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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  Fun, Fast, and Fierce! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By MM - December 25 - 8:33 am

  Ive been test driving cars for months now and taking the wheel at many varities of autos. The Aura was by far my favorite, so I took the plunge the other night after seeing the massive rebates put out. I have a feeling I will not regret it. I have a grey/black leather combo with multiple add on features (including the Panoramic Roof) and have loved every mile. Its quiet, feels sturdy and tight on the road. The mileage is OK, but its a V6! The exterior is fierce with the alloys and leds. I love the interior lighting and read-ability and user friendliness of the panels. If youre going to do a midsized sedan, do it right and get an Aura fully loaded for less than a mediocre Camry/Accord.

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  Amazing Car For Price - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By exm22psu - December 13 - 5:43 am

  I have found the Aura to be beyond the Camry, Accord, and Altima, even if they were at the same price, which they arent. I didnt like the Altima as much for steering, although the engine is at or beyond the Aura in some refinement aspects, and Camry for ride and road noise. The Aura is more quiet, has better steering feedback, and more tight suspension and seating. Only thing that needs attention is a rear center armrest, move high mounted stoplight to top of rear window, and improve quality of rear seat cupholder.

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  The best sedan - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Jimmy Flitts - December 1 - 4:53 am

  I really love the Saturn Aura. it drives like a car that cost thousands more.The interior is sleek and stylish, as well as the outside. I have recieved many compliments on this car.

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  Go test drive this car - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Mark - November 24 - 1:03 pm

  We absolutely love this car. The drive and comfort level is top notch. Quiet, sleek, stylish, and quick to boot. Gas mileage is superb. The only real complaint is on the rear interior design. Very difficult to see out of, especially when backing up. Extreme caution is recommended. Past that, there is a little cubby hole door, just left of the driver, that already wont close when opened. Just hoping thats not going to be the norm with the interior convenience features. Would absolutely recommend this car. Saturn truly did a great job on performance, ride and comfort.

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  Very nice car but several issues - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By knack - November 19 - 2:33 am

  Im really trying hard to like this car but have had several issues since buying it. Transmission seal leak, steering coupling replaced, power window switch, rotors warp, continuing issue with service traction light going on then off while at high speeds. Passenger window wiper travels too far and stops directly in front of driver view creating rubber mark on windshield. Replaced blades 3 times $60 each time. Stock LS tires are lees than adequate in snow. Tilt steering somewhat poor quality. This is a beautiful car otherwise, heated seats work good, sound system good. It hasnt left me stranded yet! I will say this, up until 28,000 miles the vehicle ran flawless. We will see how it goes.

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  Passenger air bag - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By chagrined - November 8 - 10:46 am

  Great all around auto except for the front passenger seat. The imbedded sensor is unreliable in my vehicle. My wife weighs 135# and the airbag indicator frequently show no passenger sitting there. The dealer tells me there is nothing he can do. Saturn Customer Assistance tells me that it is operating according to specs, or perhaps a leather seat would be better. Go figure that a 135# weight does not register on a sensor designed to activate at 80#. I love the car but will take advantage of my states lemon law if no solution is offered.

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  Aura Design/Build Defect ( ??? ) - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By dinoF - October 11 - 11:46 pm

  I am revising my earlier review of a 9.0 overall rating. My XR underdoor rocker panels (plastic) are beginning to pull away from the car body (steel) creating a 1/4 inch gap and exposing the rocker panel fasteners. Dealer had no fix and said it could be a build, vibration, or design problem. Problem began to occur at about 3,000 miles. What will these panels look like at 30,000 miles ? Anyone else have this problem?

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  I wish I hadnt purchased this car - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By Janet Werner - October 9 - 9:50 am

  At first I thought perhaps I was being hypersensitive, but the more I drive may Aura (3.6 engine), the more I hate it. I initially considered taking it in to see if something was wrong with it, but I had a 4cyl loaner for a day and it was even worse. I looked on the blog to see what others thought and the very first review I read summed it up - the transmission "hunts" and it is "jerky". It is so jerky that it feels like you are driving a stick shift, but you have not control over it. I am so upset about spending big bucks on something that makes me nauseous to drive - I wish I could return it!

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  HEADACHE - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By emilyjooooo - October 5 - 6:13 pm

  Ive had my Aura for about a year now. I bought it used at a dealership with about 73k miles on it. It seemed like a great car. I was loving it, until things start going wrong. FIRST the dealership never gave me my key fob, forcing me to use the auto locks, which both have stopped working. Then someone hit me, having me replace the strut, costing over $300. And after that I have had never ending problems. A clicking noise under the hood and a bumping noise on wheel still, both have been said nothing is wrong. AND my steering is jerky and it also eats up oil. AND I only get about 16 mpg city, which is what I mostly drive. Every time I try to get it fixed, they say there is nothing wrong!

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  Not so sure - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By christyd - September 20 - 11:03 am

  I absolutely loved this car at first, but since owning if for one year now, I am starting to change my mind. There are some issues (such as my power steering making a funky noise and jerking when I turn the wheel) that need worked on with the cars. Take those issues away and it is a very cute car with features that a lot of much pricier cars dont have. Also, it gets a lot of looks and compliments!