toyota goes in right direction to replace Buick – it has started to cheapen interior as the first step. No wonder Camry won MT COTY.

Regarding Aura, actually from article I got impression that from performance point of view it was ahead of competition except of Nissan Altima – it basically was on par with new Altima. Honda is simply better made – that’s why it won comparision. It is not the best in anything – just best overall package in all aspects. If Saturn did not save money on interior – they would win race, or at least be the second – after Accord. GM has to overcome save-buck-on-interior syndrome.

nrborod

Anyone got any inside dope onthe Aura Hybrid due out this spring? Will it be a dog, I wonder....Aura XE sure ain't. Drove it again on Sat and I thought that3.5 really wailed when I went to pass someone on the highway--really. How much power do I need? Anyway, I went to the Saturn Website, and they depict the Greenline Aura with waht looks like KILLER styled wheels--will they be alloys or plastic? If they will be alloys, I'd definitely want them on the XE without fail. But, now the rumors around the XE getting a 6 spd auto for '08 has me thinking I'll have to wait and see what happens--maybe extend my lease on current car a couple of months to time things. When will the '08 Auras be released--what month does Saturn usually do it? Anyone know?

nrborod

Does anyone in the public sector have any inkling of what the NEXT Accord will be like? I'm always curious especially considering Honda's rep for innovation--at least in the past.

pat

Have a look at this post: jaxs1, "Honda Accord: Future Models" #426, 8 Jan 2007 5:28 am.