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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  Nice looking but rides like a buckboard. - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Lexington KY - September 11 - 2:53 pm

  I look the style and looks of my Aura. However it rides like a buckboard at around 55 mph. Had it back to the dealer when I frist got it over and over. They were never able to resolve the issue. And the left compartment will not stay closed they also worked on it over and over. I just dont use it. I drive a lot of highway miles 40,000 a year so most times I am over the 55 mphs were the bumpy ride is. Dealership has been a disappointment. I was also a little shocked to see how much value the car had lost in one year.

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  Way to go GM! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Pat from Toronto - September 1 - 12:30 pm

  Way to go GM. You got it right with the Aura. The Auras styling is absolutely gorgeous. The ride is very pleasurable, as it enjoys the sporty tautness of a German car combined with an American interior made to be soooo comfortable. I feel great when I drive it. Many friends have commented on its eye-catching styling which is complemented by the bronze pewter colour. I have purchased in the past 25 years a Ford Torino, Datsun B210, Toyota Corolla, Honda Accord, Pontiac Montana and Saturn Ion. In my opinion, the 2007 Saturn Aura rides like a sports sedan. You get a lot of car for the money. I am proud to be driving a car made in North America, which is as good as imports.

• 

  100K and still perfect - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By aobg - August 27 - 6:14 am

  Bought new in July 2009 - just turned 100K Have only replaced tires, wipers and rear shocks (dirt roads and potholes - yuck), oil & filter changes - everything else original including brakes. Avg @ 28 mpg summer, 26 winter. Maintenance at Buick/Cadillac dealer has been great! This is simply an extremely reliable car, with a great ride and handling, very quiet, good performance, comfortable, roomy and did I say reliable? Still looks new inside and out Rides far quieter than my friends Acura. I like it so much I am trying to find one for my daughter for a college graduation present.

• 

  I hate my Saturn Aura XR - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Monica from WV - August 9 - 11:53 am

  This has been one of the worst cars Ive ever owned!! Major electronic issues -(blows fuses, radio speakers quit working randomly, none of the onboard computer info works properly, alarm goes off without being set) - Transmission - will not downshift normally, ex: must hold throttle completely to floor on a hill as car will be in 4th gear at 800rpms, will shift in neutral (while in drive), redline, then downshift to 2nd gear, car takes off backwards while on any slight hill as if it were in neutral - Horrible gas mileage (11-14 mpg) - Dealership is horrible...they always tell me theres nothing wrong, its completely normal for these things to happen & its too complicated for them to explain.

• 

  Aura - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By rony - July 5 - 5:40 pm

  This auto is on par with any Japanese product I have owned. Includes, Camry, infinity and Honda.

• 

  Finally talked wife into it. - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Brian - June 30 - 11:16 am

  I have been eyeing Auras since they first came out. I decided to buy it for my wife even though she did not think she needed it. Two days later she loves it. I got the special edition package with the 18" wheels, Moroccan Brown leather, steering wheel controls and upgraded stereo. If the car would have been for me, I would have gotten the XR, as I am more of an enthusiast then she is, but I still love driving it. The build quality seems so tight and it is very quiet on the road. I find myself making excuses to go out just to drive it. As a 30+ year employee, I am very proud we finally made a car like this. Now lets get the other divisions up to the same standard.

• 

  A win for Saturn - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By jtp - June 24 - 2:36 am

  I never thought I would own a Saturn. As a previous sports car nut turned to sedans and mini-vans due to kids, I am impressed with this car. The exterior of the car got me to the dealership, the interior got me to ask for a price, and the price sold me! This is a lot of car for the money and I would buy the car again if I had to do it all over again. GM hit a home run with this car. I was happy to see that it made car of the show at the Detroit international auto show. The XR version gave it just enough power to be fun to drive with out all the front wheel drive torque steer you find in the V8 Grand Prix and Imapla SS.

• 

  Great car, but... - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Albert Krebs - June 21 - 10:03 pm

  Biggest problem incurred has been blind spot in all four corners and wind noise when windows open. Other than that, a fantastic car. Still havent used paddle shifting though.

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  Got a second aura also - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By own two - June 12 - 8:30 pm

  My girlfriend and I picked up an Aura XE first and we loved it so much I had to go back and get an XR for myself. Theres not a lot on the road and we get people looking all the time and saying, "Thats a Saturn?!?" The ride in these are so smooth and quiet that it feels we are driving in a much more expensive luxury car. I love the way how the car looks passing by because it looks like it is alot more money than it is and it stands out from the rest! Do not miss out on a great car if you are looking for a family and/or sports sedan by not considering an Aura. Drive one for yourself and you will like it.

• 

  Aura continues to rock - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Girish - June 9 - 8:10 pm

  This is my second review of the Aura and probably can be considered a long-term review. I leased the Aura in late October of 2006. After 16 months of ownership and about 23,000 miles on the odometer, I can safely say that I have found a very nice car. I have lots of friends who own Japanese built Camrys and Accords, and I have hitched rides in all those models. None of them come close to the Aura on Interstate manners. It is an excellent workhorse on the wide open roads and is amazingly silent at high speeds. I average 30 mpg hwy and 23 city. I have even done a 550 mile, 8 hour stretche in the North-East and a 450 mile non-stop no refuel stretch as well. Cannot complain about anything.