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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  A Great 1st Car - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By YoItsHawkes - August 27 - 8:00 am

  I just purchased an Aura XE as my first car (all the others had technically been Dads) and I couldnt be happier with my choice. The black with tan leather is incredibly sharp looking and the exterior design is sporty with class. It drives smooth as butter, and the interior design reminds me of many luxury European cars. I would highly recommend this car for anyone looking for quality and class at a decent price.

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  First Car after SUVS - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Kerry - August 27 - 4:26 am

  I bought my 2007 Aura V6 with about 24,000 miles. I am extremely pleased with this vehicle. Where to start... I get around 28 mpg on the freeway and around 22 in the city. The V6 is a blast to drive, especially when accelerating at high speeds. I have received TONS of compliments about the interior of the vehicle. I love the wood trip, modern dash and ambient lighting. The car is very comfortable to sit in. I love the exterior look of the vehicle, it looks like an acura from the back, especially with the lights on. I am nervous about going domestic, but wow there is no need to buy a foreign car over this Aura, its amazing. Absolutely no problems of any sort.

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  Solid Car! - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Barry - August 22 - 12:40 am

  Overall I am very impressed with this vehicle. This is my first experience with Saturn and so far it has been great. Getting 30 or 31 MPG just everyday driving. The OnStar and XM are great. Major selling point for me was the traction and stability control. We previously owned an 03 Hyundai Sonata that performed terribly in the snow. This V6 is very impressive. The inside cabin is very quiet, no wind noise that I can tell, a little road noise, but still a very quiet car. It handles exptremely well and I am very happy with it!

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  After four months, it is still love - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By K Berlin - August 21 - 4:06 am

  After 4 months, I still love this vehicle. Pick up on acceleration is amazing. I have received many comments from people who think it is a $35,000 plus car and are amazed when I tell them it is a Saturn. I have learned to use all of the features and it just makes the experience better. I have seen Fords Synch option in operation and OnStar has it beaten by a mile. What would I add? I am lazy, and I still like the idea of the combination keyless entry I used to have. But I would not give up the Saturn for it. Period.

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  Impressive - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Lee - August 20 - 12:23 am

  I was lookinng at both the Saturn and the new Chevy Malibu. I found that the Saturn XR was much less than the top of the line Malibu LTZ. I did not want a 4 cyl despite the price of gas. This car is amazing in every way. I will admit the ride is a bit stiff around local roads but like a Cadilac on the highway. Everything is easy to reach well marked and night driving this thing lights up like a Christmas tree. I cant believe these cars are not flying out of dealers lots. The bang for the buck is one of the very best deals out there now

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  So far - Great! - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Joe - August 13 - 7:03 am

  After test driving the alternatives, the Aura XR blew me away. I was a confirmed Toyota fan but the new Camrys and Avalons did not measure up. The Aura has been a pleasure to drive and the dealer experience great. Only time will tell if longer term reliability will rival the Toyota and Honda.

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  My Saturn XE V6 - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By mfig66 - July 28 - 2:20 am

  i like my car is has good pick up. the seats shown some wear and one spill of anything makes a spot an it is hard to take it out. the mpg is not great and could maybe be better for a V6. i get about 20 on the street on the hwy i getabout 28 or 30.

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  Pleasantly surprised. - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Peter - July 8 - 10:40 pm

  After driving German cars, Audi, BMW for the last 10 yrs, I was pleasantly surprised when I decided to try last years Car of the Year, The A4 and TSX are changing next year, so who wants an obsolete car after 6 months, so I took a test drive and was impressed by the power, nice handling, and improvements in the American interior. Its not up to Audi but they are trying and hopefully will continue to evolve. The Tapshifter is fun, the sound system decent, and 6 speed transmission smooth. The Moroccan tan seats are very attractive and make the interior very supple. While some of the European cars are making their styles more angular, the Aura continues the style of the older models.

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  New owner - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By simental - June 20 - 9:43 am

  The car compares with the best of the mid size sedans. I love the features that come with it. I have an affordable car that has all the large luxury car details.

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  This is a Saturn? - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Terri G - June 18 - 8:53 pm

  The car looks and feels more expensive than it is. Ive seen people checking it out in parking lots and I even had someone pull up beside me while I was starting it up and start asking me about it. The ride is very comfortable and quiet. I have family members that are in the 64-66 range and there is plenty of leg room for them.