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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  Unreliable - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By cperone87 - April 27 - 7:36 am

  I bought a 2007 Saturn Aura used with just under 80k miles. Having owned a 1999 Saturn SL2 for 8 years and having good luck with it, i decided to try again. Big mistake. 2 weeks into ownership, the power steering fluid was leaking. The whole steering rack had to be replaced. Luckily, the dealer i bought it from did it for free. 2 months into ownership, i thought i had a bad wheel bearing. Turns out it was the output shaft bearing to the Transmission, which meant a whole new transmission. Luckily i bought a 2 year warranty on it. During the transmission repair, i was informed that the engines rear seal was leaking. This is only the beginning, and i pray it does not continue.

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  A cheaper Audi? - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Patmajia - February 22 - 10:00 pm

  My family of 5 bought a 2.4 L Aura. With the 0% deal, it should cost less to buy, own, and drive 100k miles (incl. $5 gas) than a Camry hybrid. Outside, it looks a lot like the Audi A4; even the standard alloy wheels seem to copy those once offered on the Audi A4, a good car to copy. The red exterior with tan cloth and faux wood interior is gorgeous, but some plastic bits are low end. Only the Morocco leather (which you cannot get on the 4 cyl) is better. This car rides smoothly, and is quieter on the road at 70 mph than the 2008 Accord and is about even with the 2008 camry I test drove. Its quick enough for us. The 5 year 100k standard drivetrain warranty should make for low hassle ownership.

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  2007 Aura, looking back - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By texvette - February 16 - 7:16 am

  The Aura was purchased to commute in and be towed behind our motorhome. The vehicle has excellent acceleration and outstanding road manners. The placement of the controls is well arranged and easily accessible. The caution of buying the first of a model year, albeit earning the Car of the Year Award, certainly holds true in the case of the XR. The large number of problems in almost every system of the vehicle is indicative of getting the care to market before a full shakedown. The issues range from poor rocker panel design to fuel economy much less than competitors. There is no question that these will all be solved in subsequent model years, as is the trend with US Automakers.

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  2007 Aura XR - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Ken - February 13 - 9:40 pm

  So far, this has been a wonderful car. It is our 4th Saturn since 1997 and is the best so far. Ride is suprisingly quiet and smooth. Handling is "sporty" and with the longer wheel base takes the bumps in the road with little notice of the passengers. Workmanship is typical Saturn quality (this is a positive statement)and the only issue was OnStar didnt work out of the showroom but was resolved within a week of purchase. All in all, its Saturns best to date and it turns heads (we purchased black on black leather). My wife and I argue over who will drive it, she wins during the week and I get it on the weekends.

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  Last Gasp - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By UlaMle - January 18 - 10:00 am

  For its price this car is unbeatble. And Ive owned some really great cars: a grandsport corvette, a 72 T-Bird, a Datsun 280-Z... to name a few. Best mpg is 33 highway 22 average. Corners like its on tracks. Extremely reliable and easy to own. My original tires are just now wearing out at 63,000+ miles. My opinion, just before a brand "breathes its last breath" the manufacturer produces something fantastic. Others in this catefory: Studebaker Avanti, AMC 390cid, Oldsmobile Aurora multiple year INDY winner. Too bad the manufacturers dont have better vision

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  New Aura - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Gary - December 26 - 12:46 pm

  This new Saturn did something that I thought would never happen, I bought a Saturn. After trading in my 2003 MINI I have not looked back. The Saturn is more pleasant to drive and certainly has more power. The switches and controls are much more intuitative and are easier to reach. The interior looks and feels like a much more expensive car. The body looks more German (in a good way) than a lot of German cars do. Is it as nice as a loaded 3 series BMW? No it isnÂ’t but at close to 20 thousand dollars less for a comparably equipped car it certainly is a bargain. If you want a sport sedan with a lot of comfort and luxury features at a fair price there is no other choice.

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  Wouldnt buy another one. - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By wiguy87 - December 19 - 7:49 am

  I bought this car used in spring 2011 had 50,000 miles on it and I have over 90,000 on it now, I loved it at 1st, drove really nice and smooth, but being over 90,000 im not liking it so much, it already getting rusty on the trunk lid, took it to the dealer ship and said that it would keep coming back after they fix it cause of how the design is, it would keep collecting salt and what not from the road. And the car is pretty noise when your going a certain speed on the interstate, the rotors make noise and shakes. And they could of made the inside alot better.. Ive been trying to sell it/trade it in.. but happen to owe to much on it.. but when I owe lesser on it, Im so gonna get rid of it.

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  Best Car I Have Ever Owed! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By belovedisis - December 12 - 4:06 pm

  It is so much fun to drive. It handles great. It has a lot of get up and go. I got my car on 12-5-06 and I love it. Now my husband wants to trade our 2003 Saturn VUE for one for him. This is my 3rd Saturn and I will only buy a Saturn VUE for my SUV and I will only buy a Saturn Aura for my sedan.

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  Never thought Id meet a Saturn I liked - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By D. Erickson - December 12 - 11:00 am

  Buying this car was an accident. I have driven Volvos for 12 years now, and decided to check this car out when shopping. Boy was I surprised - pleasantly. The car is beautiful to look at (if you get past the tail looking like it was caught in vice- grips).18" wheels are beautiful, horsepower very good, interior style, excellent. I had a lot of tire problems - took dealer 10 tires to get rid of roll-out on the Goodyears. Other than that only time will tell. There are some things I would design differently, but all in all this is an amazing American car. Back seat room is great - driver entry is not. Center pillar needs moved back about 3-4" for easier ingress and egress.

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  This Saturn is a winner - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Dean - December 4 - 12:30 am

  I had gone to the Saturn dealer to check of the VUE Hybrid, but staring at me in the showroom was the Aura. The car has stunning looks both inside and out. After test driving the Aura, I knew I had to own it. The Aura has been a great car. The steering is very responsive and the cars handles great. I only problem I have with the Aura is the steering wheel. First, I wish it would tilt. The Aura steering wheel is telescopic and even goes up and down. This is satisfactory, but a tilt wheel would have been better. The other problem with the steering wheel is that the driver controls are too small. Now that it is winter and I am wearing gloves, it is difficult to press the buttons.