2007 Saturn AURA Green Line Hybrid Review
Saturn is one of the youngest domestic brands, and it has long held a reputation for cheap, mediocre cars. But the Aura, which debuted this year, is dressed to impress. Taking a cue from European design, the Aura marks a bold new direction at Saturn. Also debuting is the Aura Green Line hybrid, which is set to be the most affordable hybrid car on the market. The Aura was named the 2007 “North American Car of the Year” by journalists at the Detroit Auto Show.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The Saturn Aura is one of GM’s most promising new vehicles, and the best model Saturn’s produced in years. The Saturn Aura Hybrid proves to be just as promising, combining the award-winning Aura with a mild hybrid solution. Instead of a full hybrid system, with a gas and electric engine, a mild hybrid system merely shuts off the engine while braking or coasting. If you want total value for your money, it’s hard to go wrong with the Aura.
What’s New For 2007:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
The Aura is too young for accurate reliability information to be available. Saturn has been very hit and miss in their reliability. However, driver impressions have been positive so far, despite some concerns about cheap door panels. There have been no recalls as of yet. Problems reported in the Aura include airbag lights randomly popping on, engine cooling issues, water leaks, difficult shifting, and problematic lights. Expect average to above-average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Aura earned perfect 5-star government crash test ratings. IIHS data is not yet available. The Aura comes with anti-lock brakes, full side airbags, and traction and stability control.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Cheapest hybrid on the market
+ Full safety features
+ Great interior for a GM
Cons
– Not a full hybrid
– Unknown reliability
– Unknown fuel efficiency
Head-To-Head Competition:
If you’re looking for a hybrid mid-size car, there’s not much on the market yet. Your choices are pretty much limited to the Aura, the Toyota Prius, the Toyota Camry Hybrid, and the Honda Civic Hybrid. The Aura is the cheapest of the three, but the Prius is only about $100 more, and the Civic is about $500 more. The Aura surprisingly has a much more powerful engine than the Civic and the Prius: 164 hp vs. 110 for the Prius and Civic. Unfortunately, a full comparison can hardly be made, since EPA fuel efficiency figures for the Aura have not yet been released. However, since it’s only a mild hybrid, expect the Aura to get lower miles to the gallon than its competitors.
What Others Are Saying:
“If you’re in the market for a midsize sedan that makes driving fun, yet leaves a little more change in your pocket-and shaves some guilt off your miles around town-the Aura Green Line deserves a look. This mild hybrid will improve your fuel economy without really feeling the pinch, and that translates into some serious savings-for you and the earth. After all, it’s the choices that we’ll all be needing to make as gas prices continue to climb and greenhouse gases skyrocket. Better yet, Saturn’s got more hybrids and plug-ins in store for us, and we’re looking forward to them. When you can secure a safe, reliable ride that makes the everyday drive a pleasure, that’s just a good thing.” – About.com
“Although its dashboard isn’t loaded with electronics, the 2007 Saturn Aura is a solid sedan with a decent stereo and has navigation and hands-free calling offered through OnStar.” – C|Net
“Saturn is in the process of reinventing itself with a host of surprising new products that are available now or will be in the near future. The current star of this new renaissance has to be the 2007 Saturn Aura. This midsized, front-wheel drive sedan is designed to compete with the likes of Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima, all powerhouses in this crowded market segment, and from what I could see on my first drive, this good looking sedan has the goods to give those stellar cars something to be concerned about.” – The Family Car
Read more about the 2007 Saturn AURA Green Line Hybrid at the Saturn manufacturer web site.
