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:

• 

  Affordable and luxurious! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Ellen - October 13 - 2:36 am

  Ive had my Aura XE for two months now and I love it just as much today as the day I drove off the dealer parking lot. The ride is smooth and quiet and it has great pickup. The leather seats are the most comfortable I have ever had in a car. I looked at the comparable midsize cars, but with all features the same, none of them could touch the affordability of the Aura.

• 

  Fun and comfortable - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Wisconsin Driver - October 12 - 5:26 pm

  Black with brown leather looks sharp. 18" machined wheels and low profile tires make it look like a European sport sedan, with a hint of true American muscle. Handling is superb - suspension is stiff, yet very comfortable (feels like a 5 series beemer). XEs engine provides plenty of power for a family car driver, who does not mind get around slower traffic on the highway. Much better value than Camry or Accord, and a whole lot more fun. First 500 miles I am averaging ~30 MPG on the highway and ~25 MPG in mixed 70% highway/30% city driving. Overall, one great car.

• 

  Not vying well after 90,000 miles - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By rollo - October 11 - 10:00 am

  This car rides like a lumber wagon on streets that arent in great shape. It has to stiff of a suspension and I have over a 100,000 miles on it isnt holding up like a car made in Japan would. The brakes are to small for comfortable stopping, I have vibration and shaking in my rotors. Looks great but for the long haul I wouldnt recommend.

• 

  Great car - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By lacey - October 8 - 5:16 pm

  Very nice car. Good ride. Owned a BMW but is pleased with the accommodations. Regret the co. not makes this car.

• 

  My Saturn Rocket! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By JD - October 3 - 7:00 pm

  I purchased my Aura XR (black with tan leather) back in Aug. and have almost 5K miles and zero problems. It is a car with a smooth ride, smooth engine (very little vibration when idling), and I am amazed at how it keeps gliding after you let up on the accelerator. It just does not slow down. Speaking of not slowing down, the car is fast! The paddle shifters are a nice feature to add to the performance fun. I really love the amount of car I got for the money. I still cannot believe is is a Saturn. Even some of my co- workers were surprised. My gas mileage has been improving as well. My average is up around 24 mpg with mostly highway driving.

• 

  Stunning Aura from Saturn? - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Mark In Chicago - October 2 - 2:06 pm

  I have not purchased an American car in years. I am stunned by the fact that this Bronzed Pewter Saturn Aura XR is such a great car. I traded in a very fast 2004 Peal White Nissan Altima V6 SE which in my estimation is one hell of a car. The Aura in Bronze looks like a full sized Audi, goes like a scalded cat, has 18" wheels, and GM leased it to me with a residual value of 55%. Thats Honda resale territory, and if I were you I would run, do not walk, to your local Saturn dealer. Kudos GM.

• 

  Great Car Great Price - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Ranger Fan - September 26 - 6:33 pm

  I now have 7,000 miles on my Aura and no problems. This car looks and handles great. Prior to buying this I test drove many cars including Honda and Toyota. I decided on the Aura because it was a no brainer that you get more bang for your buck. It shifts smoothly, is quite and very comfortable. The OnStar is great!

• 

  Best car i ever had - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By saturn08 - September 21 - 8:56 pm

  This is my second Saturn. I love this car. Rides nice, handles great. People cant believe it is a Saturn

• 

  The car to own for 2007 - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By James Smith - September 19 - 8:43 am

  I have always been interested in Saturns, but finally I took the plunge and am blown away at how sweet this car is. Deluxe luxury, fantastic performance and a European high quality finish and fit make this by far the swankest auto that I have ever owned. I have been a die-hard VW fan for years, but between this and the Jetta, this presents way better value and quality for my money. Based on the Aura, were definitely also replacing our next car with another Saturn product. These guys have turned their game on. Watch out competitors, Saturn is back in the game!

• 

  Shoot the Ergonomics Engineers - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By TomNmd - September 15 - 8:13 am

  The remote mirror adjustment is in the wrong place -- cant sit in final position and adjust mirrors accordingly. Put the compass and temperature in lower left & right of rear-view mirror -- cant see past rear headrests anyway. Heat the thighs - not just center of seat. Cant see any info when manually shifting (the tap shifter is a joke anyway). Cant get to pass- side rear seat storage (why is it recessed?) Itsy bitsy cruise-control and radio buttons and no cruise-control pause. Mirror dimmer doesnt dim enough -- manual would be better. HARD seats very uncomfortable. Wish I hadnt bought this thing -- I hate every one of the 150 miles I travel each day! Feel like Im getting bed soars.