Article Comments: 2007 Saturn Aura XE Full Test

25 messages, Last post on Jun 22, 2007 at 3:51 PM

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What is this discussion about? Saturn Aura, Sedan

Article comments for Full Test: 2007 Saturn Aura XE - For starters, the Aura's sheet metal is crisp, with well-executed proportions, a taut stance and...is that a hint of Audi flavor in the doors? (more)

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#6 of 25 Who else by pat HOST Oct 23, 2006 (5:49 am)
read the article? What did you think?
#7 of 25 Article by chavis10 Oct 23, 2006 (6:46 am)
I too would like to know why a base model was tested when the article states that the XR version was driven extensively. The only conclusion I can come to is that maybe the XR was driven for an upcoming comparison test. I like the Aura from what I have seen (both in press and in person) however I feel GM missed a few details. The lack of a center armrest in the rear seat is a mistake and needs to be rectified next model year. Also, I've heard there are no grab handles inside the vehicle although I didn't notice if this is true or not when I sat inside the car so I cannot confirm. Dual zone A/C and Nav should be options on the XR as opposed to the four panel sunroof which seems frivolous (compared to the regular sunroof) in my opinion. Hard plastics and fit and finish should have not been an issue in this vehicle. Things like leather/leatherette arms rest and console covers should not be looking and feeling cheap. Buick's two sedans have very good materials and fit (LaCrosse/LuCerne) so Saturn should not be falling behind. I'm guessing GM wanted to rush and get to Aura to market as fast as possible and had to pass on a few things. Ever since Oldsmobile went under, GM has had no dedicated "import fighter," and I was interested to see the successors for both the Intrigue and Alero but unfortunately they never got a chance to be developed. Saturn has to take on this role and we need a no excuses midsized sedan who doesn't have to get by on it's exterior alone. Perhaps the new Malibu will share some improvements with the '08 or '09 Aura. Surprisingly, Edmunds didn't make a big deal about the apparent "cheapness" of the cockpit the way other publications have so I guess it really depends on the reviewer's standard of perceived quality.
#8 of 25 Saturn Aura not for tall people... by orbit9090 Oct 23, 2006 (8:20 am)
The article does not address a significant flaw in the Aura: The Auru is not for tall people, unless they don't mind scrunching way down like an accordian to get in. (ouch, my back!) I'm 6'2". I tried to test drive 2007 Saturn Aura, but couldn't even get in the thing...its roof is too low. When trying to sit down in, the roofline came level with my right ear...even after the salesperson moved the seat all the way down and back. There is not enough vertical INGRESS\EGRESS distance between the seat cushion and the roofline. Maybe this car is intended only for people 5'9" or shorter. Also a "stopper"...our Saturn dealership added some scam $800 paint protection package to all their cars - so much for no hassle no haggle.
#9 of 25 Re: Why not the Xr??????????? [jsmilesrmhs] by jkavanagh Oct 24, 2006 (7:43 am)
Replying to: jsmilesrmhs (Oct 20, 2006 5:36 am) Popularity. We tested the XE over the XR because Saturn estimates that 75% of Aura sales will be comprised of XE models. Since the Aura is an all-new model we wanted the article to be relevant to the highest possible number of readers.
#10 of 25 I've rented the Aura XE for 1 week by 2zmax Oct 25, 2006 (9:46 am)
It is a much better version of the same platform then the G6. The steering is A LOT better than anything else in the chevy/pontiac family so far. However the 4 speed auto and the base engine combo sucked. The car had a hard time keeping the speed while on cruise control. There is a huge power gap between 2000 and 3500 rpm - and it shows on the highway in the worst way. The interior room - was average, but the roof line is very low and It is very hard to get in and out of the vehicle. My colleague who is 6' 2" had a hard time getting in and out and his head rubbed the ceiling most of the time. I would give it a 6.5 out of 10, but it is still far behind even the Sonata. Maybe the XR would be better. Replies to this message: pat (Oct 25, 2006 10:12 am)
#11 of 25 Re: I've rented the Aura XE for 1 week [2zmax] by pat HOST Oct 25, 2006 (10:12 am)
Replying to: 2zmax (Oct 25, 2006 9:46 am) Have you read the review linked here? I was wondering how your experience compares to it.
#15 of 25 More surprises by kurtamaxxxguy Nov 05, 2006 (6:40 pm)
Read your article again and was surprised how poor the XE performance and fuel economy is compared to the Malibu V6, which is an older design but somehow manages to do equal or better in acceleration __and__ in fuel economy. Wot Happened? At least things improve with the XR. Wrt interior trim, yes, the article comments echoed what I found, though it's a mystery why the cheapo center console lid and the lifted-from-malibu roof lights escaped Edmunds. As for the whacko instruments, you should know the Auras' cousins, the Malibu and G6, also have instruments and indicator lamps going dead at random intervals (comment are in the Malibu/G6 forums).