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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  Aura Hits A Homerun - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Brett Copeland - October 18 - 4:56 pm

  I now have 10,400 miles on my car and it has been a reliable joy to drive. I get 30.7 mpg at 80 mph on my work trips to Orlando. The car is quiet and tight. The upgraded sound system is as smooth as the outstanding handling is. A year ago I might have laughed at an American car company competing against the Japanese on television but this car competes with them and the Audis and Volvos. For $22,000, I got a car that saved me $10000 in comparison to German cars and gets noticed on the road. Thanks America for building a car that I am happy to drive.

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  Buying Another One - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By PMM - October 18 - 7:13 am

  I have owned so many cars that I cant even list. I must admit that when you look at the complete package of price, performance, features, mileage, looks and comfort that you cant beat the Aura. Get an XR 4cyl under $20k and you will be extremely happy. I constantly get 30mpg in combo driving. Dont worry about Saturn going away, all Chevy techs can work on it and your good for 100k warranty miles. I put 15k on my first one and am getting ready to buy a 2nd one for the family for $18k. The person that speaks about the transmission is misinformed. This is one of the best 6sp/4cyl in the world. Also, in every car if you roll down just the back windows you get a noise. I am not a GM empl.

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  6+ months - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Sjones - October 10 - 10:53 pm

  I am re-rating the car after 6 months. The same things I liked when new are impressive now. The car looks expensive and I always notice other XRs on the road. The car is very quiet and the ride quality seems European. The stereo system is top notch and the seats are very comfortable. I know they have made some minor changes to address a few issues for the 2008 model year and I hope they continue to do so for the 2009 model year to make this a nearly perfect midsize sedan. Some folks are mad about fuel economy but the sticker said 17/26 for the XR so they should not be surprised. The car is heavy and has 252hp so you cannot expect 25mpg in city driving.

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  ONE GREAT CAR - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By ONE GREAT CAR - October 4 - 6:23 pm

  I have owned this car since 01/08 and bought it new. i am extremely happy with it in everyway. it rides as smooth as all of the other cars that i looked at in the $40 to $50,000 ranges and looks just as nice if not better. I have had hundreds of people looking at it and asking what kind of car it was and who made it because of its beauty. I am especially impressed with its smoothness and gas miledge. others may have rated this Saturn low but as for me two thumbs up Saturn.

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  Very Nice Car - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By Frankie C - September 26 - 4:26 am

  I was looking for a mid 20k priced vehicle and found it with the Aura. Good features and ride, excellent build quality. Its economical and good on the environment (low emissions). While it is only a 4cyl, it accelerates very well( merging onto the highway). Gas mileage is close to what was advertised and I only have 1000 miles on it so far. Looks much more expensive than it costs. I looked at the Malibu (I like the Auras looks better),Altima, Jetta, Camry, Sonata (cheap feel) and Fusion (I would also have bought the Fusion if not for the $ GM saved me on a pull ahead program). 0% interest rebates and got 3 yrs maint thrown in too! Often gets mistaken for an Acura or Audi on the street.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Brian - September 7 - 2:20 am

  This is my first car, and Im so glad I chose the Aura. The car rides great, its quiet and drives smooth. Love the XM radio with an aux input plug. Love the hands free calling from OnStar. A great car for a lot less than it seems.

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  Suprised & Disappointed! - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By USBrit2002 - August 5 - 3:53 am

  Bought new. No prior preference. Just wanted good fit. In truth found it by mistake. Misread dealers Aura advert for Acura! Then saw it - black, sleek stylish & GREAT price. Im a tall Rugby player so I need room and selected model w/out sun-roof (who needs it anyway?). Agree with every previous positive comment. May not be a top luxury interior - but its roomy and at great price. Then, GM closes Saturn! Thought - why end a modern, distinctive, fair-priced range whilst keeping two mediocre look-alike clones; (Chevy & GMC)?

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  Buying American (GM) again - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By bobsays - July 31 - 5:46 pm

  This car exceeded my expectations. It is quiet, smooth, comfortable. I traded a 2007 Camry LE which I came to dislike for several reasons (pitch & bob ride, engine that either hestitated or was too sensitive, really cheap center dash). The test drive convinced me to get the Aura. I also have a 2007 Mercedes S550 and the Aura compares favorably with it, too. GM got this one right. Cars like this will keep me in the GM fold from now on.

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  the rug pulled over my eyes - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By edblack - July 18 - 12:00 am

  drives great,but tranny is jerky! seats ok but needs side support.i have had reliability problems at 24000 miles,and parts always have to be order!my dearlership takes 2 hours to do oil and filter change.i counld not open my driver side door; it took 10 days for part and all day to fix!the sterio is good but my brother old base camry; 2002 sounds better. at saturn its abanded ship; i look to much at stying;never again!

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  Awesome car at a low price - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By stan of chattown - July 7 - 9:23 pm

  Me and my wife are proud to be owners of such a fine car. It has great power and a lot of options such as OnStar, hands- free phone, heated seats, and much, much more. Saturn has reached the top. It should lead a lot of people back to buying American cars. Saturn has something to show off and its a blessing too me and my family. People are looking at it like its the 10th wonder of the world. I suggest everybody to buy this car. Its awesome