Meet the Saturn Family
2007 Saturn Outlook, Aura, Vue Green Line and Sky Red Line
By Jill Lajdziak
General Manager, Saturn
This is a much anticipated day for Saturn as we launch our revitalization with the debut of three new products - Sky Red Line, Aura and Outlook. The promise of the Saturn brand - kept alive by an exceptional customer experience - is now validated with these dynamic and inviting new products.
As always, our retail experience is the envy of the industry. But now we have a portfolio of exciting new products like never before.
We’re still Saturn. But we’re about to become better than ever. We’ll have more and better product to satisfy our customers and deliver on the promise of the Saturn experience.
The Saturn Aura - which remains true to the critically acclaimed concept version - blends performance with Saturn’s bold new design. While the standard 3.5 L V6 is a great engine, I’m particularly excited about the optional 3.6 V6 (252 HP) that comes with GM’s first application of a six-speed automatic transmission. Later this year we’ll add a hybrid powertrain. And on the interior, the Aura delivers a level of refinement that sets a new standard for our brand.
The Saturn Outlook crossover offers versatility and room for the Saturn customer who needs to haul more people and stuff. It comfortably seats eight real, adult people and still has room for luggage, golf clubs, groceries, etc. All that room, yet its optimal proportions still provide for nimble and agile handling.
Finally, there is the Sky Red Line — our stunning roadster, with a turbo-boosted 260 horsepower 2.0L engine.
We’re thrilled about these cars and can’t wait to bring them to market. We’re also eager to hear what you think about the products that will revitalize the Saturn brand.
- Posted in Auto Shows
Josh
I love the new Saturn products. They are hot. I especially like the Sky, but I have kids and a 2 seater is impractical. Jill, do you know when the Buick Velite is coming out?
Michael
It’s too bad you forgot the manual transmission in the Aura. As someone who is a longtime fan of the brand, and will soon enough be working at a dealership, this is a total letdown.
Jim Dermitt
Can’t you use pictures with some color? I know the corp. is almost a corp.se, but enough with the gray-silver funeral look.
talonsaab
Good job on the new Saturn;s. They are definetely big improvements. On the Aura compared to the concept it is amazing how small details make the concept look so much better. The interior for example has richer colour and gloss and the metalic trim is 1000% better looking that fake wood. Please stop adding fake wood to everything. Nobody over the age of 60 likes fake wood. Please stick with good looking metalic or laquer finishes. One needs to be careful however as the Impala’s fake brushed aluminum trim is hideous. The impala’s techno steel trim is much better. At the very least please give consumers a choice between a metalic or wood finish on all available finish levels.
The Aura exterior; wheels are bland, wheel arches too small and the front lower fascia too tame. Again the concept was much nicer. I hope those make it to the red line version.
The Outlook is very nice. Just stop the fake wood… please !
The Sky’s wheels could have been so much better.
Paul Eccles
Good to see Saturn getting exciting product. I was suprised the Aura with the 3.5L V6 gets the 4 speed auto while the 3.6L V6 is mated to the 6 speed auto. This should be corrected for the ‘08 MY.
Jeff Cain
Congratulation, Jill–and GM– on this impressive array of products. It appears that you’re well on the way to complete delivery of the “Saturn Promise” made decades ago.
You have taken the “One Great Car” philosophy and, seemingly overnight, created “Three Great Cars”, with more to come (”PreVue” looks too good to be true). I look forward to the avalanche of good press–and sales– to come!
Jeff
F451
I have to ask: Why? Why hasn’t GM pruned their lines down to Cadillac, GMC, and Chevrolet, integrating the successful models from the other lines that should be shutdown? Why does Saturn still exist? Why does Pontiac still exist? Why does Buick still exist? Are these lines simply headstones with a couple of models showing some life? This is a serious question as no doubt the premise of Saturn is a good one, but the reality is quite different.
getalifeagain
The cars look good - I’m not into SUV’s (they don’t profile well) but as far as they go, your Outlook and Vue will definitely compete.
Ron Shaffer
Hey Jill,
Keep up the good/hard work with Saturn I and my family are on our 4th Saturn and yes we have been well pleased with the Saturn experience but have always longed for something more and thess new vehicles look to answer the call. However as I have mention to Bob Lutz the competition is tough (Toyota, Honda). Question for you are these new models Outlook and Aura will they have the plastic panels? I hope not due to the LACK of precision fit they provide. I was always disappointed with the large and inconsistant panel gaps with Saturn vehicle’s. And how about a navigation screen option? I notice that the Accord and Camry have this option will this be available with the Aura?
Thanks,
Ron
Bob from Tennessee
Nice job. I recently had a Saturn Vue for a couple months and really liked it. A very practical vehicle that had a lot more room inside than I expected and the gas mileage was outstanding. I can’t wait to drive a new Outlook and the Aura looks really cool. Saturn is really coming alive - keep up the great work.
Keith
I agree with Michael. Give the Aura a stick and for both engine options. The 3.5l OHV gets better gas mileage, which would only improve with a six speed manual.
My wife would be very interested in a eight seat Saturn with seats that fold flat. Where can we find out what the outlook features are?
CF
I agree with Jim Dermitt…enough already with the shades of gray. All I ever see on the road anymore is pewter, black, white, and storm gray. BORING!! You need to liven things up a bit.
Craig
Jill,
Keep the good products coming. Saturn actually has some hope (along with Caddy and Chevy). After owning many GM products (all brands) I must admit I love my Saturn Vue. This is an unknown jewel of a vehicle with the Honda v6 and Honda 5 speed trans. If GM made more vehicles like the Vue, the sales would be so much better. ALso, the Saturn experience is one that the other GM dealers should definitely consider implementing. No matter how corny, it still feels good to be treated nicely and professionally. I believe the Saturn experience rivals and even outdoes the Cadillac experience. I have owned 2 Cadillacs and they have nothing on the the Vue and the whole Saturn experience. Keep up the good work! Oh, don’t use the new advertising tag line - it STINKS. Fire the BOZOs at your ad agency. They are definite under achievers. Make it something real, not some focus group,dreamed up by committee BS. Don’t use it!
Paul
Does GM have something against hatchbacks and wagons? I live in the city and parking is bad even with my Mazda Protege. Depending on the kind of mileage it gets, I might be interested in the Aura, unless it’s long and low and impossible to park. Which is what it looks like.
And, no, 34mpg out of an Aveo does not qualify as “good gas mileage,” even if it runs on ethanol. (Which I can’t get anywhere in PA.)
Dave
I loved the Aura concept but was completely let down with the production vehicle’s exterior. The tame fascia, 34789 spoke rims, the smaller fender flares, and the front sharkfin for the antenna all are bad.
But the worst part is WHERE IS THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION? You can get a manual trans in the upper trim level V6 Accord and Acura, why not in Aura? Lame.
Also, I’m hoping you have a manual for the rumored Redline Aura but I don’t want a Redline. I want a fuel efficient regular car with a stick. Is that so hard to ask?
Joe
Even though I’m one of GM’s harshest critics, I will give credit where credit is due. The new Aura is a fantastic looking car - looking not only in style but the interior is by far the best I have ever seen from GM. Even better than Cadillac. If anyone from GM is reading this, the Aura is the car from which every other car you build should stem from. Tight interior and exterior fit and finish, simple yet elegant design cues, high grade plastic that is soft to the touch, and by far most important - a tilt/telescopic steering column to replace that archaic vintage tilt wheel with 6 clunky notches and no telescope feature.
Kudos to GM on the Aura. Now, if only I could get the 3.6 VVT model with a 6 speed MANUAL transmission, I’d be a GM customer again.
Mark
Great cars……finally!
We need an Ion replacement quick, just bring the astra over and the lineup will be complete.
Tim Geisler
this is a nice line up for saturn…
it would also be nice to see that prevue in there as well…
Peter P.
The new Aura, Outlook and Sky are exceptionally attractive vehicles, but once again, you guys can’t bring yourselves to go all the way. Do you not realize the damage that will be done to the image that you are trying to create for the Saturn brand by even offering an OHV engine and a four speed auto? Of course, you are doing it to reach the lower end of the market, but that could have just as easily been done by offering the 2.4 Ecotec and six speed. And why no manual transmission? Even Toyota, the most conservative of all automakers, offers the Camry with a manual transmission.
As an engineer, I keenly understand the benefits of an OHV design, and I applaud GM for sticking with it. That being said, the image of such a configuration has to be taken into account. It is perfect for Chevrolet. It has no place in a new Saturn. I expect that as production of the 3.6 and 6-speed increase, the 3.5 and 4-speed may disappear, however, the damage will have been done. This ranks right up there with column-shifted, bench seat, base equipment Buicks and steel-wheel, no performance Pontiacs. Chevrolet exists to supply the broad spectrum of owners. If Pontiac is to be the performance division, than build only rear-drive performance Pontiacs. If Buick is to be a luxury brand, build only luxury Buicks. And if Saturn is to go head-to-head against the asian makes, offer manual transmissions and only DOHC engines.
On another note, a previous poster mentioned the large panel gaps that are present with the use of plastic panels. Of course, GM has chosen to abandon plastic panels for that reason thanks to low scores from J D Power and the like. What is infuriating is the inability of consumers to weigh the benefits of a new technology against its costs. Plastic panels offer exceptional dent resistance, excellent appearance over time, and ease of replacement when damaged. The only downside is that they expand and contract with variations in temperature, hence the wider panel gaps. This is a winning trade-off, however, owners gripe about the gaps, without celebrating the overwhelming advantages. How disappointing.
Shaun
Jill,
I’m very,very impressed with the new Saturns. The interiors are excellent and I really like the Outlook’s inteior, the blue hue has a
refreshing look.I’m really impressed with the Aura’s interior ,it’s a refined interior that I wouldn’t have predicted ever would be in a Saturn. Overall I’m very,very,very impressed with the new Saturn family and I applaud you and your staff for recreating the Saturn brand. I encourage you to keep bringing innovative and excitng vehicles to market and to keep the envied-by-many Saturn dealer experience.
P.S.
I like the Paddle shifter in the Aura.
michael
Looks as though gm may finally come out w/ a line that could appeal to the masses (and my family) with the new saturns. When my wife and I were looking for a GM car the only vehicle that we liked and would work for our needs was a 2004 9-5 saab wagon. G.M had absolutely nothing else, unless of course if we wanted the malibu maxx which had all the styling cues of a 1982 Chevrolet Citation!
michael
I agree w/ the previous poster. Where are the wagons?
JR
I know that the Holden Manaro/Pontiac GTO did not sell enough units. How about a Holden Adventra for GM in the US?
ab348
I have to be honest — I can’t get excited over these. Saturn should never have been created in the first place and should have been killed off long ago. The investment in their vehicles should have been used to help the other GM divisions with better product and marketing. Now these cars appear, nice enough surely, but not the home runs that GM needs, and in a fringe division to boot. Will they save GM? No. Could they if they were Chevrolets or Pontiacs? Perhaps. There’s the real tragedy.
SteveG
Please-do yourself a favor and get rid of the fake wood-NOW!
If you really do listen to us you will realize once and for all that fake wood is abominable-and you splattered it all over the cabin , even on the doors!
GET RID OF THE FAKE WOOD.
Substitute a metallic trim for it, but not all over the place.
And why oh why is the parking brake on the floor!? Its a sports sedan, it belongs on the console.
The only other nits I have to pick are the foglamps-they look like droopy eyelids.
And the Multi-spoke wheels in that pic are absolutely hideous and old looking.
But thank you thank you for using hydraulic steering and not that crappy electric steering. This alone places the Aura above the malibu and G6.
Jim Dermitt
Simulated wood grain sucks.
Maybe you can build a fuel cell Saturn mini van and possibly stay in business. Try shrinking one of these.
http://fuelcellbus.georgetown.edu/x1pix.cfm
http://fuelcellbus.georgetown.edu/
Edward Hayes
Shakespeare said it best…
“We are the stuff which dreams are made of.”
Now speaking in terms of language Saturn has learned the import lingo and has translated it well. The Acura MDX and RDX have now been answered with the Outlook. Saturn has layed a great foundation. Act like the imports with frequent model and cosmetic updates.
Jill, we welcome Saturn to the world of near-luxury, crossovers, roadsters, hybrids, 6 speeds, two tones, red-lines, green-lines and a new standard of domestic sedan excellence-Euro style. Add that to an already unshakable model of customer service and the superior sales experience leadership.
We too like to dream and if Opel has 10% market share in the competitive Europe market then there is no reason why they can’t have it here. But now that we have successfully broken the code of the imports we can behold reality here and now which I will be doing at the NY autoshow.
…Even if a new Saturn minivan, Ridgeline, Astra, and Aurora are on my mind. Not to mention dreams and visions of Hummer pick-ups, Buick Wildcats(Efigy) and vintage ‘41 style Estate Wagons (Buick’s Big HHR) dance in my head.
Anyway, Saturn welcome to a world of dreams and dreams coming true.
Hayes…
“If today we dream in our head,
Tomorrow they walk in our stead.”
John C
Jill,
American automobile manufacturers once understood the concept of the heirarchical motor corporation, and, indeed, General Motors led the way. Unfortunately however, it no longer does. It seems that, in the late 1980s, for lack of a better idea, Saturn division was introduced with little specific purpose. Rather than forcing all other divisions upscale (thus maintaining the vertical nature of the company), Saturn has in my eyes served only to further brand overlap, and devalue the image of General Motors in the eyes of the buying public. What you have achieved with these new models is not a “revitalization,” for the division was never vitalized (if you’ll excuse my ad-hoc word coinage) in the first place. Any attempt to offer even slightly upscale model at Saturn is in reality an even more vicious assault on the vertical nature of General Motors than the division’s original inception. Why, the Aveo, coming from a division supposedly higher on the corporate ladder, is a direct competitor to these products!
The problems faced by GM never could, and cannot now, be solved by the addition of yet another overlapping and uninspired androgeny. Rather, the strength of the corporation which once threatened to drive all competition into extinction is in a traditional, clear structure. Not only does it encourage loyalty to the corporation (if indeed the products are well-built), but allows the remaining historic brands of General Motors to be preserved.
In striving to recreate the long-lost images of the GM brands, one mantra must be repeated: tradition is not inherently evil, nor necessarily unattractive to the buying public. Retro styling is not needed, for looking backwards was never the attitude of General Motors in its prouder days. Rather, the corporation should allow for more brand independence, and the preservation of meaningful and historic names. In fifty years, no matter how astounding the achievement, few will be able to remember the “LS2 V8″ in a Cadillac “CTS V-Series.” Indeed, few can remember it now. I’m sixteen. I’d rather Make a date with a Rocket 88.
Eric
Greetings Bob,
I’ve been waiting for the Aura for a while. I saw it at the Chicago auto shows for the past 2 years. Unfortunately, it appears that only an automatic will be offered with the Aura. Please give us the manual transmissions (and non-base trim levels) that we so desperately crave. Thanks.
Jason Zebersky
Awsome new product, Jill
I allways liked the long wheelbase G6 over the short weelbase Malibu, Aura is my new favorite, though my complaints mirror those allready voiced about needing a manual transmission and not liking the fake wood. I can’t wait for the Aura Greenline “It’s the car Ive decided to buy when it comes out!”
The Sky is a beautifull car; as the Poniac Solstice looks like a 1950’s Corvette, the Sky looks like a 1960’s Stingray, TRESS MAGNIFIQUE!
but a hardtop and or four place coupe would be really nice to make Kappa a volume product, whatever happened to the Chevrolet Nomad, kappa concept it would make a really unique real world product with no inital direct competition.
That’s my two cent’s
Jason Zebersky
Rick Lupori
Ms. Lajdziak: Saturn needs to establish itself as the face of the new GM with focus on:
Friendly Dealership Experience
Hybrid Technology
Quality Product - be first GM division with 10yr/100,000 mile power train warranty - it is only GM division in this crazy “perception is reality” world that has the credibility to make it believable.
New Saturn Warranty
10yr/100,000 mile Powertrain
5yr/70,000 Mile Bumper to Bumper
5yr/unlimited mile Roadside Assistance
Plus Saturn’s existing exchange program of 30 days or 1,500 miles to return any Saturn the customer is not satisfied with.
This would be the best warranty and also have On Star protection (for subscribers)
Saturn’s focus market should be Front Drive Sport and compete primarily with Honda and Volkswagen with model primary competitors of:
SATURN…………HONDA…………..……VW
Corsa 5D…………Fit……………………….Polo
Tigra…………….. Insight
Astra 3D…….……Civic Si (Euro)……..Golf GTI
Astra 2D…………Civic 2D/Acura RSX
Astra 4D…………Civic 4D…..……………Jetta
Astra 5D…….……Civic Si…………….Golf GTI
Astra Twin Top
Astra Estate…….……………………Jetta Wagon
Sky……………….. S2000
Sky Quad Coupe
Aura Coupe……… Accord Coupe
Aura Sedan………Accord Sedan…………Passat
Aura Green Line….Accord Hybrid
Astra Estate…………………………Passat Wagon
Aurora…………… Acura TL
VUE……………… CR-V
Combo Tour………Element
Meriva……………FR-V (Edix)
Zafira……………..Stream………………Mazda 5
Relay…………….. Odyssey
Outlook………….. Pilot………………….Touareg
LT360…………….Ridgeline
LT530
Relay Camper……………………Westfalia Camper
Corsa Pickup…………………………………Caddy
Corsa - Perfect time to introduce the new Corsa to the U.S. market and this time GM can offer a vehicle at the same time as Honda is introducing the Fit. This will go a long way proving GM “gets it” and has products that are “relevant” and can compete head to head with anyone. The 1.6L and 1.8L models should be first followed by 1.3L Turbo-Diesels.
Corsa Pickup - Small pickup in regular and extended versions with 1.8L base power and 2.2L optional, based on new version of current Corsa pickup.
Tigra - This little hardtop convertible is an alternative for potential Sky buyers looking for better MPG or cargo capacity. 1.8L models have good performance with 40 MPG and the 1.3L Turbo Diesel delivers 60 MPG highway.
Astra - The Astra is considered the one of the best in class in the European market where it competes with both the Civic and Golf/Jetta. Offer AFL lighting and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) on all models. The European SRi optional Interactive Driving System (IDS-plus) and Continuous Damping Control (CDC) with “Sport switch” activation offered on Red Line models. Base 1.8L 140 HP with 5-speed manual, 5-speed Easytronic or 5-speed Automatic with 2.4L 170HP optional and the Astra OPC Turbocharged 240 HP / 250 Lb Ft 2.0L on Redline models.
The existing Astra lineup would be offered:
3-Door - Offer panoramic windshield as an option.
5-Door
Estate - For those needing a sport wagon.
Twin-Top - Prefect car for Sky buyers who just have to have a back seat.
Adding the following variations later:
2-Door Hardtop Coupe - A true hardtop made from a fixed roof version of the Twin-Top. This will be the next “Must Have” tuner car with hardtop styling, optional panoramic windshield and 260 HP 2.0L Turbo Red Line model.
4-Door Sedan - The 4-Door Brazilian Vectra could be used for the basis of this and it already has a 2.4L E-85 power-train. GM should add the 2.4L VUE Green Line Hybrid and 220 HP 3.5L V-6 with 6-speed automatic as options.
Sky Quad Coupe - Introduce it at the LA Auto show this fall. The Quad Coupe is one of Saturn’s best ideas that only needs a good platform to showcase it, and the Sky is it. An extended 107″ wheelbase would be the basis for the Sky Quad-Coupe which will stiffen the chassis and provide extra cargo capacity. Add the 270 HP 3.6L V-6 with 6-speed manual and paddle shift 6-speed Automatic optional to further broaden market appeal.
Green Line models would get the 2.4L VUE Hybrid system.
Red line models would get 5.3L AFM V8 power and 6-speed in either Manual or Automatic paddle shift.
Aura - Initial 4-Door sedan model supplemented with a 290 HP 300 lb-ft 3.2L Turbo Red Line and Estate model in 2008 model year. The 6-speed automatic should replace the 4-speed on 2008 3.5L models. Again AFL lighting, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Interactive Driving System (IDS-plus) and Continuous Damping Control (CDC) optional
Green Line Hybrid would use SAAB Bio-power Hybrid system offering the ability to run on 100% Bio-Ethanol giving GM a lead in the Hybrid market since Bio-Ethanol has no petroleum in it. Even running E-85 greatly reduces petroleum requirements for this car. Of course this system would be introduced in the SAAB 9-3 and expanded to the Aura as well.
Second generation models to be offered in 2-Door and Hardtop Convertible models with AWD available on all models:
Aurora - Top line model patterned after Oldsmobile Aurora, this was a great car and with similar style and standard 3.6L V6 and optional 4.6L V8 both with 6-speed automatics should round out the Saturn car line. An AWD Red Line version to be introduced later.
VUE - New PreVue based styling 2.4L and 3.6L power and new interiors should keep sales healthy.
Add 2.0L Turbo Bio-Power Hybrid system as a Red Line model complementing 2.4L Green Line.
Combo Tour - Stacks up well against Honda Element with quirky styling and tons of cargo space with 1.8L 140 HP engine to compete in U.S. market. Combo Van is the perfect inner city delivery vehicle.
Meriva - This “Cute Ute” CUV could be very popular with it’s versatile SUV type seating with high MPG with 1.8L engine and a performance Red Line model with 180 HP 1.6L Turbo.
This is the perfect vehicle to introduce the 1.9L Turbo Diesel to the U.S. market as a Green Line model.
Next generation model will be wider to compete with Honda FR-V (Edix) with 2 rows of 3 across seating. This could be a popular style in the future since it gives the ability to carry 6 passengers while maintaining short length.
Zafira - Similar to Honda Stream and Mazda 5 sport vans, again this could be a future market. The Zafira Red Line with 2.0L Turbo would provide performance with 7-passenger versatility.
The Zafira has been the test bed for Hydrogen Fuel Cell and would be the ultimate Green Line model.
Relay - Based on new Outlook this is a GM minivan that will sell. The minivan market is starting to make a comeback and GM needs a viable competitor. Relay should offer high standard content with 3.6L V6 and optional 5.3 AFM V8 from Impala SS with available AWD models.
Green Line with 3.6L and 5.3L based “Bio-Power” Hybrid system (also available on Outlook and LT)
Outlook - It will be a hit, only thing to add is optional 5.3L AFM V8 Red Line model.
LT360 - Based on the Outlook a crew-cab pickup to compete with Honda Ridgeline except it would offer 5.3L AFM V8 as an option (LT530).
Relay Camper - A camper pop top version like VW Westfalia models with small kitchen and beds for 4. The Green Line model would be offered with “Bio-Power” Hybrid system that in the “Zero Mode” would create no pollutants getting into the campground and while there could produce clean electrical power. How much greener does it get?
It is interesting how well a new Saturn lineup competes against Honda’s. Since Saturn is the only GM division most import owners will give a chance, it is the division to do it with.
Many items have been presented in my previous posts but thanks again for the opportunity to share some ideas with you.
Tom W.
Jill,
With GM producing so many hot new products it’s hard to decide which one to purchase. But I do know I’m ditching my boring sand colored import and joining the GM fold, Saturn just might be the brand. Keep up the great work.
James
I have one piece of advice.
Stop calling your marques ‘brands’.
People don’t buy brands. They but cars. If you refer to your companies as ‘brands’ people will know your cars for what they are: the same ol’ same ol’, worked over with a flashy grill.
I seriously question your decision to re-market Saturn as a producer of dynamic driver orientated cars - that should be Chevrolet or Pontiac. Saturn appealed to buyers because the cars were affordable, practical and sensible. You’re going to confuse and alienate the people who already drive Saturns, and annoy everyone who knows that these cars should be wearing Chevy or Pontiac grilles.
*j*
Dave
DOES the Aura come with a 6-speed manual? The concept brochure said it did. If this was dropped, WHY? Somebody misplaced their thinking cap? GM has NO CAR with a manual trans between a Cobalt and a CTS. Doesn’t ANYONE see this as an issue? How can you attempt to match Nissan, Honda, Acura, VW, etc. without it? GM can’t tie its hands behind its back any more. The competition is serious. Use “both hands”, and come out smokin! GM needs to be serious about competing.
Jim Mbongo
I learned that Holden Astra with a 1.9-liter turbo diesel engine has won the Greenfleet Technology Trial. On the 200 kilometer course, this Astra with a 1.9-liter turbo diesel engine managed to consume just 4.35 litres/100 kilometers - less than any comtetitors.
We all know how GM is still losing market share to competition because of fuel efficinecy. Why not bring this 1.9-liter turbo diesel Astra in North America, especially now as Saturn has clearly demonstrate its tie with Opel/Vauxhall/Holden? Please GM, don’t let us down. Just bring some and you’ll see the difference.
Jim Mbongo
Tim
I’m 46 and make a six figure income and there’s not a single GM vehicle that interests me.
Ken
Jill,
I love the new Saturns and have always loved the Saturn concept.
However many of us including myself are attracted in part to the Saturn brand because of the polymer panels.
I don’t give a toss about the wider gaps that are needed because of the use of these panels and I feel you should change the spec for auditing vehicals that use these panels instead of eliminating them.
As a GM employee I a am concerned that many of the Saturn loyalist will just bypass the saturn brand and go buy a Chevy because of the tin skin.
Polymer panels made Saturn Unique, Lets hope it’s not a mistake eliminating them.
Peter R.
These are really great looking vehicles. I hope they measure up to the competition with features, quality, and warranty.
I would really like to see a 10 year/100,000 mi. warranty on the powertrain.
I would really like to see the Outlook get 25-27 mpg on the highway. Real-life highway, not the ridiculous EPA cycle.
I would *really* like to see the Aura come with a 6 speed manual transmission, traction & stability control. Aura Red Line?
Really.
You know, like the Honda Accord sedan can have.
Please?
Build me one of these in black with a red interior, or orange with a brown interior, and I’ll go out of my way to find and test drive one!
Now, to have my business, may I suggest the following:
Someplace in Montana to test, buy, and service a Saturn.
dan neu
Lutz was quoted as saying the production version of the Auro would have the same sheet metal as the concept, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.
The concept was exciting. The production version is not. Is the concept’s more aggressive front end being reserved for only a redline? I hope not.
Josh
I second the motion for manual transmissions. As well as the possibility of a wagon version. A manual wagon would be a definite sell for me. There is a Vectra wagon in Europe, so it should be no trouble to produce one for the states.
Jan Bayus
Jill, I don’t know who was behind saving the Saturn brand, but that person should be immediately promoted. Saturn went from absolutely WORST to first overnight. I have owned three of the cars, and was happy with the 1992 SL and 1995 Coupe.
Good cars for the most part. but instead of improving they went down hill quicker that, well you know what I mean. The tie in to Opel (I thought Saab was a natural choice, believing Opel soon to be “Oldsmobiled”.)was a stroke of pure genius and performed in a very un-GM kind of way. Bravo! Great looking cars, Great looking interiors, and once again beware of Chervrolet. Those guys cannot be happy about your new line. They will be going for your throat. I hope Chevy learns something from this. They have a good line but is mostly uninspired. Chevy, take my advice and break up the Corvette team and place one enginner to finesse up the Chevy line-up.
Maybe I will buy GM next year, for me to even say that on this blog is something.
Two cars are missing from your line-up, A super efficient “Aveo” type (Good move on Chevy’s part by the way) and
a Sky Coupe. (Oh how I would PITY the Porsche lovers if you could pull that one off.)
Jill and Co., I think you may have done more than your share to save GM.
Jan Bayus
kurt
The new Saturn products promise higher quality and nicer driving experiences for those who already appreciate the Saturn dealership sales experiences. Fingers x’ed they do well!
Now hopefully Saturn will do something about their after-sales service, which right now is just as variable as any other GM brand.
leviramsey
Dave, there is a car between the Cobalt and the CTS (though it’s closer to the CTS in price) with a manual: The Pontiac G6 GTP.
SteveG
Listen to the people, Jill:
NO FAKE WOOD
CHANGE THE WHEELS
INCREASE THE WARRANTY
MANUAL TRANNY OPTION
Listen to the people.
And the Front Grill should have Black Mesh, not those boring Horizontal Stripes.
Parking Brake belongs on the Console, not on the floor.
James Munford
Glad to see the Solstice and the Saturn version come out! I remember reading about the introduction of the new GTO a few years ago and that there was a web site with a picture of what enthusiasts wanted the car to look like. The picture was one of the 2005 MUSTANG! Now that was funny. What was sad was Mr. Lutz’ reaction. As I recall, he said that the “retro” crowd wasn’t the demographic/market he was interested in and the look of the new Goat would sit well with the younger set. Who do you think lays down that kind of cabbage for a new car!? A 65/66/67 grille treatment and a 66 rear would have killed! And the “retro” Mustang has done quite well, thank you. Can’t wait for the Challenger and the Camaro. Slow…but sure?
gm_enthusiast
Gosh, you guys are HARSH! Lots of brands do a lot less than what Saturn or other GM brands have done, yet they are continually critized for it more than anybody.
Case in point: Less than 10% of cars WITH manual options sell the manual option! We have a hard time selling cars with the option, like HHR and Cobalt! Anybody think that there is probably more demand for fake wood right now than brushed aluminum? I deal with customers at our Chevy/Pontiac dealership, and they want more wood trim! How about that base Aura! More horses and more economy than a majority of the uplevel midsizers, but, alas, more complaints. I’ll agree with the floor brake, but that’s not really a big deal to most customers anyway, unless you like to drift-race daily. GM has been raising warranties, but, do you ever sit down to think, does anybody other than Hyundai/Kia, Suzuki, and Mitsubishi offer 10/100K warranties? No. Those guys all have major marketshare problems or they have hidden problems from consumers for years. In addition, none of those warranties transfer! GM actually has better warranties with Cadillac and Buick than most other manufacturers. I hear no one crucifying Nissan, Honda, or Toyota on that one!
GM’s spent a lot of time, money, and effort as well as a lot of blood, sweat, and tears getting a competitive lineup quickly, as well as properly separating the brands and retail channels. They have got a lot of positive momentum going with product, and from what I have seen, they have improved beyond belief in just two model years, and with more on the way it is going to be crazy how much better it will be! I’m going to invest money into GM stock, because it will be on the move here. In three years, you will see the biggest product revolution and brand revitalization blitz the auto industry has EVER seen. It is very likely that the imports as well as other members of the big three will struggle worse than GM is right now. Any journalist who has seen the new, unreleased stuff has been amazed, and if you remember, GM has more retail outlets and sales channels than anyone else. Imports, beware. You have woken the sleeping giant!
Corto
Aura: Fake wood , 4 sp auto, parking break on the floor…count me out.
Hope you don’t stoop that low with future Saabs.
Outlook: just another boring gas guzzling SUV. GM, you really don’t get it do you ? The barrel of oil is heading for the moon and is not coming back down.
Sky : good for a buzz, as long as you don’t need a trunk.
saturned1
I disagree with comments about manual transmission. I have been sales consultant for close to 11 years at a Saturn facility and while we had the L series (6 years) I sold a total of 2 manual transmission versions of that series.
There is no market for the manual, that is, not enough to make it viable.
George
In the 15 or so years of Saturn’s existence, they have yet to interest me. I hate to rain on anyone’s parade, but I still think that the whole Saturn concept is a bad hangover of the Roger Smith GM days. GM in the US needs to slim down it’s ‘brands’, in a most serious manner. The misallocation of resources to keep Saturn alive managed to kill off Oldsmobile which was a MARQUE that had world-wide prestige and had made money for the Corporation. Saturn cannot claim this.
I would hate to see another marque such as Buick or Pontiac sacrificed on the altar of a mistaken idea of competitiveness, just so we can witness the dragging down of a great enterprise. Nothing but hubris.
GM has the worldwide resources to bring great vehicles to the US market. I see posts here on this site and others touting Opels, Daewoos and Holdens, and I’m supposed to be excited over a squared off copy of the Pontiac Solstice?
My wife and I recently rented a Malibu Maxx and were completely impressed with the way the car drove and handled. There are flashes of brilliance emerging from GM lately, and I honestly wish and hope that they continue. (A car payment book on a Toyota IS a fate worse than death…) Put the effort you put into Saturn into your other brands… See what happens. People know what a Pontiac or Chevy is, but Saturn? Who knows?
Joe
To those who disagree with the manual transmission option:
Has is ever dawned on you that the reason no one goes into a GM dealer to buy a car with a manual, even when it’s offered, is because it’s offered only on base, stripped down models? There is a large, strong segment of automobile enthusiasts like me who have money. We aren’t poor saps looking for the cheapest car on the block.
When GM starts offering their premium performance coupes and sedans (Grand Prix, Monte Carlo, AURA) with a true manual transmission to go along with a high powered V6 and leather heated seats, you will see a spike in interest and sales. Trust me. I know the enthusiast side of the market better than any car salesman. People are buying Hondas, VWs, Lexus, and Acuras not only for the reliability factors which have been beaten to death, but because they all offer real manual transmissions in the above $25k price range.
Enthusiasts won’t even step foot on any GM dealer because of that simple fact. The Saturn Aura is a perfect example of what will drive sales - a roomy 5 seater with a real trunk that is sharp looking, well built, has a 250 horse engine under the hood, leather seats, and a stick.
But no. GM again drops the ball, ignores the enthusiasts, and thus more Accords are purchased.
Bill
The new Opel-based design is pleasing. The front fascia of the Aura and Sky are particularly attractive. New technology is important to me and I am impressed with the six-speed auto and the 252-hp 3.6. I’m thankful that GM finally used something other than a boring four-speed in a FWD application. I also noticed that the sterio unit has an auxilary jack for my iPod (I’m tired of messing around with FM transmitters). I am, however, disappointed that the Aura is available only in a sedan. A coupe iteration would definitely get me out of my current vehicle and into a Saturn.
Rick Lupori
Ms. Lajdziak: All 4 of the new models look great and will be market successes, now you need to follow-up at the Atlanta show with some more of the new Saturn lineup.
Astra Twin-Top - Take the production version to the Atlanta Auto show in May as a “concept” car, most U.S. buyers do not know this model has just been introduced in Europe. The top goes down in 18 seconds, has rear seat room for 2 real size adults and a trunk that is a huge 15.5 cu. Ft. top up and a respectable 7.7 top down. It has great styling and can be offered in a Red Line version with 240 HP 2.0L Turbo engine.
Astra Estate - There is a market for a sport wagon and like the Twin-Top offers generous passenger and cargo space in a stylish package. Display the Blue OPC model.
Display the 3-Door with a 140 HP 1.8L I-4 and EasyTronic with the GTC panoramic windshield.
The 5-Door model would showcase the 1.9L Turbo Diesel with 6-speed automatic.
Other “Concept” models to gauge public response:
Meriva - This “Cute Ute” CUV could be very popular with it’s versatile SUV type seating with high MPG with 1.8L engine and a performance Red Line model with 180 HP 1.6L Turbo.
This is the perfect vehicle to introduce the 1.9L Turbo Diesel to the U.S. market as a Green Line model.
Zafira - Similar to Honda Stream and Mazda 5 sport vans, again this could be a future market. The Zafira Red Line with 2.0L Turbo would provide performance with 7-passenger versatility.
The Zafira has been the test bed for Hydrogen Fuel Cell and would be the ultimate Green Line model.
Combo Tour - Stacks up well against Honda Element with quirky styling and tons of cargo space with 1.8L 140 HP engine to compete in U.S. market. Combo Van is the perfect inner city delivery vehicle.
The Astra models will sell well and since none of them duplicate the current Ion, they should be offered as soon as possible. Remember the money saved from not having design these models from scratch and no need to “Clinic” them needs to be accounted for in a business case. When all the numbers are counted they should allow for a U.S. market introduction. If there is any positive feedback on these production cars, get them on the market by the end of 2006.
Almost forgot the Aura Red Line and Green Line, for the LA auto show:
Aura Red Line - The aggressive concept styling with a 290 HP 300 lb-ft 3.2L V6 and 6-speed manual and optional paddle shift 6-speed automatic. AFL lighting, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Interactive Driving System (IDS-plus) and Continuous Damping Control (CDC) optional.
Aura Green Line - Hybrid would use SAAB Bio-power Hybrid system offering the ability to run on 100% Bio-Ethanol giving GM a lead in the Hybrid market since Bio-Ethanol has no petroleum in it. Even running E-85 greatly reduces petroleum requirements for this car.
Aura Estate - Based on Production Vectra Estate, this one will please Saturn LW owners looking for a replacement. Once again great looks and a large cargo area with generous rear seat room.
There are 10 more competitive vehicles to add to the Saturn line and 8 of them are in production now, just get them U.S. market certified and start selling them. Thanks again for your time.
eaton53
“But no. GM again drops the ball, ignores the enthusiasts, and thus more Accords are purchased.”
There are very few buyers for these things. Ford offered all manuals on the top version of the Contour and sold a grand total of 11000 in three years.
Lincoln offered it on the LS, Cadillac on the CTS. If you want a cheap used one, just buy a manual because you’ll be the only one who wants it. No demand = manual just killing the resale.
Note that none of these were/are strippo cars. What we have here is lots of big talk, with few willing to put their money behind it.
John Balamuta
Please, please, please don’t just clone the Cobalt for the next Ion. Pontiac’s Cobalt clone looks horrible. Call it something other than Ion as well - that name is lackluster.
Still, the pictures of the Ion Replacement(’Evoke’, I think) on gminsidenews.com looked good. ‘Evoke’ is a great name too.
SteveG
Jill, just to reiterate that the fake wood is a mistake, check out the link I provided and also go to
http://www.saturnfans.com
Check the Aura message boards. I would say 95% of people there HATE the fake wood, and also the front end because you are using black horizontal bars instead of black mesh crosshairs which look so much sportier. If I were you I would fix these glaring mistakes pronto.
The fake wood should be an option only, use something else standard. I guarantee you wont get many people choosing to order the fake wood.
Also, the interior on the base model looks boring as heck. Only the brown leather seats and colors on the doors in the upscale model make the interior look inviting. If I were you I would spruce up the base model by getting some color on the doors.
I also hope you use a richer Grey Color on the interior than that on the Impala which looks almost white.
From Autoblog:
>in addition to the Outlook, Saturn also unveiled its new bread-and-butter mainstream sedan, the Aura. The L-Series replacement has successfully kept most of the cues from the concept vehicle that turned heads last season. That said, in-the-metal, we have to say we were collectively a little underwhelmed (both within the Autoblog ranks and out into the wider press corps). The problem? Along the bodysides, Saturn has reigned-in a lot of the visual aggressiveness along the bottom edge of the doors. What’s more, up front the bumper cap is simply more timid, with plain horizontal elements replacing a honeycomb pattern, made markedly less pugnacious around the end vents (in the fog lamp area). Out back, the situation is much the same, with the concept’s characterful center-exit exhausts ashcanned in favor of undistinguished outlets on each end.
http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/13/new-york-auto-show-saturn-aura-in-the-metal/
Joe
“There are very few buyers for these things. Ford offered all manuals on the top version of the Contour and sold a grand total of 11000 in three years.
Lincoln offered it on the LS, Cadillac on the CTS. If you want a cheap used one, just buy a manual because you’ll be the only one who wants it. No demand = manual just killing the resale.
Note that none of these were/are strippo cars. What we have here is lots of big talk, with few willing to put their money behind it.”
I’m in the process of buying an Accord EX V6 with the 6 speed manual and leather heated seats. Why haven’t I bought one already? Because dealers can’t keep them in stock and it’s hard to find one in the color I want. There isn’t much haggle room on the sticker price either, because Honda dealers know if I don’t buy it, the next guy will.
The Contour SVT and SE V6 manuals were both great looking, great handling cars, but had reliability issues and weren’t as refined as similar offerings from other manufacturers.
I actually cosidered buying a 2000 LS with a 5 speed V6, but they only offered it on the base model - if you wanted the luxury package that gave you heated seats, you had to get the automatic. As for the CTS, it handles fine but again, refinement and fit and finnish are far outclassed by the Lexus IS250 and Acura TL.
Just like a typical GM dealer, salseman, or GM themselves, they don’t think anyone wants a car with a stick simply because there is no interest in the market. When in actuality, there is stong interest in the market. GM is blind to it, and won’t acknowledge they are loosing sales because.
getalifeagain
Cut your advertising budget in half, take that money and put it into automobile development, and the other half use mainly in markets that GM is selling poorly. That would also include areas where GM sells poor demographically.
thatjerryguy
I am quite impressed with the new Saturns. The SKY, AURA and Outlook look to be on par with the competition. As a very happy owner of a 2002 L300, the AURA was the car I was most interested in, and I loved it. Styling and execution, both inside and out, is top notch. But as impressed as I was, I feel there is still room for improvement, which I hope you don’t wait a couple model years to implement. In fact, they’re quite simple.
1) the wheels on the XR are nice, but you can do better. How about offering buyers a choice? Both 5 spoke, 18″ wheels offered on the Pontiac G6 coupe are the same size and will fit the AURA. And they’d improve the looks dramatically.
2) As you’ve no doubt heard, the brown wood trim is ugly, especially with a black interior. What about offering piano black trim? Or a gray wood trim, something like the black cherry wood trim Saturn offered on special edition DVD-equipped L300s in 2002.
3) The cupholers are too small. Bigger and deeper would be far better. Check out the ones in the Honda Accord. I’m no Honda fan, but those cupholders are nice.
4) More substantial body-side molding (there’s no more polymer after all). A little wider and beefier, body-color for the XE, body-color with a thin chrome accent along the top for the XR. And how about body-color wheel opening molding for both?
5) This might be a little complicated, but what about dual-zone climate control? I was surprised to see the AURA doesn’t offer it.
Scott Dennehy
Jill,
Great Job.. I listen to your speech on line…and felt your passion and excitement for the line. I think you are going in the right direction!! Now just get rid of the Relay =) and make sure you have a Aura RedLine that is faithful to your Aura concept Way to Go Saturn
Charles
I wish that Mr. Lutz and Co. had designed the Kappa platform vehicles to be a little more friendly to us tall people. I am 6′4″ tall and cannot wedge myself into either Kappa car comfortably enough to consider actually driving them. Knees are bent up, sitting behind the steering wheel and against the dash.
And now with the only other GM car I would consider owning (Pontiac Monaro… err, GTO) going out of prodcution, well… Mustangs and Chargers are looking better.
Brian Compton
I love the Outlook and Aura. I have only one (relatively) minor issue with the Aura - the wood trim with the Morroco Brown leather. This combination simply doesn’t work in the photographs that I’ve seen. The wood base color is too close to the leather and it makes the wood look like a weekend sponge painting project. I’d love the metal trim as an option with the Morroco Brown or how about thinking outside of the box and using a different material?
My idea: COPPER INTERIOR TRIM would give you the warmth and depth that you were looking for while being original. It would also complement the amber lighting.
Ralph
There is nothing wrong with the brown trim. GM just doesn’t knwo how to take pictures.
GM corporate pitures would make a Rolls-Royce look like beat-up The Aura interior looks better in real-life pictures than in the corporate photos–waaay better. Go to http://www.autospies.com to see the real pictures.
Duncan
I drive a Mazda 626, a 2000 model with a V6 and a 5-speed stick.
No, it is not a truly exciting car by any means. However, it does two things measurably better than any Saturn I have ever driven or ridden in: it handles very well, and it is extremely smooth in operation.
I have driven Saturns before (three different SLs) and have been fairly unimpressed. Even the newest one, a 2000 SL1 with a stick, felt very coarse compared to anything else I’ve experienced - even my brief time in a Kia Rio was more positive.
Granted, the Ion is a much better car than the S-series ever was - at least from what I can tell just sitting in one. But it’s still a few miles behind ANY Honda or Toyota in perceived quality, not to mention Hyundai or Kia (both of whom have come a long way in the last ten years - arguably, Saturn has not).
I’m not going to present a detailed array of plans for what GM should be building and selling in the States, as others have done (and as I have done in my own head for years). But I am going to say something fairly simple: If GM ever hopes to make it back to market leadership, it must do so by spreading out its models in a less-overlapping way and by making sure that each and every car is at least NEAR what the best-in-class competitors are offering. Suffice to say that an OHV (or “cam-in-block” as you guys are pushing it these days) V6 engine, when compared to the OHC and DOHC engines of most competitors - including Ford and Chrysler, for gosh sakes - is not going to cut it.
On a semi-side-note, Saturn has also done itself a great DISservice (not a typo) by putting Honda’s excellent V6 in the Saturn Vue. Yes, it makes for a stellar service record, but it also fuels the arguments of those who would say that GM never could build a decent V6 engine. I tend to disagree, as the classic 3800 OHV and new 3.6 DOHC are both fine pieces of engineering for their respective eras, but you see the point.
Finally, are we about done with the SUV boom yet? As good as it is to see the Vue Green Line with its semi-hybrid powertrain, I’d rather see a new Aura wagon with the 3.6 V6 and a slick six-speed MANUAL (at least as an option). It’ll get halfway decent mileage and be just as useful, while looking better and making buyers of overpriced and (I think) overhyped Audi or VW wagons think twice.
Dave
OK, I stand corrected on the GM manuals (G6 GTP DOES count, but it’s about 30K, too). However, I DO put my money where my talk is, and I drive a Saab with a manual.
That said, I tried to find a domestic GM car with a manual first, and ran into what everyone here’s talking about. The ION’s center pod was a deal buster and it felt cheap through and through.
The Cobalt’s actually very good, but it needs that supercharged engine in a sedan (would buy that myself). The interior’s much better than I expected.
G6, the reason I forgot about it was that I can’t get past the orange IP lighting. I would never buy a Pontiac for that reason.
Malibus are auto only, and have a rental car numb ride. The price is attractive, but that’s about all.
Also, dealers here DON’T STOCK manual transmission equipped cars. How could they say they don’t sell? There were 0 HHRs within 75 miles of Detroit, and only about 3 dealers in that radius had Cobalt SS sedans available (in few colors). Most people buy something that’s on the lot. If it’s not there, people like me walk (or never go in the first place if you learn this online).
The Aura COULD BE better than the Saab for me, but it appears to be getting dumbed down like the Malibu did, until its Euro roots are no longer apparent. Wasn’t anything learned from the L-Series debacle at GM?
Brian Compton
Thanks for your $.02 on the wood trim Ralph. The wood does look slightly better in those pictures but it is still a pedestrian choice with the wonderful Morroco Brown leather.
Something I left out from my last post: The Outlook and Aura are two of best executions of modern vehicles from GM that I’ve seen in a long time. Now if I could also buy a hot little hatch from Saturn I may have to visit only one dealership in the future…
Charles
“The promise of the Saturn brand - kept alive by an exceptional customer experience - is now validated with these dynamic and inviting new products.” Do you really talk like that?
joel
Bob, How about a (DIESEL HYBRID)
Julie
I want to jump in here on the manual discussion. I HATE automatics and haven’t driven one since the Chrylser New Yorker my parents loaned me to drive when I was 16. Every car I have bought has been a manual and I plan to continue that. I realize that I may be part of a very small population, but for me it’s pretty simple, don’t offer me a manual and I won’t buy your cars.
As for the Saturn Experience discussion, let me say that, having recently traded in my Saturn (which sadly was totalled when someone hit me) for a Subaru, I miss the Saturn Experience! Buying the Subaru made me want to go home and take a shower to remove the car salesman slime and taking my car in for oil changes hasn’t been plesant either. (Plus, without my Saturn service car wash, my car hasn’t been washed yet.) With the new cars coming out for Saturn and, primarily because of the Saturn Experience, I’ll probably be back once I am done with the Subaru.
nikivee
When can we expect the same at Pontiac. Pontiac’s product line with the exception of the Solstice is extremely boring.
Eric
Since Saturn is getting some cool products, can you ditch the rectangular badge? It doesn’t do a thing for me and integrating it onto cars always results in some odd shaped piece of chrome. Go ahead and steal the Opel badge. It’s awesome.
Some echoing: Bring over the Astra for the next Ion/Evoke. If you had a 5-door hatch and 3-door Red Line model (like the GTC) I’d buy both.
I was also a little disappointed by the Aura’s taming. Especially with the front fascia.
SteveG
I mentioned it before but in case you missed it, for the Aura you need to:
1. Take the eyelids off the foglamps. Whats with that anyway?
2. Put the black honeycomb back on the grill instead of the slats.
3. Don’t dumb down the base models interior and use nicer colors.
4. Dump the fake wood.
5. Put the parking brake on the console where it belongs.
6. Increase the warranty.
SteveG
You know what I dislike about this blog?
A blog is supposed to be at least a little interactive. here, someone at GM posts something, we write back, and then never hear from the GM person again.
Jill, you there? How about some comments about our concerns at dumbing down the front end of the Aura, the fake wood, ugly wheels, etc?
JR
Unfortunately America does not like manual transmissions. The Jaguar XK8 does not have manual as an option in the US. I heard a report on NPR last year that manual transmission cars are stolen a lot less because car thieves don’t know how to shift them. I would not want a sports car w/o a manual transmission, Corvette, Solstice or Sky. Plus a small car with a small engine is a good fit for a manual like the Vibe, etc. To compete with the likes of BMW and Acura GM will need to figure out what models and how many units to work in manual transmissions.
L
I would agree with the earlier poster about having a place to test, buy, and service a Saturn in Montana. We live in Northwestern Wyoming and we may not be able to buy another Saturn because the closest dealers are where - Cheyenne, Denver, Salt Lake City, Seattle?? Those are a long way away. I would suggest adding Saturn to the lineup of dealers in Billings.
JR
My wife and I really like our 2003 LW300. It replaced our 2000 Ford Windstar. But I have to say that is does not match up to my 1997 Honda Accord LX (mid-level trim). My older Accord has a better interior than my newer L Series. Better lighting. There are no interior lights forward of the fold down DVD screen. So if you happen to drop something in the front seats or are stopped to look at a map you’re out of luck in my Saturn. Also my center console is better in the Accord as is the coin holder. It’s not like Honda spent any more money on these small or minor details, they just paid more attention to detail. Something I expect GM to do better with. Also since the LW300 has nice chrome wheels it’s too bad that they’re covered up with brake dust.
Mike Morrissey
To respond to Carl, the Vue Green Line is a true hybrid that utilizes power from an internal combustion engine and an alternator/generator/battery. What separates the Vue from other hybrids is its unique combination of fuel efficiency and value.
Consider the facts. The vehicle delivers an estimated 20 percent improvement in fuel economy. That means drivers can expect approximately 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway — the best highway fuel economy of any SUV on the market.
The Vue’s hybrid system will cost under $2,000 and the full vehicle price will start at less than $23,000, making the Vue Green Line the lowest-cost
hybrid-powered SUV in the market.
Here’s how the Vue Green Line stacks up against its FWD hybrid SUV competitors on mileage and price:
· Saturn Vue Green Line, 27/32 mpg, under $23,000
· Ford Escape Hybrid, 36/31 mpg, $27,315
· Mercury Mariner Hybrid, 33/29 mpg, $29,840
· Toyota Highlander Hybrid, 33/28 mpg, $33,303
· Lexus Rx400H Hybrid, 31/27 mpg, $45,355
The bottom line? The Vue Green Line provides fuel economy that beats or competes with other hybrid SUV’s at a significantly lower price.
At Saturn, we don’t think you should have to go broke to go green.
– Mike Morrissey, Saturn Communications
CaptainDan
JR,
I’m with you on those manual transmissions. I’d prefer any car with a manual. I’ve driven a lot of auto-trans equipped cars, and they all shifted (at least occasionally) at the wrong times. But your first sentence says it all: “Unfortunately America does not like manual transmissions.” If we’re the only two buyers that want a manual, then you won’t see a manual.
SteveG
Once again, I and others would like to know why you dumbed down the front end of the Aura.
There is a pic of the concept Aura’s front end on this blog for march I believe. It looks aggressive and powerful. The production version does not. All it needs is the original fog lamp opening, the honeycomb grill, and the larger opening beneath the grill.
I suggest you make the changes immediately.
abner
I think turning Saturn into Opel is a good idea–10 years late, but a good idea. But have the courage to see it all the way through: if you want a Euro-image brand to recapture the import-intenders, you need the manual transmissions in the sporty, upmarket trim levels. You won’t move too many, but MT enthusiasts are car nuts–if you convert them, they’ll become your evangelists, giving you the kind of marketing you just can’t buy.
And I’ve put my money where my mouth is, buying two sporty entry-lux MTs in a row from GM, after a string of Japanese makes. To be sure, I was bargain-hunting, but the experience has been good so far.
Keep your momentum going–give the Aura an enthusiast trimline, with a proper MT option.
losaggelos
Why did Saturn stop making the SL? I have one and when I look at new models coming out from Toyota and Honda, my car (paid for) does better on gas mileage than the Honda and nearly the same as the Toyota.
I want a basic A to B vehicle with AC and a good sound system. I LIKE my manual transmission. I get the best of both worlds - good MPG and decent takeoff from the line. Oh, and vehicle control in the snow is good, too.
When will GM get it? I want to buy American, but there are few incentives (not rebates) and even fewer choices. More and more vehicles are being made outside of the US…
Bring back the SL - redesign it. The ION is a joke. It’s too big, and doesn’t fit the target market the SL went after. Oh well.
Michael
If a convertible sports car with a similiar design and relative price to the SKY were to come out, that would be able to fit TALL people, then I know they would sell very well. I know this because I am 6′5″ and I have many friends that are about the same heighth, give or take a couple of inches, and we would all like a sleak convertible sports car that does not look like a clown car when get out. So we purchase something else. There is a demand, but not a supply that is for the middle income, tall demographic. Maybe even offer a stock model, but for a few thousand more offer a car to fit the needs of the individual; for instance, Michael Dell.
Jack Seth
Saturn is NOT the same company. Saturn is NOT the envy of any other Auto maker. Saturn just closed its local dealer. The next closest one was also closed. Now any Saturn own in this area has to drive 35 miles to the nearest Saturn Dealer. Saturn is another GM mishandled, mismanaged joke in the auto industry. Too bad
Michael Borquez
I just bought a fully loaded 2006 Saturn VUE a couple of weeks ago. I wouldn’t have bought this vehicle a year ago because the interior was so bland and cheap. I opted for the Trailblazer, but after increase after increase in the fuel costs I came back to Saturn.
Keep up the good work, the 2006 Vue is so much better than just a year earlier. I apprieciate that someone got into one this vehicle last year and said; this can not compete with the competition anymore. Thanks for giving me a reason to stay with GM.
Ames Tiedeman
Saturn now has some of the best product in the world.
Good work GM!
Edward S.
All I want is an Astra Redline (240+horse turbo) 5-door with a 6-speed, in-dash nav & Bluetooth. ‘Nuf said.
Christen Coulon
I owned a Saturn once. It was by far the worst vehicle I have ever owned.