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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  It Had Some Potential... - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By CC - May 6 - 11:40 pm

  Ive had this car for close to a year and Im ready to get rid of it. The powertrain seems solid and it has plenty of horsepower, but the torque steer gets out of control when you step on the throttle. It rides nice and smooth with minimal road noise. Its loaded with every feature you could ever need. However, I just cant get past the cheap plastic interior. It creaks every time I accelerate and there are rattles everywhere. It detracts from what might otherwise be an enjoyable driving experience. I had to have the door lock fixed by the dealer, the intermittent wiper function works inconsistently, and the steering wheel vibrates and squeals when making tight turns.

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  Impressive - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By bsquare - April 15 - 9:36 am

  Have owned for 2 weeks now, and so far very pleased. Smooth, comfortable ride and plenty of pick-me-up in the V6. Nice lines - more than a few double-takes from other drivers and pedestrians. Shopped the Aura against the 2008 Accord (Im a two-time Accord owner). Liked them both, but feel with Aura Im getting a lot of car for several thousand less.

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  Great Car for the money - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Charlie - March 26 - 9:10 am

  We just love this car. On our trip to FL in Feb. we averaged 31 mpg at 75 to 80 mph on rt 95. In combined country driving in the winter we get around 28 mpg. The car has great power for a 4 cyl and is very quiet at 75 to 80 mph. We love it!

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  Great mileage - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By colbymchen - March 15 - 3:33 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. I get 34.5 mpg. hwy and 27.5 in the city. The only negative I would mention is that it makes a rubbing sound when backing up and the dealer told me that is standard.

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  Surprise! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Peter - March 3 - 7:56 am

  On the way to buying an Audi, I was waylaid by the Aura and I love it. I have always bought Euro cars and I did again. The Aura is a German car made in our own USA. It has distinctive and classy looks. The performance of the XR is both very sporty and luxurious. It is very comfortable and the build and design quality are world class. It was also priced very very competively. This is a very compelling offer from GM that undoubtedly will capture new owners.

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  Outstanding - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Dominic - February 20 - 12:53 pm

  I have had the Saturn Aura XR model for about 2 weeks and I just love it. I traded in a 2002 Lincoln LS for this car and I would rate this car better then the Licoln. It is fun to drive and very comfortable. It is white with the black leather interior. I have not used the paddle shifters as of yet, but I am looking forward to it. The gas mileage is better then the Lincoln so far. I am getting about 25 miles to a gallon in mixed driving compared to the 19 to 21 with the Lincoln and I can use regular fuel not premium. If anyone is looking for a fun car this is the one.

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  Nothing compares in this price range - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Ken Bott - February 5 - 7:43 am

  I looked at a lot of cars before choosing the Aura XR. No other car could compare to the XR in this price range. In order to find a comparable car you need to add at least $5,000 to the price tag. This car has awesome performance. Unlike a lot of the competitors products you do not have to be running at redline RPM to feel the power of the car. This car has power to spare at any RPM. The six speed transmission is fantastic and a lot of fun. The transmission is crisp but not jarring. The paddle shifters are a hoot. I have gotten a lot of compliments on the styling of the car. People just can not believe that it is a Saturn. Give the Saturn XR a try. This one is a keeper.

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  Aura - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By dutchman - February 4 - 4:10 pm

  Excellent so far. Tire pressure monitor saved my tire. Good honest 29 mpg on highway.

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  I stunned my Mom - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Erin in NJ - January 30 - 1:33 pm

  My mom has had 4 Saturns and swears by them. I was trading in my 2004 Mazda6 and going to get another one until I saw the Saturn. It was love at first sight. Then I drove it. Then I called my Mother and she could not believe I was buying a Saturn. An American car! Kudos to Saturn! Fab car. I love it and cant wait to drive it everyday.

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  Sweet car - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Larry - January 19 - 8:06 am

  Its been a long time that an American made car company has produced such a sweet car. We picked the ocean mist color. Its so cool. It has the chrome finish inside. The wood grain was a bit cheap looking. I would only change two things, improve the turning radius from 40 feet to 35 feet.The other thing put a lght in the glove compartment. Other than that she rides similar to my BMW 330CI. Not the same but stiff and very little leaning in turns.The power plant is the same as Caddy CTS. In conclusion I would recomend this hot car to anyone interested in a new fresh design and a car with get up and go yet still gets 29 miles to the gallon. And it is made in America by Americans.