ConsumerReports: 2007 Saturn Aura

[Derek77]

Overview. The all-new Aura midsized sedan is the latest model in Saturn's stream of new products developed to reinvent the General Motors division, following close on the introduction of the Sky roadster. The Aura continues the brand's shift of focus toward more sophistication, performance, and style, rather than depending on its no-haggle pricing policy and dent-resistant plastic body panels to push a limited, lackluster car lineup.

Replacing the L-Series, the Aura rides on the same underpinnings as the Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6, and it uses regular sheet metal rather than plastic body panels. This new model faces tough competition in the crowded family-car segment dominated by the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. While the Aura is miles ahead of previous Saturns, it's still a little rough around the edges compared with the best cars in the class.

The Aura comes in just two trim lines, differentiated by powertrains and standard equipment. The base XE has a 224-hp, 3.5-liter V6 and four-speed automatic transmission, while the sportier up-level XR has a more refined 252-hp, 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed automatic. A four-cylinder and a hybrid are expected to join the range in a year or so. The XE starts at $20,945 and the XR at $24,945 with destination charges. Both have standard side and side-curtain air bags and antilock brakes. The XR has standard stability control, as well. Consumer Reports purchased one of each. With options, we paid $21,070 for the base XE and $26,820 for the premium XR.

Initial impressions. A more competitive model than the outgoing L-Series, the Aura demonstrates clear progress, though the base engine and interior fit and finish lack polish.

Overall, the Aura driving dynamics are pretty good. It handles quite nimbly, with responsive steering and well-controlled body motions. The base XE's pushrod V6 takes a bit of prodding to get the desired response and it sounds coarse. The XR's contemporary multivalve V6 revs more eagerly and delivers plenty of power. In fact, the 3.6L engine has such verve that it's a little too easy to spin the front wheels, despite the traction and stability-control systems. The ride quality is better--more compliant--in the base model than in the sportier XR. And in both iterations, a wide turning circle and rather heavy steering at low speeds can make parking a chore.

The interior furnishing is a mixed bag. The driving position is good and the front seats are supportive and well-shaped. Several testers found the shoulder-belt anchors too low, so the belt tugged on their shoulders. The top of the dash has a soft and grainy material but some clear cost-cutting shows in the flimsy glove box and center-console bin and sharp edge at the back of the front seats. The rear seats are roomy and reasonably comfortable. The trunk is a little shallow.

Overall, the new Aura represents real progress but it could stand more polish, specifically: a better ride in the XR, quieter chassis, and a higher-quality interior. Class leaders, like the Accord and Camry, are hard to beat but the Aura is competitive with other family sedans.

We will see how it stacks up against such competitors as the Kia Optima and Chrysler Sebring when our full road-test report appears in a future issue of Consumer Reports magazine and at ConsumerReports.org.

[Flybrian]

That is the most piss-poor car evaluation I've ever read. They say how the car is rough around the edges because the some drivers are too dumb to work seatbelt height adjuster? Lameass.

[Drew Dowdell]

We will see how it stacks up against such competitors as the Kia Optima and Chrysler Sebring when our full road-test report appears in a future issue of Consumer Reports magazine and at ConsumerReports.org.

uh... the Aura will completely pwn those two.... pushrod base V6 and all

[Intrepidation]

The XR's contemporary multivalve V6 revs more eagerly and delivers plenty of power. In fact, the 3.6L engine has such verve that it's a little too easy to spin the front wheels, despite the traction and stability-control systems

That's just a stupid complaint. It's like they're bitching cuz it has too much power. Don't slam the gas if you don't want to spin the tires f@#ktards!

[FAPTurbo]

The XR's contemporary multivalve V6 revs more eagerly and delivers plenty of power. In fact, the 3.6L engine has such verve that it's a little too easy to spin the front wheels, despite the traction and stability-control systems

That's just a stupid complaint. It's like they're bitching cuz it has too much power. Don't slam the gas if you don't want to spin the tires f@#ktards!

221001[/snapback]

They pulled similar bull$h! on the Nissan Altima and Maxima.

The new Camry can spin it's tires, and so can the Accord... what's the deal?

[Northstar]

What's wrong with spinning tires? That's fun

[Flybrian]

What's wrong with spinning tires? That's fun

221137[/snapback]

Consumer Reports that 'fun' is one of the leading cause of automobile accidents. In fact, a recent CR article stated that cars that are 'fun,' 'powerful,' 'well-designed,' and 'passionate' scored the lowest. Fun, therefore, gets a half-shaded red circle with a dot in the center, which apparently means something.

[ToniCipriani]

They should be testing the Camry with no engine that Polish_Kris or Ted was talking about a long time ago. Now that'll guarantee it won't spin wheels at all.

[Intrepidation]

They should be testing the Camry with no engine that Polish_Kris or Ted was talking about a long time ago. Now that'll guarantee it won't spin wheels at all.

221362[/snapback]

Let them test the 5-speed 4 banger Camry that can't get out of it's own way due to programing...or maybe the V6 Camry with a couple gears missing.

[Aura XR]

I wonder if they mentioned anything about getting the keys for the Saturn Aura and it had the Chevrolet bowtie logo on it?

Anyone else remember that?

[sciguy_0504]

I don't think they were complaining about the tires spinning. I think they were just mentioning, in a somewhat roundabout and stupid way, that the engine is powerful and competitive. If CR had a real problem would spinning tires they would make a much harsher statement. Their opinions on the interior and overall fit and finish have some truth, though.

[MyerShift]

Even Motor Trend (in their first drive, who knows how that will change) stated that the interior of the Aura has matched the the Japanese car standard norms, which themselves have all but caught up to the Volkswagen (and its similarly sized Passat, for instance).

[aldw]

CR continues to nitpick inconsequential stuff to death to suit their POV, unfortunately.

Edited December 3, 2006 by aldw

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

No domestic will ever touch a Honda, Toyota or Subaru in CR... Their readers wouldn't have it any other way.

front tire comment= Gimme a break!!!

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

I don't think they were complaining about the tires spinning.  I think they were just mentioning, in a somewhat roundabout and stupid way, that the engine is powerful and competitive.  If CR had a real problem would spinning tires they would make a much harsher statement.  Their opinions on the interior and overall fit and finish have some truth, though.

221977[/snapback]

I agree.... CR's writing style is like a dumb, passive-aggressive redneck. It doesn't always come out like it's supposed to logically sound, yet they're too inept to realize it.

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

They pulled similar bull$h! on the Nissan Altima and Maxima.

The new Camry can spin it's tires, and so can the Accord... what's the deal?

221131[/snapback]

The deal is that most of CRs sheep, er.... I mean, subscribers don't drive Nissans and Saturns.

[Polish_Kris]

Initial impressions. A more competitive model than the outgoing L-Series, the Aura demonstrates clear progress, though the base engine and interior fit and finish lack polish.

The top of the dash has a soft and grainy material but some clear cost-cutting shows in the flimsy glove box and center-console bin and sharp edge at the back of the front seats.

220960[/snapback]

This is what both Ted and I were complaining about when we sat in an Aura in Barrie in September.