CTC Review: 2007 Saturn Aura XR

[Shemp]

LOL, talk about weak. Man you are really reaching.

[Shemp]

I don't think people who buy these midsize sedans are overly concerned with how well a car handles. If they were then the Camry wouldn't be as popular as it is. They don't think ,"lets load up the family and go carve some ramps" , with us its , get on the highway don't speed and enjoy the ride.

[tortoise]

There's nothing wrong with the way a Camry drives.  I drove the previous Gen (4cyl) for about 1000 km and liked it.  Sure, it wasn't super sporty but it drove nice, stopped well and did everything you wanted it to.

[Nimbus]

And to add about pricing on the Aura to the Accord to the Camry with "similar features" (you have to add a bunch to match the Aura not including 18" alloys that are not available on the Honda) the price of an Accord without Navi is $38,400. A Camry is $41,835 including 18" wheels but not the tires which you have to pay extra for. The Aura is $35,500. Check it out and if I am wrong correct me.

THe Accord EX-V6 is $34,200 and Camry SE V6 package is $36,945(form their canadian websites).  Where did you get your prices from?

The pricing comes from the Canadian Websites as well but from their "build section" as you have to add a bunch of equipment to match what comes on the Aura. I used the Camry XLE which has leather and an Accord EX with Leather and an Aura with Leather and all options added except a panoramic sunroof. The Aura I used also has a sunroof, 6 disc changer, built in garage door opener, remote starter, MP3 player, xm satellite radio, 18 inch wheels, leather steering wheel, and leather shift knob. These items have to be added or are not even available in the Accord or Camry. I have included shipping costs as well.

For your info, starting price of a regular Aura XR without options is just a bit over $32,000 including shipping and that still includes 18" wheels, 6 disc changer, rear wireless headphones and audio controls, front heated seats, remote starter, and xm satellite radio not to mention Onstar which is generation 7.1 so it includes the ability to subscribe to turn by turn navigation. Considering that a Nav system costs $2500 on an Accord and $2705 on a Camry the $149 upgrade for the first year and the just less than $50 a month after that for all features of Onstar like possibly saving your life; it will take a long time to match the initial cost of a regular Nav system. Of course you will need an Nav Map Update DVD every year which is at least $199 to $300 if you want to be current. Turn by turn is always current and never needs upgrading as the information is downloaded to the vehicle itself.

Just let me mention the paddle shifters in a Bob Newhart type of way. "So you say you have to take your hand off the wheel to make the car go faster and also to help it slow down- to change gears? And depending on which country this could either be your left hand or your right hand? Plus you have to use your left foot as well and your right foot in this operation and some people use their right foot to brake at the exact same time they need to touch the accelerator when slowing down before turning all the while they only have one hand on the steering wheel? Or I can have it where I can use one hand to shift down and the other hand to shift up and I do not need to use but one foot for braking or accelerating? And on some cars these controls are not on the steering wheel? Or I can use either hand for upshifting or downshifting depending on the circumstances? Hmmm, seems to me I should call a taxi as it all seems too dangerous to me, especially that first one" It all comes down to what a person gets used to.

Cosidering we are talking about cars with radio control, cruise control, wipers, Nav Systems, and many other buttons and levers all over the place I think we all need to put things in perspective here. There is no perfect solution. I drive a huge number and variety of cars every year. I need to adjust myself to each one in a short period as I have no choice. It is all a matter of getting used to something as long as it isn't dangerous or painful I do not think we really need to overly complain.

That is the gist of it all. One persons opinion is just that an opinion but it isn't more important than the next person. Like I said before. There are people who have the ability due to their job or just being more well known to influence others. Such as a car reviewer or a movie critic or a "you name it". When personal opinions are taken as fact that is not good. But that is the way it is in this world. When a person asks me how good the fuel economy is I show them the ratings because most people are visual, then I mention the comments I get from my customer's for that vehicle and the competition if I know that as well, then I say it really comes down to who is driving and how they drive with a joke thrown it that I personally wouldn't by nature get very good fuel economy. That person will be able to make up their own mind as a result. My opinion isn't expressed but my knowledge has been truly helpful.

The scary part about it being cars and trucks that we talking about here is because people make this decision usually once or twice in a number of years. They need to be objectively informed. It isn't a movie or a restaurant where you spend a few dollars here or there and do it once in a while. Vehicles are everyday items that we spend a huge amount of our time in and our income on. They deserve more attention to the facts than a movie review. It is unfortunate that many, too many people because of their lack of time have to cut their shopping lists down before they even visit a dealer. Many good vehicles get overlooked as a result. So if I see an opinion listed as a fact I am more than happy to point it out and call it for what it is.

[wing]

Out of all that I got "I want to read FACT reviews"

Therefore I point you to a "fact review" of the Aura.

http://www.gm.ca/ss/english/vehicles/saturn/aura/aura_options.jsp#Specifications

[safristi]

Well put Nimbus......many if not MOST folk...buy on what?....a perception of what they need.....influenced by media,ads,neighbours,friends,workmates etc....so they have a jumble of ideas floating UP THERE and suddenly a quick RUSH of BLOOD to the HEAD......(a bonus,pay raise,angst, whatever) fuels the NEED for a new CAR..they tend NOT to stray too far in the most part from their previous purchase(s) (lottery winners and V Wealthy excepted)..and Loyalty to a brand does play a part so they MISS MANY A BETTER VEHICLE FOR THEIR NEEDS than they KNOW.
     If they could take a few months to clearly look at the available cars and test drive many and reduce it to a few candidates and then RENT them each for a week(if possible)or at least take them overnight for a comprehensive testing...all the family in it...short trips...longer trip...at the parking lot in rushhour etc.....BUT lets' face it most just buy the top 10...and are happy enuf anyway........SHRUG

[Nimbus]

Out of all that I got "I want to read FACT reviews"

Therefore I point you to a "fact review" of the Aura.

gm.ca/ss/english/vehicles/saturn/aura/aura_options.jsp#Specifications

Nice one Wing. It is good to see you have a sense of humour because I hope you aren't getting offended. That isn't my purpose. It isn't like I said you need to improve or did it seem that way. Well it is just my opinion anyway. Shouldn't matter. Right?

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Out of all that I got "I want to read FACT reviews"

Therefore I point you to a "fact review" of the Aura.

http://www.gm.ca/ss/english/vehicles/saturn/aura/aura_options.jsp#Specifications

The Colour & Wheels section actually has good colour representation for a change  unlike many sites.

Saturn doesn't have as many retailers as other brands, but I've seen quite a few on the streets already so I'd say they're off to a much better start than in the past with their mid-sized L. The LED tail lights caught my eye and the chrome looks good with streetlights shining on it at night.

Nimbus, I take it you're in sales? What manufacturer, if not for Saturn?

[wing]

Out of all that I got "I want to read FACT reviews"

Therefore I point you to a "fact review" of the Aura.

gm.ca/ss/english/vehicles/saturn/aura/aura_options.jsp#Specifications

Nice one Wing. It is good to see you have a sense of humour because I hope you aren't getting offended. That isn't my purpose. It isn't like I said you need to improve or did it seem that way. Well it is just my opinion anyway. Shouldn't matter. Right?

No offense taken Nimbus, everyone has opinions and all are valid, we can agree or disagree and that's how the world turns.

[mdxtasy]

Big difference I see is that wing isn't trying to sell any one make, he's asked to drive it and offer his OPINION on it.  That's what reviewers do, review what they are given.  His personal views are just that, and play a role in how he determines what the likes are, and what the dislikes are.  I like this sort of information....and I take it with a grain of salt.  It's up to the consumer to decipher all the information, including the spec sheet. 

The Aura looks to be a lot better product than some of that stuff Saturn used to sell...is it enough to match up with the Camry and Accords...not to mention the Sonata, 6, Altima etc?  Sure you get more for your buck, but what you get must still be good and high in quality and reliability.  Getting more in a product is meaningless if the content doesn't hold up.

What's the marketing campaign for this vehicle?  Besides those cheesy 'mixups' by delivery drivers etc?  I haven't seen an ad to promote this product....but then maybe Saturn just wants to avoid influencing the buyers. 

[AVToller]

but what you get must still be good and high in quality and reliability.  Getting more in a product is meaningless if the content doesn't hold up.

  Features are all very well, but if the BASIC PRODUCT is not solid and reliable, for me, it is not worth very much and will definitely NOT be on my radar. I hope the Aura turns out to be an excellent car, but it will take a few years to see if the core value is there.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I've seen TV ads, but think they're from the US. Might be wrong.

"There is a way/car..." (whatever it is). Not a bad ad.

[articsteve]

The pricing comes from the Canadian Websites as well but from their "build section" as you have to add a bunch of equipment to match what comes on the Aura. I used the Camry XLE which has leather and an Accord EX with Leather and an Aura with Leather and all options added except a panoramic sunroof. The Aura I used also has a sunroof, 6 disc changer, built in garage door opener, remote starter, MP3 player, xm satellite radio, 18 inch wheels, leather steering wheel, and leather shift knob. These items have to be added or are not even available in the Accord or Camry. I have included shipping costs as well.

Why compare a XLE Camry with a Aura XR?  What XLE buyers are going to seek 18 inch wheels as the OEMs are 16 inch?   Who wants a panoramic sunroof that when open looks like a winged avenger?   The closest Camry to the XR is the SE V6 C package.  Which is $36,945. MSRP

The fact remains that ppl will only buy these GM cars with an inducement, be it low financing rates, GM points, or GM employee family discount.   So far one person has announced on this site that he went ahead with the purchase and then reveals that he had a GM employee discount and GM points.  These cars are still the sum of it's parts and GM has made a mission of contracting the cheapest parts possible.  In addition many of their suppliers are in Chapter 11 and that can't be good for quality when ppl building these GM parts know that soon they will be working for a third of their previous wages.   

[Nimbus]

You have a point when mentioning the SE V6 instead of the XLE so I priced one out. When I added the remote starter and XM Satellite Radio with package B for the 2007 model as there wasn't a package C listed the price is $39,795. Yeah forget the 18" wheels, who cares if they are on the Aura and not on the Camry. Still costs extra to get them on the Camry though no matter what someone says. So I left them out.

You also forgot to include shipping in your price because you still have to pay it. So for $4,000 more you can have a Camry. For payment the Camry is $794.11 a month for 60 months while the Aura is $683 including taxes and fees. For a 24K lease where resale value and reliability doesn't really matter here is the result for 48 months. Camry $678.72 and the Aura is $562.67 taxes in. I haven't included the Wish and Win discount either which drops the payment down another 8 bucks or so for the minimum for both lease and finance. This is Alberta so no Provincial Sales Tax. So you have the privilege of spending an extra $5570.40 for a 4 year lease on a Camry.

I won't comment on cheap parts because many of the suppliers to the Toyota plants are also suppliers to GM because of the proximity of the factories to each other. But it will take time to prove good or bad the reputation of the Aura. No doubt about it.

[barrie1]

Articsteve has years of NO experience with GM products yet he seems to know all about them and likes to downgrade them at every opportunity he gets on here. To me if he had any recent GM ownership experience then he would be up to date on their products and not just speculating on what he has heard. He would certainly have some credibility on their products then. 

[Simple]

You have a point when mentioning the SE V6 instead of the XLE so I priced one out. When I added the remote starter and XM Satellite Radio with package B for the 2007 model as there wasn't a package C listed the price is $39,795. Yeah forget the 18" wheels, who cares if they are on the Aura and not on the Camry. Still costs extra to get them on the Camry though no matter what someone says. So I left them out.

You keep pushing the XM radio and 18" rims.  99% of the people that are looking to buy a Camry, Accord or Aura don't really care about these features. 

[articsteve]

You have a point when mentioning the SE V6 instead of the XLE so I priced one out. When I added the remote starter and XM Satellite Radio with package B for the 2007 model as there wasn't a package C listed the price is $39,795. Yeah forget the 18" wheels, who cares if they are on the Aura and not on the Camry. Still costs extra to get them on the Camry though no matter what someone says. So I left them out.

You also forgot to include shipping in your price because you still have to pay it. So for $4,000 more you can have a Camry. For payment the Camry is $794.11 a month for 60 months while the Aura is $683 including taxes and fees. For a 24K lease where resale value and reliability doesn't really matter here is the result for 48 months. Camry $678.72 and the Aura is $562.67 taxes in. I haven't included the Wish and Win discount either which drops the payment down another 8 bucks or so for the minimum for both lease and finance. This is Alberta so no Provincial Sales Tax. So you have the privilege of spending an extra $5570.40 for a 4 year lease on a Camry.

I won't comment on cheap parts because many of the suppliers to the Toyota plants are also suppliers to GM because of the proximity of the factories to each other. But it will take time to prove good or bad the reputation of the Aura. No doubt about it.

When I added the remote starter and XM Satellite Radio with package B for the 2007 model as there wasn't a package C listed the price is $39,795.

OK, lets stop adding features to the Camry that are not available such as remote start and XM radio and on the flip side I won't add bluetooth and a full sized OEM alloy wheel and tire (a small fortune) to the Aura XR.  Both have leather, sunroof, V6, heated seats, the usual crap.  Having said that, the Camry SE V6 B package (my bad earlier) and you still have a msrp of $36945.  As for freight and PDI scratch that because there is 3K in margin on that Camry so anybody with a spine is going to get this unit for $37K.  Too expensive for me though. 

For payment the Camry is $794.11 a month for 60 months

NO.

Purchase  $36945 @ 4.9% for 60 mths is $695.51

48 mth Lease @ 5.9% is $575.71

Taxes extra 

Aura XR purchase $34940  which is 2K less than Camry SE, not 4K.  Unfortunately, GM site not listing financing rates. 


So what does one do?  I know what I would do.    Say on a purchase, just after year 3, one finds themselves needing to get rid of the car.  God help the Saturn owner.  The 2K (plus tax) premium of the Camry will look like chicken feed in comparison to the wholesale on the Saturn.

As for a lease on a Aura XR, I personally could only sleep at night if the warranty was a 4 year bumper to bumper.  Obviously it's going to be cheaper than a Camry lease so well worth considering.

I won't comment on cheap parts because many of the suppliers to the Toyota plants are also suppliers to GM because of the proximity of the factories to each other

You need to expand on that statement.  You and Barrie been talking. 

[drederick]

The fact remains that ppl will only buy these GM cars with an inducement, be it low financing rates, GM points, or GM employee family discount.   So far one person has announced on this site that he went ahead with the purchase and then reveals that he had a GM employee discount and GM points.  These cars are still the sum of it's parts and GM has made a mission of contracting the cheapest parts possible.  In addition many of their suppliers are in Chapter 11 and that can't be good for quality when ppl building these GM parts know that soon they will be working for a third of their previous wages.   
[/quote]

articsteve come on - your serious that GM is the only company on the earth that wants to keep its part costs down? Just apply a little common sense and you'll see all businesses want to get the cheapest parts possible.

But since you won't agree with me, I demand proof of your statement that 'These cars are still the sum of it's parts and GM has made a mission of contracting the cheapest parts possible'

I want you to show that the parts GM uses are in fact inferior to other parts used on other cars by other car companies.

Examples please.

Oh and by the way, if you re-read what you wrote above, you actually prove yourself WRONG. WHY? because the whole reason both Delphi and Visteon - GM and Ford's largest suppliers (and just to add a little background - because I am convinced you know nothing Car related - they were actually spin off companies from Ford and GM) are in Chapter 11 is because their costs are so great that their parts are MORE EXPENSIVE to produce relative to cheap suppliers who use non-union employees.

Proof please or do not use the word FACT when you should use the word OPINION.

[amorak]

Toyota > GM.

That is all.

 

[articsteve]

articsteve come on - your serious that GM is the only company on the earth that wants to keep its part costs down? Just apply a little common sense and you'll see all businesses want to get the cheapest parts possible.

But since you won't agree with me, I demand proof of your statement that 'These cars are still the sum of it's parts and GM has made a mission of contracting the cheapest parts possible'

I want you to show that the parts GM uses are in fact inferior to other parts used on other cars by other car companies.

Examples please.

Oh and by the way, if you re-read what you wrote above, you actually prove yourself WRONG. WHY? because the whole reason both Delphi and Visteon - GM and Ford's largest suppliers (and just to add a little background - because I am convinced you know nothing Car related - they were actually spin off companies from Ford and GM) are in Chapter 11 is because their costs are so great that their parts are MORE EXPENSIVE to produce relative to cheap suppliers who use non-union employees.

Proof please or do not use the word FACT when you should use the word OPINION.

Its four and six-cylinder powertrains have proven reliable but there were some other reliability issues, says Chris Chase. He recommends "getting the best price you can to offset the possibility of future repairs."

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/cc/04-06malibu.htm

"getting the best price you can to offset the possibility of future repairs."

That sums up GM vehicles today after years of incompetence, neglect, management greed, union greed.

Derick; I am sincerely sorry that despite all the discounts, your recent GM new vehicle purchase is worth less than you owe on it.  Better purchase next time.