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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  Saturn - Like never before! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By JustinPHI - June 30 - 9:13 am

  Before the Sky and Aura were released, I would have never considered buying a Saturn. With some trepidation I took the plunge and couldnt be happier. The European styling (both inside and out) is superb and its drive matches its great looks. Ive received many complements from others driving far more expensive cars (who I think may be jealous). For its price, the ride is smooth, yet powerful when needed. The interior is very classy (wood trim, high quality rubber, excellent electronics design) and reminds me of an Audi. Ive been told the exterior resembles a Lexus/Infiniti and completely agree. It has some flaws, but not many - an excellent car at an excellent price.

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  Best in class - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By chrono - May 17 - 8:56 pm

  I did a lot of research before buying my Aura XR. I wanted to replace my boring 2005 Accord with something more fun to drive. The Aura did that and far exceeded my expectations. This car is on the same level as the Acura TL not Accords or Camrys. Its quiet, smooth, powerful and loaded with just about every option youd ever need. This is my first Saturn but I anticipate staying with them for a very long time.

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  From Lincoln Mercury to Satrun - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By J.Reed - May 8 - 4:43 am

  I am a product of the "Baby Boomers" when hot cars were the craze. I grew up with my brothers and worked on cars and even dragged them. After over 10 years of driving a Grand Marquis I wanted something that I liked more than being practical. My first choice was the Mercedes and I opt out because of the cost of an extended warranty. Next stop was to the Saturn dealership. Love at first sight. Once I opened the door and saw the interior design I knew this was the car for me. The preformance is a plus. I like neat, organization, and luxury, all of which the Saturn XR offers.

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  Aura owner - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By ICOLBERT - April 16 - 7:50 am

  I bought my Aura Xe and drove it from York Pa. to Albequerque Nm with out a hitch. Driving 70-80 mph with the cruise control on I got 28.7 mpg. This car is what an American car can and should be. This car is so quiet that you can not hear the windshield wipers working. I owned an SC1 for five years and the only money I put into that car was tires and brake pads. I will always be a Saturn owener because thay have earned my respect by producing a quality product.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Anthony LaRusso - April 9 - 2:33 am

  After driving higher-end, foreign vehicles for the past 12 years, I decided to give an American-made car a try. Before I decided on the Saturn Aura, I already tested a Saab 9-3, Mercedes C, Audi A4 and Lexus IS250. The Aura was roomier, quieter, more comfortable and almost as nimble as these much higher priced cars. Its fresh exterior has piqued the interest of many fellow motorists, who have stopped me in parking lots and at the car wash. To a person, folks were very impressed and even more so, when I told them the cost of my XR which is equipped with every available option Saturn offers.My other vehicle is a pricey foreign make yet I get as much a kick from the Aura as I do from it.

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  Love this car! - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Wendy - March 19 - 12:13 am

  I have owned this car for a little a month now and have loved every second of it. A lot of car for the buck. Fully loaded for less than any other vehicle in its class that I looked at.

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  All style, no substance - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By dmm1277ny - March 10 - 5:56 pm

  I am the 2nd owner of this Aura XR. I brought it in Mar 2011 with 10,200 miles on it. Its a beautiful looking, well-optioned car with good performance and handling. I cannot wait to be rid of it because it has zero reliability. Its been to 2 different dealers in the past 3 months for electrical/computer issues which can not be found. They car will refuse to crank after short trips, then restart on its own after 10-15 minutes, usually accompanied by a random warning light (never the same one). Both trips to the dealer were the result of all gauges malfunctioning, all warning lights & messages coming on, and all electrical systems (like traction control) shutting off while driving.

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  Get New Tranny while you have a Warranty - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By Karyn - March 1 - 6:26 pm

  I bought mine in March 2010, 41K miles on it and knew it had a problem with the Tranny, then I saw the reviews on here and was sure of it, so in order to buy the car I had the dealer replace the tranny and it now runs great. Still has Road noise from the tires and the brakes were squeaking, but if I keep the air pressure at 34 it seems to be ok. I get 24 mpg average! Dealer sold car with 2 sets of tires instead of 4 matching which is probably why I get so much noise and weird tire rotation sounds. Ill get new brakes and tires soon! Love the looks I get from other drivers around me, nice looking car, hope it lasts!

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  "Poor Mans Lexus -- Great Buy!" - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Ron - February 28 - 12:00 pm

  Have about 1500 miles on vehicle now & is the most comfortable car Ive ever owned over a 35 year period!

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  Saturn Aura - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Rene - February 24 - 2:43 pm

  This is an excellent car and its so quiet. It has the feel of a much heavier car. It handles and drives like a $60,000 luxury car