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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  Very Impressed - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Gary - August 20 - 4:13 am

  There is great value in this car. I honestly would not of considered a Saturn, except a relative got me a discount. Im glad he did. This car has manners, power, very good build quality and good looks. I have been pretty much a foriegn car owner, both German and Japanese. This car has changed my mind about American cars.

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  great car, but ... - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By michael perillo - August 18 - 1:46 pm

  Owned for over two years. No problems. Love the two tone interior, ride, handling, acceleration. My only complaint is with the city gas mileage. On the highway I can get 33 mpg. In the city where I do most of my driving I get at most 13 mpg, and I use every known method to increase efficiency. People who claim to get 18-22 in the city cannot possibly be right. I check my mileage at every fill-up and have never gotten better than 13 mpg. Other than this, the car is great.

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  Car of the Year.. Not This One! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By lvtv - August 11 - 8:50 am

  If you have not had trouble yet just wait. Not only have I had numerous problems but the dealership is as bad. Steering noise AC went out Brakes Squeel Now steering rack WHATS NEXT !!! 07 car of the year???????

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  Its a winner! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By jerry mayer - August 11 - 12:33 am

  Have the first one on the road here in MD. Berry Red, tan interior, 3.5 litre engine, sunroof and package with additional electronics. Well, one week later and its still a great ride! Tight handling, quiet cabin and great looks. Wish it got the fuel numbers the Dodge Caliber gets, but hey, I have more power to boot. Quick take offs are indeed that. No complaints here. I drove most of the comparable cars by Ford/Mercury, Toyota, Honda, GM, ect...this is the best of the best for me. Drive one and enjoy the ride. Saturn got it right.

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  Best bet out there - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By RICHARD - August 8 - 10:13 am

  I love this car. Sure it has a couple of downfalls, but nothing major and nothing I didnt notice before I bought it. I am getting great gas mileage, about 29 in city, 34 on hwy. I would ask that anyone drive this car before you buy, you will be glad you did..

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  The Little Car Co. that Could and Did! - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By mary simmons - August 4 - 12:20 pm

  The Auras acceleration is extremely smooth. When I sit in the Aura it makes me feel like Im surrounded in luxury and its so quiet, Saturn uses Acoustic Laminated Glass to reduce wind and road noise contributing to a very quiet ride.

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  Awesome Car - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By svenster - July 25 - 9:16 am

  This is a very nice car. I have had it for 3 weeks and just love driving it. I get all kinds of questions about it when I get out. Very fast, excellent interior layout and comfortable seats. A friend with a G35 says if she had seen the Saturn she would have saved $7 grand and bought it instead.

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  XR - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Joe Pritt - July 23 - 10:36 pm

  plenty of power! Handles well, paddle shifting makes car fun to drive

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  Good purchase - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By diphill - July 21 - 12:30 pm

  Just perchased the XE 2.4, It handles like a V6, plenty of power and great gas mileage. Its a pleasure to drive, feels tight on the road. Looks like GM finally got it right with this one. Plenty of storage and interior is tastefully done. Exterior looks like an expensive car without the price tag. Ive only owned it for about a week and cant say anything bad about it. Very happy, theyve earned my respect.

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  A Saturn that competes - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By aldinero - June 27 - 9:30 am

  A real drivers car. Very good ride and flat out very good handling. Great sounding stereo.