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 has a winner - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Ken - February 4 - 5:20 pm

  I drove a 2000 LS2 for 120,000 miles and was pleasantly surprised that Saturn was introducing a new model for 2007. The Aura is very quite and has a nice comfortable ride. The quaility is very good. First car that I have truely fallen in love with.

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  Surprisingly Good - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Happy Aura Guy - January 27 - 12:33 pm

  I bought this vehicle under GMs 0% financing offer. Even without the incentive financing, this is an excellent automobile! My concern about the four cylinder engine was unfounded as it is peppy enough. The exterior and interior fit and finish are superb, vehicle is very solid and fairly quiet. Standard radio is excellent, especially with XM. Transmission shifts very smoothly, brakes are powerful. A lot of vehicle for the money.

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  Saturn Aura - You will love it! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By EIA - January 19 - 9:26 am

  Ive had my Aura for one week and I love it. I purchased the XR model fully loaded in Bronzed Pewter. It looks very classy, and the Moroccon brown leather is very sharp looking. You have to see it for yourself. The stereo is nice, and I like the controls on the steering wheel. The rear seat audio controls w/2 wireless head phones are nice too. No more fighting for a radio station w/the kids. The adjustable pedals are a must for short people like me, and I love the auto climate control and remote start. Just go and test drive one! Youll see how quiet it runs, yet how powerful the engine is. People are talking to me at red lights asking me about it! They cant believe it is a Saturn. Love, love, love it!

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  Extremely unlucky buyer - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By B Archibald - January 8 - 6:26 pm

  I had my Aura XR for 2 weeks when some engine noise came up. The dealership could not figure out what it was for 2 weeks. It had 2k miles on it so exchanging it wasnt an option. Seeing as how I had it half the time and dealership couldnt fix it, I expected they would replace it for me. They chose to claim the rules were inflexible and offered instead to replace my engine. Im not sure how I feel about this but I have no choice because if I wait for them to figure out how to fix this engine I may not get it back for weeks. In any case I really do love the car, they tell me no one else has had this problem and the car is so new they dont have any practical experience on this engine.

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  My favorite - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By JIMMY P - January 6 - 11:20 am

  This by far has been my most enjoyable car i have owned in a while. The style performane and overall value for the money is second to none.This Aura xr was intended to be my wifes car now I drive it and she drives my Cadillac SRX. We got ours loaded with all the options and we couldnt be happier. I recomend this car to everyone

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  Saturn Aura - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Elijah - January 5 - 10:06 am

  After researching and researching on which car I wanted, I chose the AURA. I was going to wait and get the Astra but it was just too good of a deal to pass up on the AURA. I have over 2000 miles so far and no problems. I drive mostly highway but I can average 26-29 mpg!

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  This is an awful car - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By alces1976 - December 25 - 9:03 am

  I have not had a good experience with this car, or this company. I have always owned a GM car, this being my first (and last) Saturn. The car hasnt worked right in the year Ive had it with a multitude of electrical problems and common defects. The company has been impossible to work with, and overall I would have rather switched to a Pinto over this mess of a car. Watch yourself if youre looking at this car!!!

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  Best Car in its Class - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By Pat - December 11 - 10:06 am

  I have driven the Aura XR for a year and 15k mi. It still performs like the day I bought it. It is an exceptional value when you compare it to Camry, Accord etc. The Fusion and Malibu are the closest but both cost more. I consistently get 30mpg in mixed driving. I have driven several 6sp/4cyl combos and the GM one is by far the best out there in shifting, power and mpg so I am not sure I would trust those other remarks on here. If you want a great performing sedan with class leading safety, mpg and feature set that is fun to drive, looks classy and is whisper quiet then the Aura is for your. Under $20k with Leather, heated seats, XM, bluetooth, onstar and 100k warranty!

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  GM Still The Best (Value & All Else) - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Charlie - December 1 - 12:53 am

  Bought this baby (black with black & gray leather) at an incredible price. I am a GMS customer, and I got$5K rebate and some GM loyalty. But what a car at any price. Quiet and smooth. Love the tap shifting, and it can scoot. Parked next to an $60K Audi S6, also black, and my Saturn got more attention and alot more walk arounds. But what I really like the most is the window sticker that says "Built in Kansas City with 98% USA components". The 3.6 V6 is manufactured at the Tonawanda NY engine plant, that GM spent $400 million renovating in 2000, with good high paying engineering & manufacturing jobs. My first 300 mile trip averaged 30.8 mpg at about 65mph.

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  Best Sedan I Have Owned - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By legalbgl - November 3 - 9:43 pm

  The Saturn Aura is by far the best sedan I have owned. Compare it to the Camry, the Camry feels cheap and whatever. The Accord feels flimsy. Nothing sturdy to those cars. The Aura however, feels like a presence on the road. You feel like you have something substantial and safe. What a feeling!