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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  Pats Car - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Patricia Cobb - November 23 - 7:16 pm

  It is a beautiful car to drive very comfortable, there is a lot of room inside the car thats why it is so comfortable, safety features are there. This is our 3rd Saturn and hopefully more to follow.

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  Wow - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By John - November 18 - 11:40 pm

  I picked up my Black on Black XR about 5 weeks ago and have to say its the best car I have owned. The car handles great and the tires stick to the road. I see people trying to figure out what kind of car it is. Toyota and Honda better watch out if the general keeps building cars like this.

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  Love to Drive! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Melissa - November 9 - 1:23 pm

  I have had my Saturn Aura for 6 months now and love it. From the moment I drove off the lot it has been a blast to drive. I have a 2 hour commute to work so I spend a lot of time in my car. Spending that much time in my Aura over the past 6 months I have learned the loves and the needs to change features of the car and the loves outnumber the fixes.

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  I Love My Aura - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Granny - November 8 - 7:36 pm

  I love everything about this car. It drives like a dream. The seats are the most comfortable car seats I have ever had. All of the controls are within easy reach of the driver. I have had numerous people say "Thats a Saturn?" in great dis-belief. "Thats a sharp looking car." I have recommended this car to everyone I know that is in the market for a new car.

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  Lovin It - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Satisfied Saturner - October 27 - 8:13 am

  I have had this car for almost a year and I still get excited to drive it! The 18" wheels in snow worked great last winter. I got the car fully loaded and I am enjoying features I could not get in Toyota or Honda for the price I paid for this car. Smooth ride, great sound system and quiet. Thanks Saturn!

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  The Aura is Awesome - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Dick in Indiana - October 14 - 8:33 am

  I just purchased a beautiful Midnight Blue Saturn XR Aura with Morrocan Brown/black interior. This Aura is simply incredible in all aspects for the money. The ride is great and very quiet. Even surpassing the Amanti. It has a fabulous sports car feel with all of the comforts of the expensive luxury models. I stronly urge anyone looking for a fabulous car for just under $30,000 to race to their Saturn dealer and give the Saturn a try. Youll be just like me and many others, youll have found a new love! It is great to finally be back in a wonderful American Car.

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  Beware: Transmission problems - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By hatetheaura - September 18 - 6:40 pm

  I will never buy a GM product again. My Aura only has 72,000 miles and the transmission has already broke. Trying to deal with GM is a joke. Everything from the dealership (Daniels Long Chevrolet) to customer service. Our warranty expired one month ago but am still 27,000 miles under the 100,000 mile mark and of course GM does not want to do anything about it. My car has been in the shop for over 5 days and I am constantly being told I have to pay more for diagnostics. How many error codes need to pop up for GM to admit they made lemon of a car. All GM cares about is getting you in the door, once you are there customer service is no longer cares.

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  This is a Saturn? - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Ernie - September 12 - 9:43 pm

  It looks like Saturn will have a huge hit on their hands with the new Aura. From the ouside, the styling is just right, mixing traditional sedan lines with a contemporary edge. I purchased the XR model for the 3.6 V6 and 6 speed automatic. The performance is above average with very good off the line torque and smooth highway passing. If the public testdrives these cars before making a lemming-like decision to buy a Toy-onda, theres a great chance theyll buy the Aura. By the way, my maxed-out Aura cost almost 3 grand less than the V6 Camry.

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  A car better than the Camary or Accord - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By BetterThanToyota - September 10 - 5:40 pm

  I purchased this vehicle this month. Far superior to any foreign label, the ride, handling and performance is superior to anything in its class. An excellent road car that exceeds its EPA fuel economy should alarm all competitors, the smooth ride reminds me of the Cadillac but has the performace of a Corvette with European stying. Forget what you have researched and go Saturn Aura. You really wont be disappointed. By the way this is 5th Saturn Ive owned and the best.