Anyone driven the Aura yet?

[ChiefyMan]

Alright, so a year ago most, if not all of you, would have laughed at the brand Saturn. However, with the new Sky roadster and Aura midsize sedan, Saturn's begun its turn-around.

My question to you is, have you bothered to check into it? For $20,595, you get:
-3.5L V6 (as opposed to I4 by Accord, Camry, Altima)
-6 airbags (5 star all around, safest in class)
-Tilt/telescope steering wheel
-17" wheels
-Massive truck that would make our G35's look like them came from a Civic
-CD w/ MP3 capability
-Driver Info Center

This base model (called XE) isn't gonna outperform our G35 at all, but it's plenty punchy considering it's $20K base price, it's roomy and very comfortable, and is very quiet.

Go up to the XR, and you get:
-3.6L V6 good for 252 HP
-Sport-tuned suspension
-18" alloys
-Power/heated front seats
-Steering wheel audio controls
-etc

This model can't even though $28K w/ leather, XM sat. radio, 5 yr/100K mile warranty, OnStar, tint, dual chrome tipped exhaust, 18" alloys, larger engine, pretty much the majority of what our G35's have (sans a few things such as a screen - OnStar can provide nav though)

And, like the XE, it's not going to beat out our G35 in a race. However, it's quite comfortable, stylish, pretty strong (mid 6 0-60 times), handles well, and is loaded with features. While I'm sure you wont trade-in your G35 anytime soon for one, you should check it out.

I'd also tell ya to check out the Sky, but given that that's sold our at some dealerships for over 1 year, chances are, you won't see it. And if it is, you wouldn't be able to test-drive it.

[Z06ified]

The Aura doesn't compete with the G35, but I would certaintly pick an Aura XR over a V-6 Camry or an Accord. If you get the leather with the two tone colored interior, it is a really sharp looking interior!

They will be coming out with a Redline (performance) version of it shortly, although I'm not sure which engine they will be putting into it. It would be nice if they offered it with a manual tranny too.

I like the Sky Redline a lot too. I've kicked around the idea of trading in my old Z06 in a few years for a Sky Redline for 2 years to satisfy my convertible desires, as an interim step before buying a new Z06.

[SwivelHips]

Yup

Saturn Aura

[Espresso]

For the mid-$20s, I'd take a Camry SE V6. It's a sharp looking car with a good punch. Toyota did a great job with this car. Saturn however has been on the up.

[JC-RH]

i rented an Aura a couple months ago. when they gave me it to me, i was like "what the?! what is that??" then i saw the name. drove it for ~500mi on a road trip. it's iight i guess. didnt like the fact that the rear seat headrests blocked the view of the rearview mirror.

[gspotter]

You would be much better off getting a new Altima instead.

[Z06ified]

Originally Posted by Espresso

For the mid-$20s, I'd take a Camry SE V6. It's a sharp looking car with a good punch. Toyota did a great job with this car. Saturn however has been on the up.

A Camry SE V6 won't have many options for mid $20's. An Aura XR V6 will be better equipped for the same price. The Camry is fast and it is a competent car, but the problem I have with the Camry is it handles like a wet noodle, and with the exception of straight line acceleration, it is about as exciting as a toaster. At least the Aura XR has some sporting intentions and has more of a european feel in ride and handling.