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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  I love my new Aura - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Paul Capeheart - December 23 - 7:00 pm

  So far this is the best car I have ever owned. Very responsive and it handles more like sport coupe than a sedan. The best feature however is the styling. It just looks cool, and when you step inside, it remains impressive. The first Saturn Ii owned was a 94 when I was in college. I liked the car and the buying experience, but the cars were to plain Jane. I drove an Accord until this, and hopefully Ill stick with U.S. manufacturers from now on. If you give Saturn a chance, youre going to love this car!

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  American made is back in great shape. - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Goombah - December 21 - 11:13 pm

  This is a wow car, The GM guys got it right on the 2007 XR. So much for so little, fantastic fit and finish, looks that blow away the foreign competition. Zero to 60 in 6.5 seconds, absolute quiet ride with a very sport tuned suspension. It will out do any car in any class under $36,000. This is the most complete car I have owned in my 70 years of driving. Keep it going Saturn because its the best kept secret that America has.

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  Great for a US vehicle - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By FirstAmerican - December 13 - 5:50 am

  First American auto I have owned in 20 years. Great value, style, and engineering. Style caught my eye to start. Interior comfort and layout better than many imports and other GM autos. The 3.5 engine is responsive and tranny works better than I believed it would. Real average mpg runs mid to upper 20s. Pretty good for a V-6.

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  2007 Aura XR - Awesome! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By RamaDune - December 6 - 7:20 pm

  I was always impressed with Saturns performance, reliability and design, but felt their interiors wre cheap looking and sparse. The 2007 Aura is just the opposite. The interior is tight, quiet, and luxurious and only seen on more high priced luxury cars. The 3.6L engine with the 6 speed transmission is quick, responsive and fun to drive. Saturn has a winner here and foreign car owners should check out this car. It is priced $2000-$4000 cheaper than is competitors and has more standard features than most. The Saturn Aura XR is a winner!

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  Love It! Extremely Good Value - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Ralph - November 22 - 2:43 am

  Value - this is by far the best car for the money. Sure you can buy a Toyota or Honda with the same level a reliability, but this has style. And you dont see 30 of them in whenever you look for a parking space. The car drives wonderfully with more than enough power. More power is available with the XR but the XE - V6 is plenty of power. For more spirited performance drop it in I from D. Every guest in my car compliments the design and comfort and thinks it is much more expensive that I paid. I look forward to enjoying this car for years.

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  Fourth American Made Vehicle - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Michael - November 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2008 Aura used with 27K. I usually lean towards Toyota and Honda. I thought I would give America another try in quality since my last American vehicle was a 92 GMC Sonoma pick-up and was a lemon. The car now has 42K and have not had one problem (knock on wood). I was very amazed with the ride, handling, and gas mileage. I am sorry that Saturn no longer exist because I think they might have had something going for it with the Aura. Oh well maybe my next will be a Malibu.

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  Euro feel from Kansas City - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By MT - November 11 - 6:43 pm

  Saturn has successfully brought over the German essence of this car. The exterior is very striking - Ive recently had a Passast, Audi A4 and Audit allroad. This compares well. The interior is close to these cars but a bit below - see first suggestion below. Fit and finish is so much better than any previous Saturn. Driving on both highway and back roads is a pleasure - good feel,quiet (except standard tires are not so quiet or good and theres maybe 2 aftermarket alternatives). Vision Ok but A pillar is obtrusive. The engine is very strong and works well with tranny. It is definitely a lot of car for the money and if you find the right combo of incentives/rebates it is a steal.

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  First new car purchase and loving it! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Shana - November 8 - 7:13 pm

  After test driving the Accord, Civic, Sentra and reading numerous reviews on other cars, I test drove the Aura and fell in love with it. Ive been a GM girl my whole life and am glad that one of the name plates still holds up, even if I wasnt interested in the current Chevy or Pontiac models. This car was unbelievable for the price. A comparable Japanese or German auto would have been $5-10,000 more!

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  In Love with the Aura - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Amazing Car - October 31 - 1:20 am

  I bought the car about 6 months ago, and still feel so spoiled every time I drive it. Its a pleasure at all times. You really get the most car for the money. Would buy again- in a heart beat!

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  New ride - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By JAY - October 26 - 7:53 am

  Really like overall style plus the fit and finish is quite good. Car handles well and has enough power for the average driver. Not broke in yet with under 800 mls. Hope to average between 30 & 32 on the road after break in period.