2006 Best Sedan/Family Vehicle

[Ghrankenstein]

2006 Best of GMI Awards: Best Sedan, Best Family Vehicle, Best Car Engine, Best New Technology


2007 Saturn Aura


By Ghrankenstein


If anyone doubts the benefit of GM’s partnership with Saab, the global Epsilon vehicle architecture is an immediate example. Among Saab’s areas of expertise are front-wheel drive performance and occupant-protection crash safety. The exceptionally stiff Epsilon platform debuted with the 2003 Saab 9-3, which earned strong if confused reviews due to the reduction in Saab quirkiness in favor of general competence and GM ownership (along with Saab’s survival). The Epsilon-bodied 9-3 earned safety commendations on two continents, and continued Saab’s heritage of advanced safety in passenger vehicles.

Last year, we picked the Saturn Aura as our Best Concept, for its premium, accessible, and lovely styling. We admired the promise it brought to a valuable, yet neglected GM brand with a huge upside. As import brands and sub-brands moved upscale, so might the new Epsilon-bodied Saturn be able to offer a viable competitor.

In that role, against the Volkswagen Passat and Nissan Altima SE as much as the less interesting Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, the Aura is a thoroughly worthwhile American competitor. With its introduction, it might not have quite the sophistication of the Passat, or the performance of the Altima, but it offers plenty of both at a level of perceived quality to challenge shoppers on their word: that if an American automaker offers a competitive vehicle of comparable quality, they will at least strongly consider it. Obviously, it’s not that easy, but the proven components of the Aura XR’s prestigious powertrain, as well as of its blue-collar base XE, will win more far more customers than its L-Series predecessor.

I haven’t had the opportunity to drive the XE and XR Auras, though I suspect that they are similar to the vastly improved 2007 Pontiac G6 models. Both marques have abandoned the disillusioned electric-assist power steering for more driver-oriented hydraulic systems. Both offer similar wheel and tire packages on equivalent trim levels (e.g. XE vs. V6/GT and XR vs. GTP), and I suspect that handling is also very similar.

For good and possibly bad, the Aura’s value XE trim has a standard 3.5L VVT cam-in-block V-6, rated at a strong 224 hp and 220 lb-ft. Unlike the G6, the XE/3.5 only gets the 4T45E, which is extremely reliable, but lacks the excellent (especially for a four-speed) driver shift control (DSC) of the G6 GT. It’s certainly a good car, even a rewarding car, but GM expects the G6 to prevail at the $20,000-$22,000 price point, where it remains an outstanding, if unrecognized value.

In the XR, the Aura comes into its own. Like the G6 GTP, the Aura XR gains the Cadillac-sourced 3.6L DOHC/VVT V-6, rated at 252 hp, 251 lb-ft, and a power curve that rates higher than the G6 GT Sport/6M’s 3.9L V-6’s at every point (max 240 hp/240 lb-ft). That’s a lot of torque, and it’s matched to the new clutch-to-clutch 6T70E. The G6 GTP merely gets DSC, via the shift lever, while the Aura XR adds Tap-Shift paddles on the steering wheel, like the Corvette. We think very highly of the 3.6, enough that we picked it as our Best Engine for 2006. Some of us, like me, prefer the throatier 3.9L VVT pushrod, but until/unless it offers better fuel economy, it will remain an interesting performance option and not a 3800 workhorse V6 replacement.

By virtue of overall product votes, the Aura’s OnStar 7.0 Directions and Connections package Turn-By-Turn Navigation earned our inaugural Best New Technology Award. OnStar 7.0 suffers a bit in the “flash” category by not offering a neat/distracting map screen, but gains ground with single-button and on-the-fly operation, and up-to-date information without requiring expensive equipment or NAV disc upgrades. OnStar Turn-By-Turn is especially useful for the technology-impaired, to whom a conventional Navigation System is merely an expensive ornament. Compare the subscription with most companies’ yearly NAV disc upgrades, and you end up getting the “regular” benefits of OnStar for next to nothing. The “Doesn’t that cost extra?” crowd might not see it that way, but OnStar 7.0 Turn-By-Turn is a thoroughly competitive value and the most user-friendly navigation system currently available.

As it stands, the Saturn Aura is a fast, sophisticated, and beautiful sedan with a level of perceived quality far beyond the more plebian Malibu and G6. The Aura, however, will benefit from the Malibu’s established reputation for reliability, the G6’s reputation for affordable performance, and the 9-3’s reputation for safety, without causing any double-takes. Like always, Saturn’s no-dicker sticker and happy showroom service will continue to set a precedent that those of us who work in “dicker-sticker” showrooms can only envy.

Good job, Saturn, and good luck. You have GMI, and our membership voters behind you.


Ghrankenstein's Take- Buick LaCrosse CXL: A close pick over the Impala LT, since they're so similar, but the LaCrosse's 10-tooth telescoping steering wheel gives it the edge. Both vehicles are among the best for tall people, hence my sentiment. I also like the proven reliability of the Lacrosse's 230 lb-ft 3800 V-6, and the way that it matches up with the four-speed transaxle. As a traditional sedan, it's a great car and a great value. As a comfortable vehicle, I prefer it to any other. It’s not a canyon runner, but its crisp steering, within its modest chassis limits, will surprise many. Safe, won’t break down, and uber-comfortable. General public, where are you???

Swahili’s Take- I'll go with the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan. Available with a torquey turbocharged 4 cylinder or high-output turbo 6 cylinder if you opt for the Aero, you have plenty of power to get you moving. Distinct Saab styling sets you apart from other cars on the road and with Saabs track record of safe vehicles, you have peace of mind in case you're involved in an accident.

Counterpoint- Read Josh Greene’s Extended Take


Best Engine:


Ghrankenstein's Take- 3.9L VVT V-6: It's about usable power, and personality. The 3900 has a song like a miniature small-block, and big-bore torque at any point in its rev band. GM has a lot of great engines, many with better performance than the 3900, but this big pushrod gets my sentimental vote.

Paul8488’s Take- Turbocharged 2.0L Ecotec: A turbo 4 isn't right for every car, but GM has a good thing in this 2.0L and should get it into cars like the G5 and next-generation Vibe. And hp wasn't achieved by sacrificing torque... it has loads of both.

Swahili’s Take- 3.9L V6: To me, this motor is going to be the staple of GM's midsize cars much like the old 3800 was. If given proper attention and updates that it deserves, it will prove to be a rock solid and highly competitive engine for years to come.

Big Al’s Take- LS7: IMO, the best engine made in the world, pound for pound. 500hp, world-beating performance, 26mpg, no one can match it, not even Honda.

Ghrankenstein sez: And all this time I thought you'd vote for a four-cylinder.


Best New Technology:

Paul8488’s Take- Hasn't hit stateside yet, but the Opel Astra GTC Panoramic windshield stands out as a fantastic, one of a kind feature. It's amazing that something so transparent can be so visible.

Swahili’s Take- Flex Fuel capabilities in the newer truck motors. Is it going to make earth shattering impact? Not necessarily, but there are pockets of North America where E85 fuel is catching on, similarly, I think Flex Fuel will also grow in popularity among consumers.

ChevroletRevived’s Take- BioPower: BioPower is a new technology that is yet to be introduced in the US. But it's importance should not go unnoticed. Capable of running on any mixture of Ethanol fuel, the BioPower could be a key element in GM's green image push. So, for that reason, BioPower get's my vote for best new technology. Honorable mentions include the OnStar 7.0 Turn by Turn and Active Fuel Management.

Big Al’s Take: GM has not brought such a fantastic technology out in years. Outside of creative folding seats or OnStar, I can only say the slow surge of navigation through the lineups is the best thing for GM.

[asim]

Who wouldn't have guessed that the Aura would have won the sedan category! It's one of the only competitive cars that GM currently has. I think though by the time these awards roll around next year, we'll definitely have a new winner!

[DuSpinnst]

Well I'd take the new 9-3 Interior over the all new Aura. In fact I did just that.

[fullsizefan]

Sorry, but in my opinion the LaCrosse comes in pretty low on the list.

I had one as a rental for a month, and didn't find much to rave about. The handling and brakes stunk, and the seats were not particularly comfortable. By contrast, I had an Impala LTZ (with the 3.9) as a rental just before that, and I loved that car.

For what my vote is worth (not much!), I would take the Impala for the combination of size, features and value for the dollar.

[stevecmh]

I agree i think the Saturn is the best.. it beats out the Malibu and the G6. and that red interior is wonderful

[Bhodie]

Does the Zeta architecture come under new technology or was it really last years news?

It still has a lot of implications for GM North America.

[bryce miller]

well this was not suprising like others said its really the only real player if ur only talking competativness.

[ByTheLake]

Why did GM "dumb-down" the Aura's European heritage? The Opel Vectra has a stunning presence ... I've enjoyed my Autobahn trecks behind the wheel of a Vectra during business trips to Germany ... its a nice car to drive.

I say GM should have stuck with the Vectra's styling and content, including the projector beams.

[IROCNROL1]

Originally Posted by ByTheLake

Why did GM "dumb-down" the Aura's European heritage? The Opel Vectra has a stunning presence ... I've enjoyed my Autobahn trecks behind the wheel of a Vectra during business trips to Germany ... its a nice car to drive.

I say GM should have stuck with the Vectra's styling and content, including the projector beams.

It appears that sometimes GM just can't leave "well enough" alone. Maybe they were afraid of being called clonemasters again.

[ByTheLake]

Originally Posted by IROCNROL1

It appears that sometimes GM just can't leave "well enough" alone. Maybe they were afraid of being called clonemasters again.

But the Saturn Sky/Opel GT are direct clones, and people don't mind one bit. The Sky is well executed, and the Opel/Saturn markets don't overlap regionally.

Hopefully GM can become comfortable with its true European vehicles and confidently sell them in the US as Saturns without wiping away the character.

For my wish list, I'd like to see the Vectra Wagon sold here as a Saturn Aura Wagon. That's an awesome looking car, and functional:

[mbukukanyau]

Originally Posted by ByTheLake

Why did GM "dumb-down" the Aura's European heritage? The Opel Vectra has a stunning presence ... I've enjoyed my Autobahn trecks behind the wheel of a Vectra during business trips to Germany ... its a nice car to drive.

I say GM should have stuck with the Vectra's styling and content, including the projector beams.

The Problem is that Americans are not usually willing to pay top Dollar for the European/Asian Features in this class of cars.
If you saw a Japanese top of the range Corolla and a Corolla S or XE, or an European Accord, it sells here as an Acura.
To bring the Vectra as is, it would have to sell under a Buick Brand or would be going aganist Lexus or Acura in Price

At least that is what I have been led to believe when I visit these countries

[ponchoman49]

I disagree with the LaCrosse. I have driven all but the CSX versions and other than slightly better interior fits, my 2002 Intrigue puts the 3800 equipped CX and CXL models to shame. It offers better performance, a sportier shifting transmission, better steering, braking, handling and ride and I think better exterior styling. Plus the engine is smoother and quieter to boot! The Impala 3LT sedan with the 3900 is perhaps the best value in the current W-body line. It's just too bad the seats weren't as comfortable as the LaCrosse and that it's glove box light and floor shifter indicators and telescoping wheel weren't available on the Impala.
As for the Aura, it is hands down GM's current best effort in a family sedan even though it doesn't have a NAV screen and keyless start, two features that I could care a less about and 2 less things to break. I just wish GM had a 4 cylinder model out from the start and a more competitive hybrid version. In exterior styling, base engine performance, warrenty, interior and price, it has the dreadful Camry beat IMO.

[GM_Guy81]

The aura was a nice attempt, but the really should have been just made it look exactly like the vectra.

[EldoFan]

Originally Posted by ByTheLake

But the Saturn Sky/Opel GT are direct clones, and people don't mind one bit. The Sky is well executed, and the Opel/Saturn markets don't overlap regionally.

Hopefully GM can become comfortable with its true European vehicles and confidently sell them in the US as Saturns without wiping away the character.

For my wish list, I'd like to see the Vectra Wagon sold here as a Saturn Aura Wagon. That's an awesome looking car, and functional:

I agree.......from this view, it's got a sort of Audi-ish look about it. Someone's gotta give the Legacy wagon some competition now.....

[Quickening]

Originally Posted by ByTheLake

Why did GM "dumb-down" the Aura's European heritage? The Opel Vectra has a stunning presence ... I've enjoyed my Autobahn trecks behind the wheel of a Vectra during business trips to Germany ... its a nice car to drive.

I say GM should have stuck with the Vectra's styling and content, including the projector beams.

Geez. Maybe the Aura's MCE or when it moves to EpII..the two will be identical. We can only hope..