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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  Satisfied customer - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Satisfied customer - August 1 - 2:20 am

  Great car. Quiet, responsive, reliable. Only problmes have occurred with key fob not working at all or not working properly -- have had to take car in four times concerning the problem. Problem ended up being with electrical equipment inside car, rather than faulty key fob. Seems to be an aberation -- techs at dealership not familiar with any other Auras reportig this problem (lucky me). Would highly recommend car to others.

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  Aura A1 - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By T Collins - July 18 - 3:50 am

  This is an outstanding vehicle for the money if you are interested in a 4 door sedan. Of all the cars that I have owned, this is my favorite. I really like the treatment I receive by the dealer, and OnStar is a must. This car has been completely trouble- free so far. My only complaint would be the low roof line which requires you to duck as you enter the front seats or you will bump your head.

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  Watch out Camry and Honda! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Mr. Saturn X3 - July 15 - 11:10 pm

  My wife and I were on our way to the Honda dealer when we made a turn into the Saturn dealership. My wife and I saw the Aura XR in Silver Pearl and the Honda dealer never saw us again. We get compliments from complete strangers and they cant believe its a Saturn. Some drivers even stare at our Aura while on the road, but we prefer they keep their eyes on the road.

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  What A Car! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Dino F. - June 28 - 1:23 pm

  Picked up this beauty on May 1, 2007, and have put 1100 miles on it to date. If you remove the badges from this car, you would never guess it is a Saturn. I purchased the XR model with the 2 tone Morracon brown leather and the Bronze exterior color. Everything works perfectly and I have found nothing to complain about so far. The 3.6 V6 with paddle shifters is really fun to drive and the power is awesome ! I tested many other brands in this price range before purchasing what I think is the best equipped and highest quality new car for the price. Good job Saturn!

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  Exceptional American Made Car - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By C - June 28 - 10:06 am

  I traded in my Infiniti I30 for the Saturn Aura XR. I love this car. Its also nice to have a great performance car that takes regular gas instead of premium.

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  Love it! - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By Lawstudent09 - June 22 - 5:16 pm

  I have only owned this car (used) for a little over a month, but I love it! I have had NO problems with it at all. I went from having a Saturn L100 to this car, If GM wasnt scrapping Saturn I would buy another one. I love the design, the inside is awesome. I have plenty of room as the driver and so do my children in the back seat. This car is WORTH the money! I get great gas mileage, and the engine is amazing, very quite. Very smooth ride The safety ratings make it even better.

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  Amazing car - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By brandykay - June 7 - 10:50 am

  This is a $40000 car for $28200 fully loaded. You cant beat that. Its fast, safe, quiet, comfortable, looks good, and is fun to drive. This is not your typical Saturn. The cars have changed. This car is amazing.

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  Love my Saturn - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By charlotte - June 6 - 9:16 am

  I love my new (used) Saturn Aura. When I drive it people take a second look. Not at me the car. I love the stylish "rims" and the leather is beautiful. I bought this car and it was spotlessly clean. It has lots of pick-up and speed. Of all the vehicles I test drove this was the car. I saw it, drove it, bought it. I knew the minute I saw it this was the car for me.

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  What a Great Car - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Lee - May 25 - 12:00 am

  What a great car! I purchased a 2006 Nissan Altima in December of 2006 then saw the Aura. It was head and shoulders above my Altima and better than the 07 Altima. The Nissan went good-bye immediately. My Aura is smooth, quiet, and roomy. The styling stands out, even earning a "Cool" from my teen-age son. The build quality is better than the Nissans I looked at as well as Camry, Accord, and Passat, something Im reading in all the reviews Ive seen as well. Saturn has a winner in the Aura. I feel like Im driving a much more expensive car than what I paid for (base with no options for $20,000). Anyone looking for a classy mid-size sedan? Aura is the real deal!

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  Drive it, youll buy it - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By PDP - May 8 - 7:50 am

  If price, performance, and standard features are important to you, you owe it to yourself to drive an Aura. Youd have to spend around $45,000 to get anywhere near what you get as standard equipment on this American made car for around $25,000. I recommend the XR-the XE is around $1500 cheaper but at this price, go for the gold. If you are considering a Toyota, VW, or Honda, check this car before you make a mistake. The Aura puts them to shame. And Ive owned one of each. If you think you can get a 6 cyl. engine,leather interior, sun roof, OnStar,8 speaker sound system,rear seat radio,18" alloy wheels,remote engine start and power everything for less, go for it.