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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  Transmission problems - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By Karen Hickman - December 3 - 7:03 am

  Buyer Beware of transmission problems. The transmission "slipped" on my brand new 2009 Saturn Aura at 347 miles. I had to have it towed twice. The dealership returned it to me and assured me there was nothing wrong, despite the fact that I pulled out in front of traffic and could not accelerate. I was told to "...pull off to the side of the road, shut off the engine, then restart the car to reset it." After this occurred the third time, I did as instructed, then drove it to the dealership, and left it there. I insisted it was dangerous, and I was now following the GA Lemon Law. They replaced the transmission at approximately 700 miles. I would rate my experience with Saturn a big 0.

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  Surprisingly disappointing - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By Dominic - February 7 - 3:10 pm

  Problems with this car: 1) Transmission hunts, is too quick to downshift, and feels erratic. 2) The seats are very uncomfortable for any distance driving, 3) Seat adjustment is limited, Im 5 10" and felt like I was on top of the headliner, 4) Windshield rake and seat make the rear- view mirror a giant obstacle to see around. Its a blind-spot facing forward. 5) Steering wheel remotes for cruise and radio are too small and hard to use during night-driving. 6) Interior components that scream "Im cheap plastic" combined with lousy fit and finish.

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  Shoot the Ergonomics Engineers - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By TomNmd - September 15 - 8:13 am

  The remote mirror adjustment is in the wrong place -- cant sit in final position and adjust mirrors accordingly. Put the compass and temperature in lower left & right of rear-view mirror -- cant see past rear headrests anyway. Heat the thighs - not just center of seat. Cant see any info when manually shifting (the tap shifter is a joke anyway). Cant get to pass- side rear seat storage (why is it recessed?) Itsy bitsy cruise-control and radio buttons and no cruise-control pause. Mirror dimmer doesnt dim enough -- manual would be better. HARD seats very uncomfortable. Wish I hadnt bought this thing -- I hate every one of the 150 miles I travel each day! Feel like Im getting bed soars.

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  2007 Saturn Aura owner - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By ssbowtie - December 16 - 11:56 pm

  I have 07 Aura XR with 88,000 miles on it and transmission went. GM said nothing they can do 5 year/100,000 warranty is up. In shop now for 2 days bring diagnosed. I will never buy another GM vehicle as long as I live. Probably will have to sue for replacement and that GM known defect

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  terrible - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By sbrke13 - March 30 - 7:45 pm

  Nothing bur problem after problem with this Car. Doors wont always open. Locks on rear doors dont work. Nothing but electrical problems. On top of tht ems computer needs to be taken apart every cpl months and add dielectric grease. Car will randomly wont start due to vacuum leak caused by ems computer.it will pulsate and stahl out. Temper gauge freaks out to. and thts just the start of the problems. All in all worst car out there. Extremely cheaply made

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  This is an awful car - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By alces1976 - December 25 - 9:03 am

  I have not had a good experience with this car, or this company. I have always owned a GM car, this being my first (and last) Saturn. The car hasnt worked right in the year Ive had it with a multitude of electrical problems and common defects. The company has been impossible to work with, and overall I would have rather switched to a Pinto over this mess of a car. Watch yourself if youre looking at this car!!!

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  Do not buy a Saturn aura! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By kelly080 - July 2 - 7:31 pm

  This is by far the worst car I have ever had. This car has had issues ever since the day I bought it 5 years ago. To name a few... Replaced the alternator, brakes work opposite of how they should ( when I press the brake pedal the lights go off and visa versa), problems with the starter (still havent resolved), cruise control doesnt work, Radio doesnt turn off when I turn off my car or open the door, and most recently spent over 2000 dollars to have the wave plates replaced in the transmission. Wouldnt recommend this car to my worst enemy.

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  Worst Car - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Danielle - June 29 - 11:36 am

  I brought my car after leasing a Honda Accord coupe after 3 years. The Aura was definitely a large downgrade. They had to change my brake pads after 3000 miles. The car is rattling when you hit a bump. My two year old son got stuck in the seatbelt. My keyless remote goes out every 6 months they already replaced it twice and it needs to be replaced again. I will be buying a new or used foreign car next time.

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  Electrical - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By cmeans - April 30 - 11:36 pm

  I have a 2008 Saturn Aura. I start having real problems with it once it got to 50,000. Steering problems, front end problems (constantly pulling to the right. Now I am dealing with locks the locks that started acting like it was possessed. The car locked me in. And then it would not stay secure. I had to remove the fuse I then found out the relay switch was bad. The car is just at 65,000. Did GM have a recall on the electrical issues?

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  Piece of junk - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Julie - April 25 - 7:10 am

  I bought this vehicle due to Consumer Reports 2007 article. However,they are completely wrong about this car! I bought this vehicle in November of 2007, and not one week later, the car had to be brought back in for work. One month later, the same thing. They had to replace the paneling inside, replace the heater coil, and try to figure out why when I had my cruise control on, it would go from 70 to 78 going up hills. However, as I was told, it is stated on the Saturn description that this is normal. Really? I figure it is because they have no idea why the cruise control was not working.The next thing is the MPG. What a joke!!! I average, with going normal speed, 60-65, maybe around 21-22