2008 Saturn Aura I-4. (now with pictures)

[TheGeneral]

0-60 in 8.8 seconds in a midsize with a 4 cylinder and automatic is really good.

[roteague]

Originally Posted by DuSpinnst

Preset XM59, the only channel you will ever need. All Led Zeppelin, all the time.

I knew there was something I liked about you.....

[atomicshark]

Great car and review.

I am curious to know if the 4 cyl. Aura feels any more refined than the one in the Vue XE?

I am very happy with how our Vue drives even though it is "only" an Ecotec.

[coaster.n3rd]

Originally Posted by atomicshark

Great car and review.

I am curious to know if the 4 cyl. Aura feels any more refined than the one in the Vue XE?

I am very happy with how our Vue drives even though it is "only" an Ecotec.

The Vue XE 4 handles exceptionally well and acceleration is acceptable much like the Aura but, unlike the Aura, I find that there is a lot more noise coming from the engine in the Vue. The same type of NVH reduction in the Aura was not put into the Vue. Its not terribly loud, but it takes away from the Vue's otherwise great ride & handling. Something I think can be improved on, it sounds like a Honda.

I considered a Vue, but I don't like SUVs all that much. Keep me informed on your time with Vue. My girl wants to purchase one within the next year.

[atomicshark]

Originally Posted by coaster.n3rd

The Vue XE 4 handles exceptionally well and acceleration is acceptable much like the Aura but, unlike the Aura, I find that there is a lot more noise coming from the engine in the Vue. The same type of NVH reduction in the Aura was not put into the Vue. Its not terribly loud, but it takes away from the Vue's otherwise great ride & handling. Something I think can be improved on, it sounds like a Honda.

I considered a Vue, but I don't like SUVs all that much. Keep me informed on your time with Vue. My girl wants to purchase one within the next year.

If we did not have to consider space issues, I would have gone with either the 4 cyl. Aura or Malibu had they been available at the time. I'd much rather drive a midsize efficient sedan than an inefficient SUV.

I am happy to hear that GM is so proactive on NVH tuning. This will definitely help to win over Honda and Toyota customers looking for an alternative.

I will keep you posted on the Vue. It has been wonderful so far, but the fuel economy has been very weak. I barely got over 22 MPG on the highway and I have gotten as low as 16 MPG in local driving. Overall, it averages close to 20 MPG. Much better than the 15 MPG average of our old Explorer, but, not as good as I had hoped.

In contrast to the Vue, my 2008 Cobalt LT gets close to 30 MPG. Higher than I anticipated. The only complaint I have about the Cobalt is that it sounds loud when I first drive away after starting it. The noise goes away as soon as the car warms up. I noticed it on multiple new Cobalts, so I know it isn't a defect. It's unfortunate because the Cobalt is otherwise very quiet for its class.

[coaster.n3rd]

Originally Posted by DuSpinnst

Good to hear the 2.4 powers the thing with no problems, as I feel more people will opt for that motor in the future.

I think so, now if I could just sell leather on the 4 banger...

Originally Posted by DuSpinnst

Preset XM59, the only channel you will ever need. All Led Zeppelin, all the time.

Damn right. Nothing on? I tune to XM LED.

Originally Posted by Minnesota Nice

At least the 17" wheels are an option. I think the base wheels, while not awful, are not that good looking on such a sophisticated car.

You know, I could find black lug nuts I would take off the wheel cover. The black wheel underneat is actually pretty sharp, the problem is the lug nuts are of course silver and they make it look bad.

[DuSpinnst]

Originally Posted by coaster.n3rd

You know, I could find black lug nuts I would take off the wheel cover. The black wheel underneat is actually pretty sharp, the problem is the lug nuts are of course silver and they make it look bad.

How about plastic lug caps, get them in black.

[cdp326]

Originally Posted by atomicshark

The only complaint I have about the Cobalt is that it sounds loud when I first drive away after starting it. The noise goes away as soon as the car warms up. I noticed it on multiple new Cobalts, so I know it isn't a defect. It's unfortunate because the Cobalt is otherwise very quiet for its class.

A lot of Ecotecs are a bit louder and more growly on a cold engine start. I've noticed the same with other Ecotecs, both 2.2 and 2.4 versions.

[F14CRAZY]

I don't think a 2.2L Cobalt is quiet like at all

[caddycruiser]

Originally Posted by F14CRAZY

I don't think a 2.2L Cobalt is quiet like at all

It REALLY seems to make a big difference depending on the specific vehicle the Ecotec is in and the different measures taken to either quiet and smooth the engine or just the car in general.

In my '07 Malibu 2.2L, for instance, the engine was actually very quiet and the only bit of raspy 4-cyl growl would be if I really stomped on it. Otherwise, the only other bit was how it sounded from outside the car, but only slightly, when idling. Overall, very quiet and very smooth...and reminded me of reviews of the car when it came out and how "quiet and smooth" almost unexpectedly the base LS 4-cyl was.

In mom's new '08 Malibu 2.4L...not only do you barely hear a hum outside at idle but inside it is almost entirely free of engine noise and there's zero vibration. And, when running, it gives off the aura of a small, quiet V6 and even when punched...barely has any 4-cyl rasp, at least compared to even my '07 rental.

Now in cheaper, less insulated and refined Cobalts, etc., I could definitely see either engine seeming louder and less refined based on the vehicles themselves--even to the point of not seeming like the same engine. The overall refinement of the vehicle makes a huge difference, for sure.

[08Malibu 2LT]

Congratulations !! Very nice new car and I love the color. Excellent review.

[F14CRAZY]

I agree the overall rest of the vehicle will determine what the engine's like

[coaster.n3rd]

Originally Posted by DuSpinnst

How about plastic lug caps, get them in black.

You think that will work? I'm gonna pull the covers tomorrow and post pics.

Originally Posted by 08Malibu 2LT

Congratulations !! Very nice new car and I love the color. Excellent review.

Thanks

Originally Posted by F14CRAZY

I don't think a 2.2L Cobalt is quiet like at all

Originally Posted by F14CRAZY

I agree the overall rest of the vehicle will determine what the engine's like

Agreed and Agreed.

Originally Posted by caddycruiser

It REALLY seems to make a big difference depending on the specific vehicle the Ecotec is in and the different measures taken to either quiet and smooth the engine or just the car in general.

In my '07 Malibu 2.2L, for instance, the engine was actually very quiet and the only bit of raspy 4-cyl growl would be if I really stomped on it. Otherwise, the only other bit was how it sounded from outside the car, but only slightly, when idling. Overall, very quiet and very smooth...and reminded me of reviews of the car when it came out and how "quiet and smooth" almost unexpectedly the base LS 4-cyl was.

In mom's new '08 Malibu 2.4L...not only do you barely hear a hum outside at idle but inside it is almost entirely free of engine noise and there's zero vibration. And, when running, it gives off the aura of a small, quiet V6 and even when punched...barely has any 4-cyl rasp, at least compared to even my '07 rental.

Now in cheaper, less insulated and refined Cobalts, etc., I could definitely see either engine seeming louder and less refined based on the vehicles themselves--even to the point of not seeming like the same engine. The overall refinement of the vehicle makes a huge difference, for sure.

Yep. Our LT Sedan is as loaded as Loaded came in 05 and its loud. Then again, I have been driving the Aura. It probably skewed my perception.

[caddycruiser]

Originally Posted by coaster.n3rd

Yep. Our LT Sedan is as loaded as Loaded came in 05 and its loud. Then again, I have been driving the Aura. It probably skewed my perception.

Yes, thankfully that's one area where huge strides have been made, with the same platform.

My '07--again, not really engine--just had more road roar and impact noise than I expected. Enough that even my father was disappointed after hearing me exclaim about the car, only to ride in it and think it was noisy and not all that smooth.

With the '08...exact opposite, and never a bad comment yet.

Is it still hard to get and keep I-4 Aura's in stock? V6 XE's, and especially XR's, still sitting in the dust? I still wonder, too, if you've actually had people say they wish they had a more loaded 4-cyl also available...a-la Malibu.

[Vette Ninja]

Originally Posted by coaster.n3rd

lol! LATCH system. They actually make it much safer for a child seat to be attached back there.

What exactly makes it a "system"? Is it more than just a set of hooks?

Saturn has matured very well. Seems like yesterday it was still struggling to form an idenity. All those awkward adolescent years with the Ion and such have passed and the Aura and Sky are in. GM must be proud.