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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  Great car all around - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Mike - September 1 - 2:43 pm

  I have had my Aura for 3 months now and I am really enjoying it. The ride is quiet, smooth and comfortable. I got the 4 cyl because of the initial lower price and fuel economy, and I am glad I did. The 4 cyl is smooth and quiet, plus the gas mileage is pretty good for a car of this size. I have been in the habit if getting a new car every 2-3 years because I grow tired of them, but I think this car will change that, I can see myself driving it for a lot longer.

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  Love my Aura XR - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By drwilsc - August 28 - 10:43 am

  I have had my Aura XR for about 6 weeks. The 3.6L engine is very powerful and provides nice acceleration both off the line and on highways. The TAP-shift auto-manual is neat and fun to play with. The seats are comfortable. It handles crisply, like a German sports sedan. The ride is firm but not harsh. The stereo has a nice sound quality, also has available XM radio. The trunk is adequate.

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  What a Car! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By steelerman - August 13 - 11:20 am

  I rated this car so high because it is a great car. Never before have I enjoyed a car like i do this one. It is fun to drive because it is comfortable, has responsive handling, and has ample power. I only gave it a 9 on comfort because I wish it had a bit more leg room for the driver.

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  Keeps getting better - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By PhaetonDriver - July 27 - 2:03 pm

  The Aura handles the mountain roads like a good sportscar, comfort is up there with a BMW and better than a Lexus 3 series. Performance is unbelievable for a 3.6 L V6 as I am getting 0-60 at 6.0 sec. and 60-100 in under 8 sec. Mileage has continued to improve with the miles (over 14000 now). My last road trip was 910 miles on 30.08 Gal which is 30.25 MPG. Great ride, great handling and great fuel economy. Oh The onboard computer is putting my required oil changes every 6000+ miles which is great too. With remote start, Lots of HP, A 6-speed with paddle shifters, sound absorbing glass and steel, heated seats, 18 inch alloy wheels and low profile Goodyears, and under $25K you cant miss.

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  3 Years and Still Satisfied Actual 22 to 38 mpg. - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By alero02 - July 17 - 6:18 pm

  Our 2009 Saturn Aura XR 2.4L 6 speed now has 31,000 miles and we still love it. It still compares well with its sleek exterior to newer models from Toyota, Honda, GM, Ford, Nissan and Kia. The interior is very up scale with leather seats and contrasting trim, plus there are luxury items you might expect only on pricier cars. From the 6 CD XM radio that plays regular CDs or mp3 with song titles and other info, to the dual front power seats the car is comfortable, sporty, and up scale. We also have had excellent follow up service from out local Chevrolet/Cadillac/Buick dealership for all regular maintenance and even a warranty replacement recently on the driver side door arm rest.

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  Definetly Car of the Year - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Car of the Year!!!! - July 16 - 4:33 pm

  I love my car. Best car Ive ever owned. The HP is awesome, the cabin is very quiet. My kids love this car, specially the wireless headphone! The trunk is huge Great car all around.

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  3000 miles on it so far - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By 3000 miles - June 30 - 2:36 pm

  Beautiful car to look at and fun to drive. The 6 speed trans is nice but shifts up and down trying to find the right gear often. Car does wonderful on the highway with lots of power to pass and take on the hills. Car has lots of room in cabin and trunk. Gas milage is not as good as advertised. Visibility is difficult at times, see below. Cup holders seem small, like theyre for kids cups.

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  This turns heads for the right reasons - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Dan - June 14 - 6:50 am

  Nice to drive a name plate from the good old USA that has put it all together. Design, comfort, quality, and a real value that truly exceeds what I expected. Nice job Saturn!

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  I cant believe this is a Saturn - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Art - June 12 - 5:40 pm

  This is the best car weve ever owned. While completing a dealer-generated survey a short while back, there were no defects to report and that is still the case. The title of this review "I cant believe this is a Saturn" does not reflect our own words. A good friend, before getting into his Camry asked, "Is that yours?" He asked us to keep him informed. If reliability holds up, hes getting one. We have 12,500 miles and counting and absolutely nothing wrong. That was not true of our previous Toyota, which broke down twice in the first year and our Chrysler, which did likewise. Fuel economy is excellent (28.5 overall, the steering is taut, the ride perfect and the acceleration amazing!

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  After 30K miles - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By dhb - June 10 - 4:03 am

  Selected over other upscale model imports for features -in particular the high output engine running on regular, and fold down rear seats for my bicycle. Wanted a good handling car as mountain roads are driven daily, and it has lived up to this wonderfully. Selected over VW Passat- better looking exterior & interior. After 30K miles car is running well, but I had an issue with front strut rattle that took too long to resolve. Finally replaced last week after much insistance. Ahh quiet ride now I expected.