Saturn Aura Opinions
 

Friend needs a smaller bit not small car. Would like something with sharp steering like a Honda (Civic is too small for her, Accord costs too much), really good stereo and price restraints.

Thinking of the 4 cylinder version they have for 2008, the Aura XE. She needs an auto, she's a stick girl with big shoulder problems. Trying to balance size with economy and keeping her from getting a Tuscon or Sportage which she wants. She's bent on Korean - Rondo and Magentis are also on the list.

Anyway, that Aura looks good. Her turning radius would increase 1?' (she does lots of u trurns - she serves legal notices and drives a lot and U turns are common and a detraction for it). Outside of that a 3.05 final drive before the 0.68 OD... serious MPH/1000rpm here on the slushbox.

Need to run it with the ScanGauge.

Had a Subura freak out when I went to put in on and Impreza. He wouldn't allow... freaked out.

I think it would get her great highway mileage for a slushbox...

Opinions?

The Honda Fit's way too small for her, nowhere near even the Civic. She hates the blow around feeling on the highway and wants mid-size... that or small SUV but I want to keep her clear of that, all downsides there.

www.saturnfans.com has an aura section. I've read quite a bit of feedback about the car. I think its an attractive car. I've not been very impressed with the mileage of car overall. I think the old 3.4 powered impalas got better highway mileage. For me I likely would choose the 3.5v6 over the 4cyl. I rode in an automatic ecotec cobalt and sadly my saturn sohc is more visceral car to drive. I think mileage would be close overall. I've been waiting for a review by RH77, but maybe there hard to rent.

Their budget is very tight at best... we're talking base XE 4 cyl as a possible stretch. That 4 is supposed to be super torquey if you drive mild...

As stated up front very gentle gearing... need to test drive it to see around town FE with 3rd drirect... no chance of OD at city light city speeds like 30 - 35 mph i don't think - if it's a true direct it should help there.

1000 rpm at 35 mph in 3rd before assuming TC locked which it wouldn't...

the shifts are 55% rpm, 62%, 68%... if it's torquey enough at low RPM, only thing with be curb weight