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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  Pleased overall - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By harperfam - April 4 - 6:36 pm

  Purchased the vehicle about four months ago as a cheaper form of transportation. We had owned an SUV prior. Overall the vehicles appearence and quality seems good. The interior has a Audi-esc appearence but not Audi quality. It is not bad quality it could just have a little better materials. However the fuel milage has been disappointing. It actually is getting worse mileage than the Honda CRV it replaced. In mixed, conservative driving it is only getting about 21.5 MPG. Very disappointing.

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  They are discounting Auras - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By rb7385899 - March 29 - 4:46 pm

  forget the "policy" of no saturn discounts. i got $2,750 off list, plus was allowed to use $2,000 in GM credit card rewards. this turned a $26,933 car into about a $22,000 car. Moroccan leather interior and sunroof included. Classy - very classy

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  This is a Saturn? Amazing! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Mark Chicago - March 29 - 3:40 pm

  This car is very quiet. I purchased the base car in the Ocean Mist. I got a great deal due to being a current owner and a GM supplier. The lighting and the LED guages are super. For $10.00 per month you get OnStar turn by turn navigation on the radio controls. At 225 HP your not short on acceleration. The car is quite handsome even in base trim. I owned a 2004 Nissan Altima V6 before and I must say that this car is a tad better. Check out the paint colors. The Ocean Mist looks blue, green, and grey depending on the lighting. I like the new 5 year 100,000 mile warranty.

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  The Future of GM - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By JB - March 14 - 7:03 pm

  Outstanding car. Has all the safety features I wanted, it drives great and is very comfortable. Nothing in its price range can compare. It is very often mistaken for imports or cars costing much more. The hard part may be getting shoppers into the showroom, but the car will sell itself if shoppers take a look and a test drive. This car should change many peoples perception of GM.

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  A Gem of a Car - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Ron R - February 11 - 3:13 pm

  We absolutely love this car. Our previous vehicle was a Ford Explorer so its been quite a change. Once all the comparisons were made in this class the Aura impressed us the most.We live in a hilly region so our gas mileage is only about 34 mpg hwy but still twice as high as our old Explorer.We just finished a 10 hour drive on our world famous Cabot Trail and this car stuck to the curves like glue.From a dead stop the 4 cylinder is a bit sluggish (not for the lead footed drivers) but has more than enough power to pass anything on the highway. At over 6 feet tall it is true that getting into this car takes some getting used to but once inside the fit and finish is the best bar none.

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  Saturn XE V6 - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Steve - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Bought car used-have driven 3 months 150 miles daily-rides great, especially on long trips-very comfortable- looks very good-interior finish a bit cheap, especially armrests-but that is a GM trait from 30 years ago I get 27 mpg on highway- it gets 30 mpg if I set cruise to 55 but EVERYONE passes me at that speed

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  please dont waste your money on this car - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By judyann1 - January 21 - 7:20 am

  Please choose another vehicle, I gave my son my 2002 BMW for college graduation and purchased this car 3 months ago, What a mistake. The ESC traction lights keeps popping on and no one seems to know why. The dealerships are out to get your money, they say, let me do this, put this on, reset this, its a waste of your money. They dont know, but they gladly will take your money. I hate like hell I wasted my money on this piece of junk. GM ought to be ashamed of themselves putting this junk together. Im going to trade it in and take whatever I can get for it. I will take the loss, but you can bet for sure, I wont be buying another GM product. I should have kept what I had. SAD

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  Happy in Buffalo - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By SnowSurvivor - January 14 - 3:20 am

  I fell in love with this car as soon as I test drove it. It is very responsive and really turns heads when I drive it. I would have liked the trunk to be a little larger so that I could more easlity fit my oversized golf bag in it, but it still fits.

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  2008 Saturn Aura XR 3.6 - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Adam - January 1 - 2:33 am

  After spending 8 years in Volkswagens, I decided to trade my 2005 Passat for the Aura. Overall, Im impressed with the Aura. Saturn sure has come a long way. Good power (although a little slow to react when you punch it). Little things I notice like some cheap plastics, and poorly fitting panels in the Aura. Especially the door panels, and door sills, which get scuffed very easily. Shouldnt have that at this price point. Seating is not as comfy as the Passat. Im a taller guy, and trying to get a comfortable driving position has been a challenge. Curious to see what long road trips will be like. If I could have the VW seats in the Aura, it would be perfect.

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  Awesome Aura - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By JWright24 - December 28 - 10:46 am

  Purchased the Saturn Aura about a month ago, and it is an amazing car. It is very smooth on the road and easy on the eye. It very easily blends in with all other luxury cars. It stands apart from other cars in its class including the Honda Accord, Pontiac G6 etc. If a Honda Accord or other car in the mid $20,000 range is something you are looking at, I would strongly consider the Aura.