Saturn Brings A European Hit to America With the Astra

After being a hit in Europe for a number of years, Saturn finally replaces the Ion with the US debut of the Saturn Astra. The Astra comes in two hatchback configurations, either with 3 or 5 doors, and is a welcome compact addition to Saturn's lineup adding some European flair.

The interior styling is very strong for its class with elegant looks and a soft feel and materials. Fuel efficiency is rated at a smile-inducing 24/30 mpg for the automatic. The ride in the Astra is backed with smooth suspension and is particularly pleasing with the manual transmission. Some critics and buyers have complained that certain controls are a little too European and take some adaptation from American drivers. Also, there is no center armrest and AC is not standard on the base trim.

Some other compacts you may be interested in are the Mazda Mazda 3 if you are looking for an even sportier ride, or the Honda Civic Sedan if you are interested in checking out a top-selling compact.

For Saturn the "Outlook" is Good!

Saturn has designed a winning CUV that debuted last year. And although it is one of the most expensive starting prices (around $29,000) in Saturn history, the BuyingAdvice Team gets behind the Saturn Outlook for its style, comfort and all-around utility.

Gone are the days of dent resistant siding, but the days of more interior refinement and space have arrived with the Outlook. The handling is proficiently car-like and, thanks to a second row that can slide to increase legroom, the third row seat can fit adults comfortably. Towing capacity is high for the CUV segment and fuel-efficiency fits in with the higher half of the competition backed by solid V6 performance. So if you really need to tow a big group people of people around in comfort, this is a great option. Though reliability is still average for the Outlook.

If you don't mind having a little less space and towing capacity, you can save about $1,000 by buying the Toyota Highlander. The Honda Pilot has 100 more hp for a few hundred less, but doesn't have a third row.

The Saturn Aura Hybrid - Not Quite Worth the Extra Cost

The Saturn Aura is a promising new midsize sedan that debuted last year. It has Opel-inspired European looks and provides a spacious and dynamic ride. We think it's a strong new GM sedan worth looking into. Unfortunately the BuyingAdvice Team is not as excited by the Saturn Aura Hybrid Green Line, which costs about $2,500 more than the gasoline version, but doesn't nearly live up to the extra expense.

Perhaps we have been spoiled by hybrids like the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Honda Civic Hybrid which get over 10 more mpg than their gasoline-fueled counterparts. And while Saturn has been up-front about saying that their hybrid technology is a "mild hybrid powertrain", the estimated gain per gallon is a disappointing 2 miles over the non-hybrid Aura. It fares a bit better against its V6 engine, but the handling of the Green Line Aura is actually more clumsy and the acceleration less powerful. Recent reports say that by 2009, Saturn plans to release a full hybrid powertrain on the Aura. We recommend saving your money until that change occurs.

If you are interested in a Hybrid that offers fuel-economy that is worth the extra upfront cost, we recommend the Toyota Camry Hybrid and the Honda Civic Hybrid.

Top-rated Values for 2007

A recent article identified a short list of vehicles that offer the most value this year. By evaluating multiple sources and results such as value ratings, customer service satisfaction, reliability history, depreciation rates and consumer perception of brands, Forbes has arrived at a list of the "Most Value-Packed Cars".

Because a lot of higher-end models with customized services made the list, the BuyingAdvice Team suspects that customer ratings on the sales experience may have been given too much weight when determining some of this year's best values. But, the list has a lot of useful information for the value-inclined. Here are some of the highlights:

Mini Cooper	Pros: Strong reliability, personalized sales approach, 6 yrs of value awards
Acura TSX	Pros: Near-Luxury sedan for about $29K, reliability, high resale value
Lincoln MKX	Pros: Brand new model, top safety pick, versatile crossover, exceptional sales process
Lexus IS	Pros: A sports sedan with nice features and price, outstanding reliability
Saturn Aura	Pros: No haggle experience, attractive ride, strong ongoing service
BMW 3-Series Coupe	Pros: Low depreciation rate, practical qualities plus a notable ride, low price for BMW
Honda Civic	Pros: Reliable, safe and fuel efficient, high resale value
Audi A3	Pros: Lowest priced Audi, versatile hatchback, efficient fuel use for the power

It's worth noting that BMW, Lexus and Honda had the most number of models that made the highest value list. To read the full article and rankings, go to Forbes.

Saturn Offers A Radically Different VUE

Saturn has arrived at a new redesign of its compact SUV by essentially becoming a twin of the European Opel Antara. That's right, say goodbye to the boxy shape and the mediocre interior-the VUE has embraced some Euro-flair.

The BuyingAdvice Team believes this year's redesign of the Saturn VUE has resulted in much-improved styling and performance. Unfortunately, the cost has jumped up a notch too. The VUE now costs over 3,000 dollars more than the last model.

In exchange for the extra money, the VUE now offers a complete set of standard safety features, dramatically enhanced styling, and a tremendously improved ride. With a wide variety of drivetrain choices, the VUE impresses with its competitive steering, handling and speed. What will be missed from the last generation is the lower cost, the lighter weight of the vehicle, which helped fuel economy, and the dent-resistant panels.

Now that the VUE costs more, it loses one of its main advantages over other competitors. But the all-new VUE can at least join the competition with its new-found style, safety and performance. Other comparable models in terms of price and features worth looking into are the Ford Escape and the Honda CR-V.

Diesels Are Reappearing in the U.S.

In this age of high-priced gasoline, diesel engine cars are looking pretty good.  That is why automakers such as Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagon and Jeep have all included them in their line-ups.  Not only do the diesel engines get better gas mileage, the diesel gasoline costs less too.

These diesels are not the same ones you remember, loud, foul-smelling and polluting the air, the new diesel engines are designed to not only meet strict federal clean air requirements but also to be as quiet and odor-free as gasoline engines, increase fuel economy by 25 to 40 percent and provide enough torque to please even the fussiest American drivers.

In 2010, GM is planning diesel passenger cars for their Cadillac and Saturn line-ups.  GM will be joining diesel front-runners such as DaimlerChrysler AG, Volkswagen AG, as well as diesel creator, Mercedes-Benz.  Audi is also in the game with the world's first twelve-cylinder diesel engine which gains the title of being the most powerful diesel engine for a production series.  This engine, which sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds, is available on the 2007 Audi Q7 V12 TDi.  If gas mileage is important to you, consider going diesel!

Thinking Green

The Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid have the only perfect EPA greenhouse gas scores, but you don't have to own a hybrid to do your part for the environment.   Other low emission, green car winners are simply gas-powered, fuel-efficient, small cars.

For new vehicles, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issues air pollution scores and greenhouse gas scores, both of which are ratings from 0 to 10, with 10 being the highest.  According to EPA data, the Ford Focus scores high for environmental friendliness.  It received a score of 9.5 in air pollution and high greenhouse gas scores.  With the $13,995 base price of the Focus, it is easy to be green.  Other gas-powered, green cars that scored high on EPA tests are Saturn's non-hybrid Ion, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, Mazda3 and Nissan Altima.   The average base price of the six highest ranking vehicles powered by gas only is $14,678.  Being "green" is easier , and cheaper, than we thought.

GM Announces Price Hike for Saturn Vue

When the redesigned 2008 Saturn Vue hits showrooms in a few months it will come with a bigger engine and a price tag more than $3,000 higher than the current model. An array of new safety features and standard automatic transmission are all part of major upgrade for the compact crossover, but whether that will be enough to offset the price hike remains to be seen. Industry insiders believe that GM wants to take the Saturn brand upmarket, but this move is taking a huge risk with the second-best selling vehicle in their lineup in our opinion.

Aura Named "Most Washable" Car

Opinions are divided here at BuyingAdvice.com as to whether this is the silliest or most practical car award we have ever heard of, but the Saturn Aura has been named "Most Washable" car in North America. Apparently, the lack of exterior ridges and embellishments, which collect the dirt, make the Aura stand out from the crowd, according to the International Car Wash Association who present the award. The trophy can stand proudly next to the Aura's North American Car of The Year title and buyers can look forward to bargains on the Aura in the coming months if sales don't pick up soon after a slow winter for the multiple award winner.

Saturn Aura Hybrid Qualifies For Tax Credit

Good news from the tax man as April's deadline looms. The IRS has confirmed that buyers of the 2007 Saturn Aura hybrid will qualify for a $1,300 tax credit. Since 2005, hybrid buyers have been eligible for a credit with the exact amount varying by model. However, the tax break only applies to the first 60,000 of each model sold in a year and is reduced as more sell. So, it is wise to buy a hybrid early in the year and always check the current status. With the Aura being one of the cheapest hybrids on the market, it attracts a smaller credit than most, but some states also offer an additional local tax break. It is a pain to have to lay out the money and claim it back, but who doesn't need some good news around tax time?