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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  Blessed - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By stanjj - May 28 - 2:53 pm

  It is a awsome car. I just love it and so do my friends and family. You cant beat the price for all the bells and whistles. The ride is great. I was not going to buy a GM car, but this one was God sent. Its wonderful. Buy one everybody.

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  Not so sure - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By kdizzy - May 20 - 12:43 am

  After seeing the 2007 Aura won the "North American Car of the Year" award I thought "How can I go wrong". I traded in my 2003 Chevy Impala and in a year have had the car in for service 5 times. The second day I had the car I ended up having it towed into the service center because the transmission was missing and speedometor was bouncing around. Ended up being a speed sensor switch had to be replaced.

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  From BMW to Saturn--with pleasure - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By usaroxs - May 6 - 2:10 pm

  I have driven BMWs since 1992 and I thought I would never buy an American car. I saw an Aura at a picnic, parked along the side of the road and I thought it looked liked an Lexus. I couldnt believe it was a Saturn. I drove down to the dealership on Sunday and owned my new 3.6L XR, fully loaded Aura on Monday. I continue to hear from people that they cant believe that a BMW enthusiast could switch to Saturn--but it only takes one ride and a price difference of over 20,000 between the two cars to convince everyone that this was a wise choice. Im impressed with the comfort, quiet ride and accessories. There are more accessories available than I could get in a BMW 5 series.

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  GM finally got it right - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Scott P. Fisher - April 22 - 5:36 pm

  I just wanted to test drive the Aura as I was happy with my Saturn L-300, but after I did, I fell in love with this car. The extras that came with the Aura, plus the solid ride, quality workmanship, and comfort, quickly sold me.

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  Saturn got it right. - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By DOK - March 23 - 11:43 am

  All in all, a well balanced package of performance, practicality, and value. The 3.5 V6 has yet to leave me wanting for power while maneuvering in traffic, but the smooth 4 speed transmission to which its attached is not the most willing participant in more enthusiastic driving. Handles well and rides comfortably. 70-80 mph freeway cruising with 2-3 passengers yields about 27 MPG at the pump, dropping to the lower twenties with more city use. Driver seat comfort is good with fully adjustable seat and tilt/telescoping wheel. Rear room and comfort are also good, but the abrasive plastic on the front seatbacks could leave shorts/skirt attired passengers with scraped knees if not careful.

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  Great Car - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By haysja - March 17 - 3:33 am

  I bought my 2008 Aura XR in Feb 2009. I now have 31,000+ miles on it and it has been great. Great road car. Very comfy to drive on the highway. Took many interstate trips during the past year and the Aura was great to drive. I have had people stop and ask me what kind of car I had and they could not believe it was a Saturn. My two sisters went out and bought Auras after seeing mine. I bought a preowned 2007 for my son last night. I love my Saturn. My family now has four Auras.

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  Best Mid-Size Sedan! - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By mseymour - February 25 - 10:43 am

  I bought my new Aura a month ago. I spend a lot of time in a car (95 mile round trip commute). This car is the most comfortable riding car I have ever owned, and that is from coming out of a 2004 CTS. Ride is very comfortable on the highway and it handles great for a sedan I am currently averaging just over 30 mpg. The sound system (advanced audio) is incredible. Interior noise is almost null. Excellent styling turns heads everywhere I go. This new Aura is definitely the most car for the money in the mid-size sedan segment. With everything that is in it, I would have expected to pay thousands more.

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  Fantastic Automobile - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By CSL - February 22 - 10:16 am

  We purchased this car for my wife in May of 2008. A life long Honda/Toyota owner, she pursued test driving those makes. Accords, Civics, Corollas, Nissans, she test drove them all, often several times. She came away unsatisfied with all of them for one reason or another (style, driving experience, interior quality.) Then, on the way to test drive yet another Accord (YAWN) she saw an Aura on the road and that was that. The cars beauty, performance, engineering, and price were absolutely second to none. Perfect car. People offer positive comments about the car often...

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  BMW Replacement - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By CarNut - February 2 - 8:23 pm

  This may be the car that puts GM back on the road to recovery. An affordable "drivers" car that is fun to drive with all the amenities you could ask for. Toyota and Honda be forewarned! One drive will convince you this is an awesome vehicle for the money.

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  2007 Aura XR - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By George - January 24 - 6:53 pm

  I looked at the Camry, Accord and Ford Fusion. For the price the Aura cannot be beat in my opinion. Sure the interior is plastic, but you have to cut cost somewhere and it doesnt look that bad. In fact it works well for an everyday driver with kids.The car has power and handles well. Lots of rear head a leg room.The XM stereo is great. The car looks good and sporty for a family car. My friends and neighbors all like the car, but not all knew it was a Saturn. Most thought the car was $35k. For this car segment this car cannot be beat. The 3.6 sounds good on acceleration with plenty of power. 6 speed tranny works fine.