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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  Best Saturn So Far - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Joe G - January 12 - 6:30 pm

  This is the best Saturn of the four Ive owned. Its fun, sporty, handsome, luxurious, and decent on gas. It rides extremly quiet, and turns heads whereever I go. On the highway, I get about 29MPG, while around town its more like 20. I dont expect much better than that in this class of car anyway. Its really the same car as the Chev. Malibu, but I really like the look of the Saturn better. Lots of gadgets and toys to play with too. I love the LED light in the cabin, my leather seats, all the safety features and the remote start. If your in the market for a decent midsize, I think youll be pleased with her!

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  Phils review - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By philip baldwin - January 8 - 2:20 pm

  After much research I decided on the Aura XR and Im glad I did. I find it to be very comfortable, I have cloth seats, and extremely quiet to drive. Its steering is responsive, ride is not boaty and feels very secure. Lots of standard features for the money. Looks great, runs great. I now, also know what Saturn satisfaction is all about. If I was given the choice to buy all over again, Id head right for Saturn and not bother testing the other cars I tested, now knowing what I know. The only thing I might do differently is, this time get that panoramic sunroof they offer.

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  Great - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Dave - December 31 - 10:30 pm

  Solid and very quick. Fun to drive. 3.6 dual overhead cam really moves with great gas mileage for the power. I love it, so does my wife.

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  Rethink American is so true - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By jsurgener - December 18 - 7:13 am

  Great car I never thought of myself as a Saturn person, but the first time I drove this car I loved it. Honda, Toyota and VW dont even come close to how fun this car is to drive. I test drove all of them and the Aura is the way to go. The Aura got 5 stars in all the crash tests except for a 4 star on rollover.

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  Electrical problems - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By randy121 - December 15 - 3:36 pm

  Noticed people having electrical problems. The fix. UNHOOK CONNECTOR AND DISCONNECT FROM BCM. APPLY DIELECTRIC GREASE ON ALL CONNECTOR PINS. RECONNECT. CLEAR CODES. There is fretting on inside BCM connections causing shorts on different electrical items. Mine was ESC traction, Rear brake lights coming on, Cruise control not working, etc. Dealer charged me $30.49, thought I had a lemon, runs great now !! Got lucky to find reputal dealer.

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  This much fun for the money and mpg! - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Carl T. - December 12 - 5:53 pm

  Test drove just about all mid size sedans and once I drove the Aura my mind was made up. Great style, profile and roomy interior. To top it all off a V6 getting over 30mpg. Saturn making big mistake not offering 3.5l in 2009 Aura XE. The 3.5l has plenty of power and I have no complaints with the 4 speed automatic transmission. I still can not get over the MPG, a pushrod power plant getting that kind of mileage. Handling is second to none, put all of these factors together and you have one fun sports sedan. You owe it to yourself to at least test drive and you will want one. Then compare price with other mid size sports sedan, you will be sold.

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  Aura continues to surprise - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Copeland - November 27 - 8:40 pm

  This car has made me a strong believer that America can still build great products. I have 7,000 miles on this car and it is tight as a drum. I can accelerate with any midsize sedan on the road and outhandle them with the great suspension set-up on this vehicle. No squeaks, rattles or excuses from this car. I am getting 24.7 miles per gallon in mixed driving with this car. I suggest that anyone should drive this car before blindly buying a Toyota or Honda. They are good cars but I believe this is a true find.

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  Sorry Saturn - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By SARASOTA Saturn - November 20 - 6:06 am

  Can not judge a book by its cover. Sad to say the dealership was equally glad to see that I traded the car so they would not have to have it in their shop all the time. One month after I purchased the car I had ongoing problems with the vehicle. Nothing major just things like dead battery, passenger seat belt light remained on, vapor leak in rear light, remote start quit, keyless entry needed pads replaced, and rotors warped and still needed repair. The service is great but the senseless problems were beyond the norm for a new car.

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  Check this one out! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By dee - November 18 - 11:26 am

  I cant say enough about this car. I just traded a 2002 Maxima, which I thought I loved, and havent missed it a bit. Dont buy anything until you test this car. I have been slowly discovering hidden treasures in this vehicle, especially the interior lighting. The Aura is giving me an extremely tight, quiet ride that can stand straight on the turns.

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  My Saturn - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By garbnzo2 - October 30 - 5:00 am

  I love my Aura! I have alot of friends who cant believe its a Saturn! Comfortable and quiet, a pleasure to drive! I recommend it!