Edmunds' Full test: Saturn Aura XE

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Overall a favorable review, that ambient amber lighting looks smooth.

[regfootball]

conisdering this was an XE review, not bad. let me say this. had this car not been already tested and available as an XR with the 6 speed and good engine, they would have roasted the XE. Just goes to show you how favorably they will review a GM car when you can actually have a choice to get the decent engine and tranny on the options sheet. Something it GM to figure out how to do just now.

[Northstar]

A decent review. The radio looks terrible.

[FAPTurbo]

This thing should really have a stick shift, at least as an option.

But this is a pretty good review overall, and only reflects that GM is starting to do things right. The party is only just getting started.

[sciguy_0504]

The mood lighting is an awesome surprise to me. I love it but I'd rather have that money put into the nasty center stack.

[enzl]

How are sales figures vs. expectations? I saw news of about 3500 units last month. Anyone know what projections are and how the Aura is really doing?

[Bizz]

conisdering this was an XE review, not bad.  let me say this.  had this car not been already tested and available as an XR with the 6 speed and good engine, they would have roasted the XE.  Just goes to show you how favorably they will review a GM car when you can actually have a choice to get the decent engine and tranny on the options sheet.  Something it GM to figure out how to do just now.

206716[/snapback]

call me whatever you like, but i miss the performance, shift smoothness and mpg of the SC3.8/4t65 in my GP. the 3.6 is a nice mill, tho, and sounds better. unfortnately, the A6 needs a lot of work in the programming department. it shifts like my moms accord sometimes.

A decent review. The radio looks terrible.

206723[/snapback]

i like it. you may lick my balz.

The mood lighting is an awesome surprise to me.  I love it but I'd rather have that money put into the nasty center stack.

206796[/snapback]

pfft. get in line behind northy.

[balthazar]

Was talking to a guy last month who owned an infiniti g35x but who had recently test-flogged an Aura XR- said it definately outhandled his infiniti. He spoke very highly of the XR.

Maybe the Aura will make some real inroads among those who would not initially consider one.

[The O.C.]

Was talking to a guy last month who owned an infiniti g35x but who had recently test-flogged an Aura XR- said it definately outhandled his infiniti. He spoke very highly of the XR.

Maybe the Aura will make some real inroads among those who would not initially consider one.

207171[/snapback]

AURA should be a competent car....but I SERIOUSLY don't see it "out-handling" a rwd-based AWD G35X.....

Think power-to-the-ground, weight distribution, wheel/tire combos, even overall curb weight (I believe the AURA is actually heavier than a G35x)

[Bizz]

AURA should be a competent car....but I SERIOUSLY don't see it "out-handling" a rwd-based AWD G35X.....

Think power-to-the-ground, weight distribution, wheel/tire combos, even overall curb weight (I believe the AURA is actually heavier than a G35x)

209558[/snapback]

the XR is more than competent when compared to the last camcords i drove. an audi/VW friend of mine was impressed enough that he is thinking about getting one when his lease is up. ive never driven a 350/g35, but if they are comparable to the GTO, in terms of handling, it might prove hard to shake me in my XR on roads where brute power doesnt come into play.

however, the XR isnt without its faults. it has more oversteer than my last car (GP) when the rear suspension is severely unloaded. nothing to sht your pants about, tho. stabilitrak is neat.

roll is slight and progressive, but everything else feels so good that i wish it had thicker swaybars. hmm, assuming it has them.

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

Pretty good (and fair) review.

[Drew Dowdell]

But it's in XR guise that the Aura really glows. We'd put its V6 up against that of any manufacturer in smoothness, powerband flexibility and sound quality. It's really a treat.

Without the benefit of doing a full-on comparison test, we venture that — gruff powertrain aside — the Aura XE provides a driving experience that ranks up there with the front-runners of the class.

Edited December 11, 2006 by Oldsmoboi

[regfootball]

the XE is a tremendous value. the XR is a great competitor.