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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  I was wrong! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Carla in Texas - October 13 - 11:56 am

  Having been a Ford Pickup owner for several years, I was not sure how a Saturn would fit into the equation. When I first saw this car, I was hooked. I test drove other cars, but my mind always went back to the Aura. I did not think I would really fall for this car, but was I wrong. Everything about it is great! The ride is smooth and quiet and the steering wheel controls are a plus. Driving this car is a highlight of my day!

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  GREAT.....But - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By FirstNewCar - August 27 - 1:23 am

  First let me say that I love this car! It is the first new car that I have purchased and I am so happpy with it! For the most part. It looks great! I love the styling on the exterior and interior. It is fun to drive, responds well and looks way more expensive than it is. I wasnt able to find the color of car with all the features that I wanted so maybe if I did I would give it 100% but as it stands I can really only give it 92%. And here is why. Now depending on what you are used to the interior materials will look cheap or ok. I think the hard plastic looks cheap. And there isnt a gear indicator anywhere. The interior lights are orange which is hard to see when sunlight hits it.

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  Compare with Lexus ES-350 - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Ed - August 13 - 12:53 pm

  We parked our red Saturn Aura XR next to a red Lexus ES-350 and could not tell them apart except for some minor trim! Consider saving $7,000 off Invoice with Saturn Aura XR. After 2 months of ownership, we love this car. Nice design overall. Saturn has renewed my faith in American designed and built cars.

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  Two thumbs up - Best of the Best! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Virago9677 - July 15 - 10:10 pm

  Well folks I was thinking if I could just get my wife to try another bland midsize car she would give in and let me get the Jeep. So off to the Saturn dealership we go and pick out an XR for road test. My wife drives and after a couple of miles I see a smile..she says your turn to drive. We switch and I quickly realize just how great this car really is. I can tell you with complete honesty that the XR is without a doubt the complete package. If youre looking for a no compromise sedan this is it.

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  Not great - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By FredGil - June 23 - 11:50 am

  This car, an Aura XR, is provided by my company so this is an unbiased review. The car is "nice" but devoid of personality. On the highway, a lot of road noise finds it way into the cabin, and around town a lot of engine noise and vibration can be heard and felt. Handling is ok, but no better then a lot of cheaper subcompacts and most mid sized sedans. After playing with the seat, steering and pedal position controls I have found that it is not possible to find a comfortable driving position. I cannot drive the car more then 30 minutes without my entire body aching. Fuel economy is nowhere near what I expect, I have a 2006 Vue which has more power and gets 2-4 more mpg.

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  Failure of saturn corp - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By Ron Lamarque - May 13 - 6:30 am

  I purchased a new saturn aura xe on April 30th. On Aug 6 vehicle had to be towed as to transmission problem. Vehicle returned as "repaired" on Aug 7 and had to towed again on the 7th. Saturn Corp over the next 32 days literally lied about what the problem was and when the repair would be completed. First they said the part was coming from Germany. Then they couldnt locate the part. After numerous calls, we learned that the Dealership that was to make the repairs had given up their Saturn line and switched to Mazda and couldnt repair our vehicle even if they received the "part". Saturn Corp lied from the start. Doing the right thing from day one, Ha Ha Ha

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  Outstanding car, fun to drive - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By ebporte1000 - April 28 - 7:16 am

  I am very pleased with my recently purchased, 2008 Saturn Aura. It has a great engine, state of the art six speed transmission, and is a joy to drive. We use the remote start, heated seats, and excellent radio to enhance our car driving experience. Although I spent a lot of time at many card dealers, the quality of this car lives up to all of our expectations for a new car.

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  Perfect car except mileage - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By danny - April 21 - 1:16 pm

  One word: awesome. I put every option on. And the most I like is the brown leather seat. The is always power left no matter how hard you stepped on the gas. All my friends would like to take my car pool is possible. The only problem is that I never got my mileage under 11L/100KM. But with 252hp, what can you ask for. Also there are too much features which I have to try out.

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  Nice Car,bad mileage and glass - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By DR35150 - April 5 - 3:00 pm

  This is my second Saturn. I upgraded from the Ion as it had no traction in the Michigan winter. First off, I love the look and feel of the Aura.I get a lot of compliments. Unfortunately just like my Ion it has substandard glass. Both cars within 4 months of purchase a small pebble caused a instant chip then crack all the way across the windshield. No problems with replacement windshields from outside companies. Biggest complaint is that the sticker said 24/30 mpg. At first the best I got was 24 mpg with 100% highway. And it has gradually gotten worse. Now Im averaging 17 mpg and the dealer only can say:"Scanned ENG No Codes Unable to verify concern" so tough luck. This is my last Saturn.

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  Great car, "This is a Saturn?" - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Alex - April 4 - 2:06 pm

  After 1000 miles Im very happy with my Aura. I compared Camry, Altima, Accord, Milan, and Legacy. The Aura won easily for the best combination of styling, performance, and value. I was very satisfied with the performance of the smaller V6 but wanted to get the dark interior with Moroccan leather which is not available on the XE. Not too crazy about the auto dimming mirrors that keeps me from seeing behind me when I back out of my driveway due to my neighbors porch light. Im not to keen on the automatic climate control, zero fan speed should mean fan off. It still blows lightly meaning you have to play with the temp setting to avoid getting cooked or frozen). I miss manual controls.