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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  Saturn Aura - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Hugh - January 11 - 5:46 pm

  Excellent vehicle, GM is eating Toyotas lunch on this one. Great performance, 29.7/gal highway. The panoramic roof is a beautiful option, however I think you compromise some body rigidity with a sunroof so large, but interior noise is still very low. Soft ride with no body roll when cornering, and handles beautifully in the snow. Thanks GM, this one is a keeper!

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  From Acura to Aura - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Glenn - January 8 - 6:06 am

  While researching my next car purchase I discovered almost by accident the Saturn Aura. I was checking out the Sky Redline as a potential weekend fun car - and parked nearby was an Aura XR. The lines of the car impressed me, and I liked its stance on 18" rims and rubber. I decided on a test drive and was again impressed by its handling, the interior styling, and the available options. The XR had everything and even more than my 2001 Acura RL, including steering wheel paddle shift, adjustable pedals, and a separate rear seat audio system with wireless headphones. I love it so far, now it just needs to match my Acuras reliability.

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  Back to the USA - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By Glenn - January 3 - 8:30 pm

  Traded Acura for new XR/V6..with every option except engine block warmer. Love the look of the car..and the classy brown-leather interior. Im 64" and the drivers position is a little cramped compared to the Acura. The position of the heated seats switch causes some problems..you turn it on with your legs getting in car..it would have been better in the center. The ignition switch on the dash also is awkward..because to reach it you almost always turn on the wipers. These things are minor..but could use a re-design. Gas mileage is better than advertised..so far. Dealer service has been excellent.

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  Surprised by the 2.4L 4 engine - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Rex - December 24 - 6:33 am

  I bought the 4cyl model for the mileage, and though I test drove the car extensively, Im still impressed that 2.3 liters moves the car well. Im now getting 31mpg on the highway driving about 70ish. The mileage improved after a few thousand miles and a change to synthetic oil. I installed a low-flow Airhog air filter and the power and mileage improved! Impressive handling, and styling. A small drawback is the visibility. Overall a fantastic deal for the money.

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  Gad to have an Ara - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By andrew - December 10 - 6:56 pm

  Ihave had the car a month, and having had 60 cars this is a great buy. The XR has looks, ride, quality, performance, and features of a much more expensive car. Mileage is good. Car is quick. OnStar is great. I look foward to going to work just to drive this car!

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  Awesome Car, with Imperfections Here and There - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By allens_wife - December 6 - 2:13 am

  So Ive had my Aura for about a year and a half now. Ive had to have the transmission completely overhauled, as well as the water pump replaced -- all under warranty. Also had to have work done on the EVAP system (measures the fuel/air ratio), NOT under warranty. Despite that, this car is powerful, fast. The handling is great, and the car is fun to drive. I bought my car used and the cup holder was missing from the console, which sucks, but Im over that. I love my car and get complements on it every time I take on a new passenger. Gas mileage is more than satisfactory for a 3.6L DOHC engine. Awesome safety features. LOVE this car, wish I could drive Saturns forever.

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  Best car Ive owned - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By bdog86 - November 15 - 7:39 am

  Ive owned many cars, trucks and suvs. But the 3.5L version of the Aura rocks ! Lots of space, plenty of power for a luxury sedan which surprised me, and just the defined look of the Aura catches you off guard. My Aura has 106,000km on her now and the only thing replaced so far was the driver side strut which was a quick fix. Very reliable car and is high enough off the ground to go on gravel roads into the woods without sacrificing any comfort at all ! Handles turns, and bumps beautifully. Also if your worried about a V6 eating gas... Dont be worried. I get at least 500-550km in the city with full tank and over 700km on highway but thats going around 120+km/hr..

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  Fantastic so far - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By MetroDetroitDJ - November 12 - 2:00 am

  After swearing to never again buy a GM car, researching several pre-owned Fords (Edge, MKZ, Fusion) and Toyotas (Avalon, Camry) I did the unthinkable for me: I bought a 2008 Saturn XR (V6) with a great Moroccan Brown interior. This fully loaded car has been great in the 3 weeks Ive owned it. 25 MPG (great V6 regular gas economy) in mixed driving. Handles well in MIs snowy weather and sometimes icy roads. Several people have commented on the cars beautiful interior. The audio system (w/XM subscription) is stellar. GM may has won me back- too bad about Saturns demise. I consider this car a near luxury mid-size with all of its amenities. I have no regrets- so far, LOL!

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  AURA XR-4 - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By JDB - November 6 - 8:16 pm

  Purchased a Saturn Aura XR-4 after coming off a Lincoln Zephyr lease. I was looking for better mileage without sacrificing comfort. So far I am happy with the Auras performance. Ok its not a Lincoln, but the drive is comfortable and the 2.4 four cylinder gives me enough power and speed thanks to the 6 speed tranny. The interior is a little cheap and I agree the buttons on the steering wheels are small but I new this going in. This car has just about everything, bluetooth, moon, remote start, leather, Onstar, XM. It actually has more feature than my Zepher had. The price was very attractive. The exterior is eye catching. If your looking for an affordable midsize give the Aura a look.

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  So Far So Good - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Leeanne - November 2 - 2:23 pm

  I have only had my car for approx 7 months, but so far so good. I havent had any real issues excellent for my car making a high pitch sqeaking noise when I start it up in cold weather. I have taken it to my dealer a few times and they cant figure it out. Quite annoying. Overall I love my car. My friends think I drive the coolest car in the city.