Overview & Reviews

For years, Saturn built mundane cars that looked and felt -- for lack of a better word -- cheap. Its midsize family sedans were no exception. Not too long ago, rumors swirled regarding the demise of the brand. But the opposite has happened. General Motors has hooked Saturn up to the rejuvenation machine, and the brand is in the process of reinventing itself and moving upscale in style, performance and features.

The new Saturn Aura is a cornerstone of the Saturn turnaround. The euro-influenced Aura has a distinctly sporty edge in both design and performance. And after years of bringing up the rear in the midsize sedan market, Saturn finally has a true competitor.

Current Saturn Aura

Available in two trim levels -- XE and XR -- the Saturn Aura is one of the more distinct midsize sedans on the market. It is built on a stretched version of General Motors' "Epsilon" platform, and has a surprising amount of legroom in the rear seats.

In fact, there are many things that will surprise buyers, including the Saturn Aura's excellent design sensibility. The cabin is nicely styled with just the right amount of (faux) wood trim or metallic accents. And to show how far Saturn has come, there are two sunroof options, including a four-panel panoramic sunroof.

The attitude isn't just skin deep. Both Saturn Aura trim levels are equipped with strong V6 engines and sporty features and equipment. The XE trim comes with 17-inch wheels (alloy wheels are available as an option) and a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 224 hp. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard. Air-conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, StabiliTrak stability control, traction control and a six-speaker audio system with CD player and auxiliary input for digital music players also come standard.

The XR gets a more powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine, which bumps power up to 252 hp. The standard transmission is a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters, two words that you would never have thought could be associated with Saturn vehicles. But this is a different era for the company. Other standard features on the XR include 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seating, a power driver seat, heated front seats and a premium stereo with eight speakers and a six-CD changer. Interestingly enough, a navigation system is not available with the Aura, even as an option.

In reviews, our editors found the Saturn Aura matched up well with other cars in its class. In many areas, it runs at the front of the low-$20,000 midsize market. The pickup from both V6 engines is strong, but especially so in the 252-hp XR. The Aura offers a nice balance of tight, precise handling characteristics and comfort. The XR is even more of a treat to drive, thanks to its smooth, even power band and agile chassis. Steering is well weighted and road noise is low.

Our editors' one serious bit of criticism regards the XE's four-speed automatic tranny, which was found to be poorly suited to the base engine. The six-speed automatic in the Aura XR, however, is wonderful. Other complaints were limited to nitpicking interior fit and finish, a reminder that, while the Aura is miles ahead of previous Saturn offerings, there are still some things that could use more attention.

User Reviews:

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  Love it , love it! - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By SarahR - June 14 - 5:03 am

  When I started looking at these, my husband insisted we get a loaded 3.6 XR version. When I came home with the loaded 3.5, he did not even blink an eye. It has a smooth ride and is so darn quiet! Road noise is minimal - the first time we were on an extended highway drive, my husband noted that he could fall asleep it was so quiet...thank goodness I was driving. Acceleration is fabulous, although with todays gas prices, I tend to conserve as much as I can now! I would recommend this car to anyone - and it was fabulous in the snow this winter. I have not had a better car.

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  Surprises everyone - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By DerekTJ - June 7 - 8:16 am

  Bought this for my wife on July 16th, and we have been nothing but overly impressed over the last month we have owned it. I just got back from a lengthy road trip to visit family, and in addition to being a great car to take on a road trip because of its superb merging/passing power, ample room, solid handeling, super smooth, comfy ride, and great stereo, everyone that saw it was impressed, as well... and this is from people who normally drive BMW and Lexus. We got the white XR with the tan leather interior, and its a sophisticated look that even the teenager it the house thinks is cool. With the sharp European looks and great ride, I feel its the best kept secret in town.

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  Wow to Saturns! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Carm - May 29 - 10:36 am

  I purchased the Saturn Aura XE. It had eight miles on it when I drove it off the lot. I was amazed and so happy that I had made this decision. The smooth ride, the classy interior and exterior and the economical gas mileage that this car has now given me is awesome. Ive now got 1500 miles on it and wouldnt hestitate to tell anyone to go for it. Saturn Auras are the answer to your high priced Camrys, classy VWs, and yes, even have been told it looks like a MINI 300 M. Absolutley incredible. Wish I could find someone that has bought one in the Albany area in which I live, so we could e-mail one another and compare notes! All I can say is in three years I will be trading it in for a new Aura!

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  First opion, check back in another year - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Mr. Blue - May 17 - 9:16 am

  Fit , finish, comfort are all first rate. Better looking than the new Chev. Malabu with a richer more Europeen look. Trying one of these better built American cars was a pleasant experience that costs, nothing. You owe it to yourself to try one of their cars out. I really shouldnt be rating anything at this time as the car is still literally untested. I would advise looking at more informative reviews that can be more helpfull regarding reality versus expectations.

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  Awesome! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By cacrazy - May 15 - 12:33 am

  Wow! This is an awesome car. I recomend this car to everyone. It is fun to drive, and nice to look at. GM made another top notch car. Im looking foward to more cars like these made by GM.

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  A GM that I am impressed with! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By ryanj1178 - May 10 - 3:16 pm

  I have never been a fan of GM products but they got it right with the Aura. The car has ample power and the handling is decent too. I am not sold on the interior, but overall it is a very capable car.

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  An Import Beater - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Bobby Kornhauser - May 7 - 10:46 pm

  Once you get over the fact that the Saturn Aura XR is not your typical "panache" import (i.e. Audi, BMW, Acura or Infiniti), then you will be pleasantly surprised by the performance, appearance, features and reliability of the Aura XR. This is GMs best shot at the imports. The car is very comfortable and enjoyable to drive, is loaded with amenities and actually shares the same quality "feel" as my previous Audis and Bimmers. This is a great car for the money.

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  Drive it! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Rich - April 27 - 5:30 am

  The Aura is an American made German car. If you want German handling, engineering, and styling, you will like this car. Test drive it in the day, and at night. You will be amazed at the interior lighting and how quiet this car is.

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  Best performance sedan for your dollar - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By phaetondriver - April 19 - 6:10 pm

  I bought my Saturn XR with 5000 miles on it, but it was in 100% perfect condition. It has features I would only expect on much more expensive cars, like electronic traction and ride stability control. It has a six speed automatic with paddle shifting on the steering wheel, which is fantastic for mountain driving. This car accelorates better than a 328, corners better than an Altama, and rides better than a Camry. Surprise is that it costs so much less than any of them. There is just to much to talk about here, let me just say that if you want performance, looks and ride like a $35K car and you like German auto engineering, but dont want to spend over $27K, then the Saturn XR is for you.

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  Best Car I ever Had - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Donn - April 14 - 9:56 pm

  This is my 4th Saturn car and I loved them all never a problem. I now have the 2008 Aura XR and we just love this car.Very comfortable to drive the stereo system is a delight for a great sound. Leather seats are very comfortable and in our cold climate the heated seats are just great. Gas milage is acceptable and the 6 cylinder engine a dream to drive.