Saturn Aura XR - what do you think?

[Jeffbx]

I'm picking one of these up this week to replace my current lease. I was all set to get another Grand Prix until I started reading all of the features on this thing:

252HP 24 valve V6 w/VVT - same as in the Cadillac CTS
6 speed auto trans w/manual paddles on the steering wheel - stolen from the Corvette
Heated power seats, remote start, 6 CD changer, ABS, traction control, stability control, 18" alloy wheels, 6 air bags, rear audio controls including wireless headphones, etc. - all standard.

All for $24k. I took it out for a spin & it's FAST - Car & Driver says 0-60 in 6.2 seconds - I'll have to try that out.

I didn't think I'd ever get another Saturn after my last one had an engine failure, but I couldn't resist all of these goodies, plus the dealer experience at Saturn is better by far than any other I've been to. Hopefully this car holds together a little better than the last one!

What do you think - pipe dream on GMs part, or could this be a good alternative to the Japanese imports? I've never owned a Japanese car so I can't really compare. But at least on paper this is looking pretty impressive.

[pd123]

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=6&article_id=3906
Looks very nice, enjoy it.

[mechmike0034]

I've wanted one from the time I first heard about them. An Aura will probably be Mrs. MM's next vehicle.

[cheapie]

the paddle shifting auto-manual is cool but not likely at all a feature you'd really use. i had the same type of feature (not paddle) on my charger and it's pretty much useless unless you want to shift down when you see a cop and not let him see brake lights.

[nhbilly]

not bad, not bad at all....

[pd123]

I went to Saturn tonight and checked it out, very nice l ooking car. The one in the showroom was $23,000 but it had the less powerful engine. The seats were comfortable, cloth upholstery in this one. I found the center console to be too high for me for a long trip. The back seat and trunk were a very nice size. What was of interest was that in a few months it will be out in Hybrid. Salesman said it will be powerful but he had no specs. Based on their Hybrid suv, the Vue and that was only $24,000 and 170hp engine with gas mileage of 27/32, I bet they use the same engine so it should have good power for this car for a good price. I am in the market to replace my old Acura but a feature that I need for work is a bluetooth compatible car and Saturns are not. Instead they have their own phone system, their OnStar but our work phone uses T-mobile and I don't think it works with OnStar plus OnStar has (if I remember correctly from the salesman) suscription of $15 a month that incluses not much phone time then you can buy 100 minute blocks and we use 1000 plus minutes.

[renovation]

I need to take a look at this car-been thinking of getting a G6. I own/wife owns a Saturn VUE right now.
Me? I need a pickup so I'm thinking of getting a Toyota Tundra full size need a 8ft box is a major must have in a pickup for me do!