We've added a 2007 Saturn Aura XR to our long-term fleet. It's the winner of the North American Car of the Year.
I had my first taste of the Saturn Aura this weekend. Acceleration is strong and upshifts are quick...
The steering was tight, but artificially so. Tight without feedback. But I have to say that after one night in the Aura I prefer it to our Azera and Camry, which are both too loose for my taste. By loose I mean that everything in them is too easy. Steering and acceleration in those vehicles could benefit from a little more tightness. It's too easy in those cars to look down at the speedometer and realize you are going 80 mph.
Other than that, the seats were nice and firm and have power adjustable controls. No heat though, which is my favorite option. The air conditioner cools the car quickly but blows out loudly even on the lowest possible setting.
The Aura is also rather good looking. I like the Berry Red paint and the fancy 18 inch wheels. I look forward to driving it again.
Read the Introduction of the 2007 Saturn Aura XR.
Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor @ 4,025 miles
penboy says:
12:06 PM, 07/30/07
The introduction for the Saturn Aura said that you paid $800 for the Premium Trim Package, and Saturn's website lists heated seats as an part of that package:
http://www.saturn.com/saturn/vehicles/aura/pricing.jsp
If you view the images associated with the packages, it looks like the seat heater control for the driver is on the left side of the seat, and presumably mirrored for the passenger.
dderosa says:
02:32 PM, 07/30/07
You're right. I just took the Aura to the car wash and it does indeed have seat heaters. Pretty good ones, too. They have two levels and heat up in just the right spot in the small of my back. I can't believe I missed them. --Donna
bimmerjay says:
11:36 PM, 07/30/07
Whatever would you guys do without your loyal readers! :D
I'm very disappointed that the Aura is not equipped with my GM "mega stalk" idea. Its wiper stalk looks almost... Japanese? And get this, it doesn't make crude snapping noises when you activate it either!
tcson says:
10:07 PM, 07/31/07
Typo alert: The Aura has 252hp, not 268; that belongs to the Camry.
1487 says:
10:47 AM, 08/ 1/07
i'm glad someone else noticed the seat heater issue. The impressions so far seem to be much more positive than Karl's. He hasnt been a fan of the car thus car due to its interior.
dderosa says:
04:24 PM, 08/ 1/07
Argh! HP corrected. I must not have had my coffee when I posted this.
--Donna
hondacura4 says:
10:34 PM, 08/ 6/07
The best bun warmers Ive smapled, my old 1996 Lexus ES300 and my uncles 1998 Mercedes CL500 that thing can make you break a sweat!