2007 Saturn Aura: First Drive
Yesterday, a few of us from Cars.com were invited to an early ride-and-drive event for GM’s upcoming model year. Most of the day was dedicated to the Saturn line, with three new vehicles for us to test. Most important to the company is the new midsize Aura sedan, and it elicited some interesting feedback from the staff.
David Thomas: Saturn has delivered one of the best-handling, smoothest-riding and dead-quiet midsize sedans on the market. The Aura is just a marvel of affordable engineering. Too bad the interior lacks the same refinement as the new SUVs and trucks from GM. I don’t think the company has moved fast enough to translate those top-of-the-class cabins to its cars quite yet.
I tested both the entry XE, with a 224-hp, 3.5-liter V-6, and the upper-level XR, with a new 3.6-liter V-6 that makes 252 hp, and I can happily say even the XE will deliver a smooth commute. The XE starts at $20,595, while the XR starts at $24,595. Even with an additional $4,000 on the sticker, the XR is the real deal with manual shift buttons on the steering wheel and healthy acceleration. The six-speed transmission and larger V-6 offer a better driving experience than the Accord V-6, but import buyers will have to get past the interior to discover it.
Mike Hanley: The new Aura is one of the most stylish midsize cars to use GM's Epsilon platform. Though it shares the extended-wheelbase version of the platform with the Pontiac G6, the Aura looks better-proportioned to my eye, and it wears Saturn's new grille, which is much more distinctive than ones worn by previous Saturns.
I agree with Dave that both the 3.5- and 3.6-liter V-6s are competent performers. The higher-rated 3.6-liter V-6 definitely feels more powerful than the smaller engine, and it sounds more refined, too, but the differences are minor. Accelerator pedal response for both engines is good, without any lag.
The Aura's ride strikes a good balance between tautness and bump absorption. It's definitely on the firm side, but occupants aren't punished by imperfect pavement. It's a setup that would be easy to live with regardless of the types of roads you drive on. I was also impressed with how well body roll was controlled in the XR through fast corners.
The front seats are comfortable, and there's room for adults in the back. Besides minor fit and finish issues and some rubberized surfaces that could definitely prove hard to keep clean, interior quality is acceptable and the gauges are especially legible.
Kelsey Mays: Dave is right: The Aura’s interior isn’t quite ready for prime time. A power-reclining passenger seat and a navigation system are not available. That’s excusable, given the loaded Aura XR at the event cost thousands less than a top-of-the-line Camry or Accord. But there’s more. The Aura’s center floor hump in back seems rather pronounced for a front-wheel-drive car, and both an overhead sunglass holder and backseat center armrest were MIA. Nearly every Camry and Accord come with those.
As Mike and Dave wrote, the Aura’s saving grace — indeed, its core competence — is its road manners. Throttle tip-in is immediate with both drivetrains, and the smaller V-6 pulled me to speed with no complaint. The larger, Cadillac-sourced V-6 sounds a bit more European, and the six-speed automatic swaps gears smartly. The Aura XE’s handling is reasonably tight, though I found the Aura XR to offer less body roll and heavier steering. The brakes in both models felt sure-footed.
Outside, the Aura is a looker. Its lines are as good an indication as any that Saturn has moved on from the slatted headlights that carried it through much of the last decade. I only wish the interior offered the same pizzazz.
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From what i can tell in the interior, it looks great! But what I don't understand is why everyone thinks that a midsized sedan has to look identical to a CamAccordNata...Saturn is taking a bold move to seperate from the Bland Toyota Honda Hyundai sedans and do something new, i mean, isn't that what everyone complains about too? Bland Styling? In my opinion, im really not impressed with the imports interiors...they are cheap! there are major fit and finish gaps, texture feel is nothing, its about how they are put together, I mean, look at a used camry- Squeak Shake Rattle and Roll! Same for the other 2...Im not saying american cars don't squeak or any of the above, but i hate how everyone claims imports (with the exeception to volkswagen) are leading the industry with the best interiors in the world...lets give dues where they are expected and quit discriminating from the past.
I just saw this thing--an XR in the touted Morrocan Brown interior. As with most cars these days I can't fit in it (6'7" all legs), but this was the most impressive-looking GM car I've seen to date. I loved the look of the interior--and many people don't realize OnStar comes with their own nav setup. I still marvel at the cool new audio head unit they now use--they went from the worst designs for years to one of the best units in one year (still one of only ones to merge all terrestrial and satellite bands together).
Wish I could fit to drive it!
The Aura looks nice, and already people are commenting how attractive it looks compared to the 'bland' Accord and Camry. Styling is subjective, and the so-called 'bland' styling of Accord and Camry has done nothing to inhibit their sales. The Aura may drive nice, but I'll bet a three or four year old Aura will be squeaking and rattling and exhibit a host of quality problems. Again, GM is touting the drive, styling, and attractiveness of this car. Their problems stem from poor quality, and until they address that issue, the Aura will be another GM car that will have 0% and rebates offered on it in less than a year's time.
Having missed out on this event, I'm wondering if you guys would comment on something: Take a hard look at the photos, compare them to what you saw in person and comment on how much they differ. I've only seen the Aura indoors, which is a distorted perspective, and in photos. From this, I don't see what all the fuss is about. Are we getting excited because it's a GM car that isn't ugly? Is it more than just inoffensive? From the photos it just looks like a G6 rear end with cheap chrome taillight bezels and a nose that would be most charitably described as better than the Accord.
well in person the taillights don't look cheap at all although I thought they would. I think they're even a step above the sky's.
Is it better looking then the G6, Accord, Camry...yes. Is that hard to do? No. I think it and the Fusion are pretty distinct and attractive sedans in the segment.
The Aura does look better in person especially the XR with those wheels.
I don't think any of us raved about the exterior that much, the real story is in the drivetrain and performance.
Robert: As far as quality I'm pretty sure GM now has enough nameplates competing with the big 3 japanese on recent quality ratings where old stereotypes don't really hold water.
If this is the best Saturn/GM can do, then no wonder the general public are buying up Accords and Camry's left and right. GM should stick to what it's best at, building unreliable outdated ugly trucks.
To me, the Aura's interior looks like an upgraded version of G6. When will GM realize that Rebadging does NOT work? Just look at some tiny things like the signal lever, still looks like some cheap hard plastic comparing to the competitors that it is aiming.
What people are not realizing about the interior is that the door armrests (typically where your elbow/forearm would rest) are made of hard plastic and even have the faux stiching molded in like the cars of the 80's/90's. I was fairly satisfied until I saw that. My other complaint is the extremely boring and plain guage surround.
Exterior is nicer than past Saturns and I do feel it ups the ante on Camry's and Accords. However the real story will be in the Aura Red Line. If you don't yet think this car is a looker, you *may* change your tune once we see what they do to the RL. (I obviously haven't seen it yet either, so I may be eating crow when it is finally unveiled..but I have high hopes!)
I would just like to add that the Aura just isn't a rebadged G6 or Malibu. Out of the three vehicles, the Aura is the more technologicaly advanced and more refined of the three. I have owned a 96 Prelude, 98 Prelude, and a 2001 Accord. I have had more problems with those Hondas than any other car I have owned. I took care of all three vehicles, but yet had repeated electrical problems with all three. I have had my 2002 Deville for four years now. Not one problem yet! I have never had a problem with one GM vehicle since I began driving in 1962. I believe in buying a car for quality, and I have tried Honda, and my kids have tried Toyota. Their cars maybe more eco friendly, but I'd rather have smog come out of my car than smug!
Since my 2001 L300 is now up to 160,000 flawless miles, I'd say the timing of the new Aura is just about right for this dedicated Saturn driver.
I've noticed in the comment line here much of the same kneejerk rejection of anything GM. Given the experience that I've had not only with my L300 but 2 other Saturn vehicles as well, I'd say such commentary is the work of bitter individuals struugling to make the payments on their (terribly) used 14 year-old Corollas.
I had 1 Saturn and that was 1 too many. At 23,000 the head had to be replaced. At 51,000 miles the head had to be replaced. At 88,000 miles the head had to be replaced. See a pattern here!? The dealer paid for the first two, but I the 'consumer' got stuck with the third at a tune of $1,000. And to top it off the dealer acted as if he was doing me a favor. My wife and I let our money do the talking as since then we have purchased 3 jap cars: CR-V for my daughter, an Accord for my wife, and a Pilot for me. It's been four years and all 3 have NEVER had 1 single issue. To me it's clear that the majority of people of purchased Ford or GM products do so for one of two reasons. They need the rebate or they are just not knowledgable about cars. I will never buy a General Motors garbage product again.
I try not to be a "motorbiggot" as so many GM haters seem to be.I have owned more cars than most and a fairly even split of American and imports. I won't go into detail here but I will tell you out of the forty plus cars I've owned from around the world, the two most reliable were my '67 Impala and my '99 Saturn SL2. The Saturn is also the best dealership experience from day one to the present.
I said "reliable" because both cars did what they were intended to do, well. Neither car ever left me stranded, nothing ever broke and required service maintenence was very reasonable.
No one in my large Irish family had problems with our American [mostly GM] cars and only one person I know had a problematical GM car, A 1971 Chevrolet Vega. What a turkey that was.Oh yes, my '99 SL2, never having seen a garage, still looks like new and doesn't have a rattle in it.
I own an Aura, and the interior is better than an Accord or Camry IMO. Its really a great car, mine has a panoramic sunroof so I feel like I am driving a convertible
Jeff,
What color interior did you opt for? Black? I found the black somewhat better to digest than the grey.
IMO, GM cars suffer from poor build quality. Anything plastic or vinyl will either peel, crack, or break. We've owned 4 GM cars; a 94 Cavalier Z24, 99 Cavalier LS, 02 Pontiac Grand Prix GT, and 04 Olds Alero GLS V6. Every single one has had a problem with the vinyl on the instrument panel shrinking and peeling ...in the Alero, it peeled completely off just above the glove box. The black paint (why GM paints their plastic controls...i'll never know) on every switch, knob or indicator has peeled off. Pieces of plastic trim on the outside of the cars were constantly breaking, shrinking, warping and peeling.
GM makes a great 6 cylinder engine. Never a single trouble with one of my V6 engines or Transmissions...4 cylinders, however...wouldn't recommend them. I've had (collectively) about 300,000 miles driven between all of my GM cars, so I would consider myself pretty versed in the reliability of GM drivetrains. The Alero and Grand Prix drive as well as they look...and they look better than almost anything GM has to offer now, but with these experiences with GM, I can't justify spending $25k+ on a car that "may" completely fall to pieces in 2 or 3 years. I've done it twice...won't do it again.
I always liked the way Saturns looked. They were always so unique...and that was good. And from what I heard, they were very reliable, comfortable and economical. But here recently, I've noticed that they have become a little too mainstream...a little to "Chevrolet". And that can never be good. In the past, Saturn cars didn't share any platforms with other GM vehicles. Now, there isn't one Saturn vehicle that has a unique platform.
The Aura is a beautiful car, but if you look at the details, it's GM roots show through...very badly. That cheap looking painted metallic trim on the instrument panel is going to be completely scratched up around the ignition. The turn signal and wiper controls are the same as those in my Alero. The gauge surround looks like a piece of corrogated plastic from a piece of $79 Ikea furniture. GM has the right idea with this car, but it looks as though they used Dollar Store parts to build it. Come on GM...step it up a notch!
I recently had the opportunity to test drive an Aura XE and XR, and with either level, I was pleasantly surprised after being a Honda driver for over 12 years now. Frankly, I think either car is a great value. For my part, I found the XE's ride to be a little friendlier. The XR's tires would thump a little too much for me, and at time s the steering wheel had a little twitchiness. Sure, I liked the extra power and that 6 speed tranny, but the XE was enough--faster than my current 2004 4cyl Accord EX-L, and ALOT quieter!!
To be truthful, I'm actually considering an Aura XE for my next car--a GM car!! What has happened to me? Will all my friends ostracize me? I don't care. The XE, with standard cloth seats is a very comfortable, quiet and sufficiently powerful car for me--at an affordable price. I'm a little concerned about GM's rep for quality, but I'm closer than ever to taking a chance. Any feedback ou there? Let me know.
Oh yeah, one more question--about the panoramic sunroof? Does it seem well-made and quiet? Or is it anopportunity for problems? I find the noise factor with sunroofs varies with different cars, so I'm wondering about the Aura.
I have not yet encountered an automotive writer that knows his,or her a** from a hole in the ground. I think that the new Aura XR is a fantastic drive! I have not been this excited about a new car in a long time. And I know cars, having been playing with them and building them for almost 40 years.
Have an Aura XR with 3,000 miles. At 2,000 miles it developed a major clunk while braking and turning. It also has a major rattle in the steering linkage area. The dealer ackowledged the problem and stated that all their demostrator cars with similar low milage have the same problem. Dealers says Saturn Corporate does not acknowledge that there is a defect on early Auras. The dealer stated he cannot do a fix until Saturn Corporate addresses the problem. He said aI have to just live with it or sell it back to him for $6,500 less than I paid.
oh this is a lie it would be fixed under the 5 year 100k mile warranty
I was just reading on Autoweek in their double take section where they rated the Aura over the new Camry SE. How did that happen? Autoweek says the Aura interior is better and feels more comfortable on the road. This isn't supposed to happen...according to many of you, the Camry cannot be beaten. I guess it is true....Saturn is just as good as your fabled Camry.
Re: Problem with Aura XR mentioned in previous comment listed above.
Worked with Saturn Customer Support and was provided a solution that met my expectations. Saturn appears to be continuing its emphasis on customer satisfaction in addition to bringing out some exciting new vehicles.
I designed the laminated front windows, so I am a little biased. But, when I worked for GM, I drove a VW GTI for 4 years. I am a rabble rouser, not a blind loyalist, and this is my first GM car in 18 years!
After 2 Honda Civics, 1 CR-V, 1 Odyssey, 1 Pilot (Honda's), 1 Volvo XV-70 and 1 Ford Explorer (Ford's), I love this Saturn.
I quit working for GM in 1993, so it has been awhile. I know a good car when I see one, though. This is a great car, not merely a good one. After test driving Camry's and Accord's, this car is the best...sportier, better looking, and GREAT dealer attention. Our Honda dealer can't be bothered, they won't deal at all, and early lease buyouts...forget it. The local Saturn dealer worked and worked a deal, and I paid $4500 under sticker.
I have an Aura XR and really enjoy driving it. On the performance end, the 3.6 VVT has lots of power. Click off the traction control, and you can lay some impressive rubber from the starting line. Torque steer isn't bad. I beat a BMW 740 to 100 mph by a car length, and the Aura had lots left. I let the 740 go as we were approaching traffic.
Interior is ok. I wanted and got black cloth, and fit and finish is nice. I don't care much for the cheap plastic parts on door panels, but overall the car has all the features I'm looking for. 6 airbags, very nice stereo, mp3 jack, 6-disc in-dash cd player (not really necessary with mp3 jack), climate control, dual-power seats, rear passenger radio, XM radio, 36 presets, 18 inch wheels, and so on. Overall, a very nice product for the money.
I'm a guy who HAS to buy American cars. I just can't fathom people handing over a whopping $48,000 to a foreign country, when you read about General Motors having to lay off 14,000 workers! In the long run, those European auto producing countries don't CARE about us and sometimes despise our country, so we've got to care for ourselves and keep our economy strong. Even though vehicles have components from many countries, the bottom line is we have to keep GM and Ford solvent and our neighbors working to feed their families.
The good news is GM and Ford are producing cars that are just as good as the Japanese cars, and even BETTER than the Europeans. The Saturn Aura is a prime example of a car that can compete in all facets with the best of the foreign cars in its price range.
I bought one because of its styling, handling, reviews, and BECAUSE IT WAS BUILT BY MY FELLOW COUNTRYMEN IN KANSAS CITY!!!
I own a 04 Saturn Vue red line and it now has over 80K for mileage. I have not even changed the brake pads. I checked them this weekend and they are still half there! The tires wear like iron (18in) and the vehicle is fun to drive. It has the Honda v6 and it still runs new. I had a standard Vue (02) and it was the same. No problems at all. I am thinking about a new aura and the only problem I have found is that the trade-in is quite poor. I am going to sell the red line privatly in order to get what it is worth. I believe it will hit 150K + without any trouble. If anyone does know what it is worth on the open market please email me. Dealers don't seem to care if you trade or not. Over-all I think Saturn is a fine auto except for the interior. It does seem to be a little plastic-ish or cheep if you will.
Satisfied
So Brian, would you buy a Saturn Astra, made by your fellow human being in Belgium? Hmmm.
By your measure, every car GM and Ford builds should be built in the US. So by buying a GM product, you are supporting their efforts to move jobs overseas. How is that helping? Why not buy a Camry made in Kentucky and encourage them to build more plants in the US, adding more jobs for your fellow countrymen. Your argument does not make sense in our world today.
The problem with GM and Ford is that they have to pay for pensions and healthcare, while in Japan and Europe the government manages those programs. Americans are too ignorant to realize that the market does work, but everyone has to be on the same playing field. Free trade is not really free when different economic systems are trading 'freely'. We should impose tariffs to balance these system imbalances, including for our environmental regulations, as well as our social-system differences.
I have to say that I am a firm believer in the foreign cars. I am the classic business man that trades in his car every two years as I need to have the appearance of success for my clients. I have had, and used about every kind there is. I test drove, and purchased the Aura last week for my new car. The drive is impecable. A quiet, comfortable transport that is quite frankly well above the quality of the Camry or Accord. I do agree about the plastic looking interior being below what this car deserves, however this is overlooked when you can get such a wonderful vehicle all the way around and at such a great cost. The fuel economy is just another added bonus to this vehicle when fuel prices keep going up. On a side note, Once I added after market wheels and tires and tinted the windows, I have many young adults stopping me and wondering about my car as they feel it is one of the best looking cars they have seen with so much more character than the 'foreign' cars. I had one young man tell me that the car looks 'beefy'. Not sure exactly what that means but I'll take the compliment. I strongly advise anyone out there looking for a new car to at least test drive the car and give it a chance. I promise, you will be very pleasantly surprised.
I've driven and repaired(auto technician)VW and Audi vehicles for the past 25 years.I truely believe these vehicles are good quality,reliable cars.I recently bought a 2007 Saturn Aura because of it's past reputation,style and performance.I fully understand that all vehicles at some point will have issues regardless of sticker price.
I think GM has come a long way with the Aura, and the new Chevy Malibu will help them sell alot more of their product to compete with Toyota and Honda. As far as all the comments that I see on American cars being crap, I have a 1996 pontiac bonneville with 130k on it, still has the original transmission, motor runs like it was new. Yeah, I've replaced a couple of batteries and a fuel pump, but what 12 year old car doesn't need a few new parts. I've read many reviews online about the honda accord transmissions crapping out after 50k, that doesn't sound like quality to me.
I purchased a new 2007 Aura xr in April of 2007.After several complaints of a mild tremor in the gas pedal and a lack of get up and go between 20 and 40 mph and nothing being fixed,the transmission had to bereplaced in August of 2007.Even though I can now move backwards and forwards the lack of power between 20 and 40 mph is still an issue.The vehicle is very slow to seek a lower gear when the gas pedal is mashed and bogs down horribly.The service manager finally acknowledged that I have a legit complaint after driving my car and a like car back to back but claims it is designed to accelerate that way.I have had my car in the dealer for service for almost 5 full weeks this year alone with 3 weeks just to install a new transmission.This car did not respond this poorly when I test drove it and find it very hard to believe that any car with a V-6,6 speed auto transmission and 252 hp would be designed not to respond when the gas pedal is mashed at 20 mph and not find a lower gear.
I would like to hear from other Aura owners with same problems if out there.
My 2007 Saturn Aura XE with 17,500 miles has rear brake problems. Front rotors and pads are fine. Service advisor at Saturn told me I need new rotors, calipers, and brake pads in the rear. Over $550. None of which are covered under warranty. Since when do rear pads wear faster than the front? And at 17,500 miles. There are many other complaints with the same problem on the internet. Where's the recall???