Midsize Cars Improve in Side Crash Tests

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently concluded crash tests on seven midsize sedans and discovered that while they had improved in side crash tests, they still lacked enough head protection to earn top marks in rear crash tests.

Tested were the 2008 model year Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Infiniti G35, Kia Optima, Mitsubishi Galant (which was updated for the 2009 model year on sale now), Nissan Altima and Saturn Aura.

Only the Kia Optima did not earn the top score of “good” for side impact crash tests – it received the second highest nod, “acceptable.” However, the Optima was the only car in the test to receive a “good” score in rear crash tests.

The difficulty in scoring the top rank in rear tests involves head and neck protection for those rear-end collisions that produce whiplash. The IIHS claims that those types of accidents and injuries lead to losses of $8.5 billion annually. Most vehicles need to equip active head restraints to pass this test.

The Audi A3, A4, Honda Accord, Saab 9-3 and Subaru Legacy – with optional stability control – earned good ratings in all tests previously and earned the IIHS’ Top Safety Pick designation for midsize cars. 

A full chart of how the cars scored is below.

This Week in Ask.cars.com

We’ve all heard that, second to the average person’s home, their most valuable possession is their car. When it’s time to buy that car and you have no idea where to start, there’s no doubt the decision is daunting. This week at Ask.cars.com, we answered that very question — where a first-time car buyer should start the search — plus a few more things that puzzled readers.

• Any suggestions for a first-time car buyer?
• Is the 2008 Nissan 350Z going to change in looks from the 2007?
• How can you find if a car is made in America?
• Is there going to be a Saturn Aura Red Line model in 2008 or 2009?
• How do I find what my car is worth?
• What are some cheap seven-passenger vehicles?
• When will the 2008 Ford Fusion hit showrooms?
• Can I get heated seats with cloth instead of leather?

This Week in Ask.cars.com

One of the most frequent questions we get asked outside the Cars.com offices is "Which car is the most reliable," or "How dependable is this car?" This week at Ask.cars.com we provided an answer for that question and included links to J.D. Power and Associates dependability studies, which we list in the Cars.com Advice section. We also walked away surprised at one of the models ranked best in its class.

• What model of car has the highest reliability ratings?
• If you drive a car through a big puddle of water can it ruin your engine?
• What are the most and least expensive cars?
• When is the new Camaro scheduled to be released for sale?
• Will the new Saturn Aura four-cylinder come with a six-speed automatic?
• What eight-passenger vehicle gets good mileage?

Ch-Ch-Changes: 2008 Saturn Aura, Now with Four Cylinders

When General Motors debuted the Saturn Aura sedan last year with a base V-6 engine and a more powerful V-6 optional we were perplexed. If a company is going to sell a mid-size sedan to compete with the Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, how could it not offer a lower priced four-cylinder option? GM explained its new Chevy Malibu would offer a full range, leaving Saturn with some exclusivity with a still-affordable V-6 lineup.

GM has changed course, however. For the 2008 model year the Aura will come with a four-cylinder engine in the XE-4 model. The XE-6 will also be made with the same standard 3.5-liter V6 it did last year. There is also a hybrid version of the Aura called the Green Line. That raises another question. The Saturn Green Line gets 24/32 mpg in city and highway driving while the EPA lists the new four-cylinder XE at 22/30. Will shoppers pay more for so little improvement at the pump? Prices and availability have not been announced but expect the new XE-4 to cost less than the 2007 XE which started at $20,345.

Ch-Ch-Changes: 2008 Toyota Prius

Toyota is battling with Saturn over the title of the most affordable hybrid on the market. The 2008 Prius reclaims that title with a stripped “Standard” version that will start at $20,950. There will also be the better equipped “Touring” model, which starts at $23,220. Neither price includes a $660 destination charge.

Saturn’s Aura Hybrid isn’t a full hybrid like the Prius, but the Aura enjoyed the honor of being the lowest priced hybrid when it debuted at $22,045 earlier this year.

The 2008 Prius will arrive at dealers in August and, besides the new trim designations, remains basically unchanged from the 2007 model.

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Saturn Prices Aura Green Line Hybrid Sedan (KickingTires)

First Drive: 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line

I tested Saturn's Aura midsize sedan last year and had a chance to get in its new hybrid version last week. The Aura Green Line shares its hybrid drivetrain with Saturn’s Vue Green Line SUV and gets an EPA-estimated 28/35 mpg (city/highway). That's the same rating as the Honda Accord Hybrid but less than the Toyota Camry Hybrid's 40/38 mpg. If the Aura isn’t already at your local Saturn dealership, it should be arriving shortly.

The Aura Green Line has what’s called a mild hybrid system that supplements the car's four-cylinder gasoline engine with additional power from an electric motor/generator when accelerating. The car doesn't move on battery power alone, like a Prius. The Aura’s total system output is 164 hp, which is adequate, and more importantly it operates seamlessly. If you didn’t know you were driving a hybrid, there's relatively little from the driving experience — apart from the engine shut-off feature when the car comes to a stop — to clue you in to the fact.

Saturn Prices Aura Green Line Hybrid Sedan

The Saturn Aura Green Line, GM’s first hybrid sedan, goes on sale this April with a $22,045 price tag, excluding the $650 destination charge. That means the Green Line and its four-cylinder engine and electric motor hybrid system costs $1,700 more than the base Aura XE, which comes with a standard V-6 engine. 

The Green Line is estimated to get 28/35 mpg city/highway, while the Aura XE gets 20/30 mpg. That’s still far less than the Toyota Camry Hybrid’s 40/38 mpg, but the starting price of the Saturn is $4,000 less. The Honda Accord Hybrid gets an identical 28/35 mpg rating, but is tuned for more of a performance-oriented driving experience and starts over $30,000.

What do you think? Is the Aura Green Line’s price just right?

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