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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My First Saturn - 2008 Saturn Aura
By Nino D - June 24 - 11:56 amI traded in my 2004 Honda Accord V6 after I drove the Aura.This car looks and drives better than my Honda Its a good value the build quality is excellent. Looks like it should cost more.
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Great Value - 2007 Saturn Aura
By Chris - June 20 - 12:10 amI looked at almost every car, new and used, in the 18k to 24k price range and the Aura was the best value. I loved its exterior, and the performance and fuel economy are great. I would have preferred the XR, but I couldnt justify the money as this was my first car and I am using it for sales. I have had it for 3 months and have already put 7k miles on it, but I havent had one problem with it. If you can afford the XR, definitely get it, if not, the XE is a great car, and way underpriced for all the you get!
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I love it! - 2008 Saturn Aura
By Luis A. Montero - June 16 - 2:06 amI love this car. I am always commenting to myself, "This car is so smooth." Not only does it drive smoothly, but it has a nice pick-up when you step on the accelerator pedal. My car is merely a 4 cylinder car, but it feels like what I would imagine a 6 cylinder would feel like. This car is also super comfortable. In fact, I would rather take a nap in this car than on my own bed!
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Just love it - 2007 Saturn Aura
By D. Ramos - June 14 - 6:00 amWhen we take our Saturn out on the road people just take second look and admire it. I like to put my foot down on throttle and feel the torque that the engine produces. It is fun to drive and now youÂ’r e safe inside with side and front air bags. I think Saturn needs to advertise more about this wonderful car. Now I do by word of mouth
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Im impressed - 2007 Saturn Aura
By Great Aura XR - June 10 - 2:30 amI took some time to write this review to help evaluate this car. Ive got 4000 miles on it and cant be happier. Driving it is wonderfully fun.
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An Excellent Value for the Money - 2007 Saturn Aura
By R. Longino - June 6 - 9:26 pmThis was my first purchase of an American car. In the past, I avoided American vehicles because of quality concerns and lack of interior refinement. However, the Saturn Aura Concept immediately caught my attention when I saw it in 2005. I made a Black Onyx XE model my own in January 2007, and it continues to impress me several months later. It is easy to maintain, and I have had no reliablility issues at this point. The Aura offers a pleasant driving experience with very little wind or engine noise audible at normal highway speeds. The suspension is tuned well, giving a balanced yet sporty ride. Saturn succeeded in taking the Aura upscale. Most of my friends think it is a more expensive car!
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Great Car - 2008 Saturn Aura
By Ms Fran - June 4 - 9:06 pmI drove a 93 Acura Legend for 12 years and wanted another Acura but I saw the Aura and fell in love with it. (To me the Acura had a smoother ride; but it had a lot of miles and to expensive to fix up.) The morocan brown leather in the Aura is awesome. Didnt think I wanted the XM radio, was going to get my free 3 months and cancel, but I love the stations, especially the jazz stations.
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My 3rd Saturn - 2007 Saturn Aura
By Saul Cruz - May 20 - 2:00 pmThis is my 3rd Saturn, since they began in 1990. I love this car. I can rest assured that it will start the next morning.
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Better than I expected from Saturn - 2007 Saturn Aura
By Michelle - May 3 - 3:23 pmSaturn suprised me. I am a newcomer when it comes to driving a 4 door sedan because Ive always had sports cars, but after driving my Aura that I purchaced 3 weeks ago, I must say that Ive changed my mind about sedans. Saturn has made a great sporty sedan with a great engine that will get up and go! Ive been very happy so far with my Aura and would highly recommend it to those who are looking for a change from there cramped sports car. Great job Saturn!
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Great All Round Car - 2008 Saturn Aura
By Dan_Arlington - April 28 - 6:23 amThe Aura is a very comfortable vehicle. My previous car has a 2006 Honda Accord. The Aura is mor comfortable, quieter, and gets the same gas mileage. For the money I think it is a better car than the Honda Accord.
