This guy tells it like it (was) with Saturn.
01-18-21, 06:46 PM
#1
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
This guy tells it like it (was) with Saturn.
An excellent video....I think it deserves a new thread, although I'll defer to the moderators if they want to merge it with a older Saturn thread, or unlock/re-open one of the closed-threads.
Anyhow, although this guy does get a few of the car-spec figures wrong, like the number of plastic panels on the L-series, the spelling/pronunciation of the Aura/Aurora sedan, and omits the plastic-bodied first-generation VUE, I can totally agree with about 95% of what he says....and, in good conscience, I could have made about 95% of this video myself. After owning an SL2 sedan, I still vividly remember my own test-drive of a new Ion and remarking how poorly it was designed. And of the First-Generation VUE, whose electric power-steering and complete lack of feel was like sitting at an imitation steering-wheel on a computer. In general, though, although he was off a little in a few in the individual-model-specs, he was (and is) right-on about what caused Saturn's sad demise.
Having said that, to be honest, I did not think that ALL of the post-S-series Saturn products were junk or inadequate. After looking at, and test-driving, a new Aura sedan, I was impressed with it even though it, like its sister Chevy Malibu, used steel panels instead of plastic. I only had two minor beefs with it...a serious lack of rear-seat head-room (which was largely irrelevant, since I rarely ever carry anyone in back), and the fact that they sold firmer-riding lower-profile tires on the nicer V6 version than with the four. I did, however, consider an Aura purchase.
Anyhow, although this guy does get a few of the car-spec figures wrong, like the number of plastic panels on the L-series, the spelling/pronunciation of the Aura/Aurora sedan, and omits the plastic-bodied first-generation VUE, I can totally agree with about 95% of what he says....and, in good conscience, I could have made about 95% of this video myself. After owning an SL2 sedan, I still vividly remember my own test-drive of a new Ion and remarking how poorly it was designed. And of the First-Generation VUE, whose electric power-steering and complete lack of feel was like sitting at an imitation steering-wheel on a computer. In general, though, although he was off a little in a few in the individual-model-specs, he was (and is) right-on about what caused Saturn's sad demise.
Having said that, to be honest, I did not think that ALL of the post-S-series Saturn products were junk or inadequate. After looking at, and test-driving, a new Aura sedan, I was impressed with it even though it, like its sister Chevy Malibu, used steel panels instead of plastic. I only had two minor beefs with it...a serious lack of rear-seat head-room (which was largely irrelevant, since I rarely ever carry anyone in back), and the fact that they sold firmer-riding lower-profile tires on the nicer V6 version than with the four. I did, however, consider an Aura purchase.
Last edited by mmarshall; 01-18-21 at 07:05 PM.
01-19-21, 12:30 PM
#4
Lexus Test Driver
Originally Posted by Bob04
Once upon at time many years ago, a guy on another car forum bashed me and my LS430 and told me I was just be jealous that he was riding around in a new Aura. 
01-19-21, 12:50 PM
#5
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
For their price-range, the LS430 and Aura are actually both nice cars. A couple of Car Chat members, some years ago, bought new Auras, and were generally pleased wth them....although, obviously, it is not in the same league as an LS430, which was probably an industry benchmark. The Chevy Malibu of that generation (the Aura's cousin), in some ways, IMO, was even nicer than the Aura.....Its interior trim looked a little more classy, and the instrument-panel lights were the nice light aqua-blue color that some GM products were using at the time instead of the yellowish-orange dash-lights that Saturn used, similiar to the Infiniti G35.
01-19-21, 12:54 PM
#6
Lexus Test Driver
01-19-21, 12:57 PM
#7
Lexus Fanatic
Trending Topics
01-19-21, 12:58 PM
#9
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
01-19-21, 01:04 PM
#10
Lexus Fanatic
I wonder if thats why he only has 44 subscribers lol. I didn't watch it, no interest in watching someone talk into the camera for 17 minutes.
Theres just nothing to miss there. They were crummy economy cars, cheaply made, nothing compelling. They had a unique business model, and I applaud the concept of trying to make something special (as in a unique car and a customer service driven sales and service experience) for ordinary people...but the product was just not very good.
We have MUCH better economy cars today than any Saturn ever was.
Theres just nothing to miss there. They were crummy economy cars, cheaply made, nothing compelling. They had a unique business model, and I applaud the concept of trying to make something special (as in a unique car and a customer service driven sales and service experience) for ordinary people...but the product was just not very good.
We have MUCH better economy cars today than any Saturn ever was.
01-19-21, 01:05 PM
#11
Lexus Test Driver
there was a period where my dad was actually somewhat interested in a slightly used saturn sky redline, i'm happy i was able to dissuade him from that and get him into the AMG e-class which culminated in getting a new E63 in 2015
i'm sure that little saturn would've been fun though
i'm sure that little saturn would've been fun though
01-19-21, 01:07 PM
#12
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
01-19-21, 01:12 PM
#13
Lexus Fanatic
01-19-21, 01:21 PM
#14
Lexus Test Driver
there was a period where my dad was actually somewhat interested in a slightly used saturn sky redline, i'm happy i was able to dissuade him from that and get him into the AMG e-class which culminated in getting a new E63 in 2015
i'm sure that little saturn would've been fun though
i'm sure that little saturn would've been fun though
01-19-21, 01:34 PM
#15
Lexus Test Driver