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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  Love My Car! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Joella Ciukaj - May 17 - 10:56 am

  I love to drive this car. Handles really good. I can really move fast qiuckly and get away from the big trucks. Love the way it looks. Mine is black and it looks good. I get a lot of looks and people tell me they like the way it looks all the time. Leather seats that have warmers inside.Start the car from my window so its all warm when I get in. Moon roof I can open on pretty days. Love the OnStar feature. Send me emails every month on my car performance. Gets 21- 22 mpg in city 24-25 on road. Very satisfied with my Saturn XR Aura.

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  First 1000 miles - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Pleased - May 7 - 1:10 pm

  So far very plesed! The silence was deafening at first. After driving a BMW I was taken back by the plush quiet ride of this American piece of art. Dont get me wrong German cars are made to drive where as Aura was made to relax and enjoy the ride. If you truly want to be pleased you will love this car. I am getting rave reviews from evrybody that sees it. Generally people are shocked when they learn that it is an American made vehicle not to mention a Saturn. This car is Lexus on the cheap. I have only driven this Aura 1000 miles but, I can tell you Accord Camry, Malibu, Mazda, Mercury, and Ford can not touch this vehicles many attributes! You owe it to yourself, try one.

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  Car That Works - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By FirstAura - April 2 - 3:50 pm

  Have owned a string of Hondas, Nissans and Toyotas and the Aura competes well with these vehicles while coming with more content at thousands less price. It was initially difficult to accept that it was a GM car. The 4 cyl performance works on hills and entering highways. Ride is quiet and will get better once OE tires are gone but that will take a long time. Mileage results so far support the EPA estimates. Looks great particularly since it comes with 17" wheels. Front seats are comfortable and adjust to fit (electric). Bluetooth for phone is a plus. Vehicle had preferred and convenience packages as no cost options. 5 star across safety!

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  Buy American - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Gary B - March 25 - 6:06 pm

  This car rocks. Great handling, smooth ride, quiet interior. Awesome sound system. Heated seats, OnStar and the list just keeps going. This is the car has it all for the right price. The car is fun to drive and a comfort to sit in. Make this car one to check out when looking for a new car.

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  Love my Aura - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Debbie - February 27 - 5:00 pm

  I have had my Saturn Aura XE now for 1 month. I cannot say enough about it. It is beautiful to look at, fun to drive and well worth the value for the price. No one can believe that its a Saturn. Everybody that looks at it says "Thats a Saturn? Saturn sure has come a long way." I dont understand that because I previously owned an Ion and loved it as well.

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  Totally Impressed - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Trainer - February 27 - 1:36 pm

  "hey got everything right on the Aura. Although I have only had the car several weeks it continues to impress me. Without a doubt it is the quietest car I have ever owned. Smooth acceleration, quiet precise shifting and a very enjoyable ride. The leather seats are some of the most comfortable I have experienced.The climate control system keeps the cabin very comfortable even during a long drive on a 97 degree day. The 18" alloy wheels and Goodyear Eagle Touring tires provide exceptional handling and a quiet smooth ride. Fit and finish is taken to a new level. The Auras Euro influenced design and smooth lines create a real head turner.

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  Not Happy - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Pete - February 26 - 10:23 am

  I have had the car for two weeks and I already have had two problems with it. First, a tire blew out ten minutes after leaving the lot. Then, I had to take it back because the rotors had to be re-surfaced. The car had only 392 miles on it. Now, the steering is bouncy when I drive over 60. If I hit a bump, the steering wheel turns in a different direction and I have to grab the wheel with both hands to keep the car from getting away. This cant be normal, can it?

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  Love My Aura! - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Love My Aura! - February 18 - 8:46 pm

  I had not even considered Saturn when I started looking for a new car. I saw a great deal in the paper and decided to check it out. I had driven a few other cars, but Saturn really had it all. I also found it to be superior to the similar, newly designed Malibu. It is a surprisingly smooth ride and the heated cloth seats are amazing! With the Aura, I was able to get all the features that I was looking for, at a great price! I would definitely recommend this car if you are searching.

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  Surprisingly disappointing - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By Dominic - February 7 - 3:10 pm

  Problems with this car: 1) Transmission hunts, is too quick to downshift, and feels erratic. 2) The seats are very uncomfortable for any distance driving, 3) Seat adjustment is limited, Im 5 10" and felt like I was on top of the headliner, 4) Windshield rake and seat make the rear- view mirror a giant obstacle to see around. Its a blind-spot facing forward. 5) Steering wheel remotes for cruise and radio are too small and hard to use during night-driving. 6) Interior components that scream "Im cheap plastic" combined with lousy fit and finish.

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  Great car for the money - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Bob T - February 2 - 3:50 pm

  It was time to get out of my minivan phase and into a sedan. I spent way too much time checking out the Japanese cars and ended up with the Aura. You get a wide variety of features for the money that just wasnt available on the competitors (unless I wanted to pay thousands more). And the Auras styling and comfort are first rate. The power in this car will stand up to anyone.