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:

• 

  The Resurrection of Cadilliac - Reprise - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By DWS - October 25 - 4:33 am

  My wife has had this car for two days, and I am so impressed, I had to write this. This is a great car. It is amazingly quiet, comfortable, has great vehicle dynamics and handling, and looks great. We also have a 2006 Corvette Z06, and a 2001 Z06, and I like to drive this Aura XE. The dealership experience was excellent. My sister has driven, or more correctly beaten, a Saturn for over 12 years. Now Saturn has added great styling, handling, and fun to the formula.

• 

  Smooth Quiet Ride - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By CKapoor - October 23 - 1:40 am

  Bought the XE with the Special Edition package on July 31, 2007. Traded in a Mercedes E320 for it. Never thought I would buy a GM, but this car took the cake. I compared it to an Acura TL (which was a notch above), but the extra 8K did not make sense. Wife and I are both loving it. I hope it holds up in the long run (we are used to Toyotas).

• 

  Saturn finally gets style - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By vibn04 - October 21 - 4:36 am

  I can say Saturn really, finally, looked at design and style. This was always second to safety and reliability which is a good thing, yet you cant let these things go in a market flooded with competition. People want to feel good and enjoy what they drive in on top of having a safe and reliable car. This car has only been in my driveway roughly a week but feels great to have a car sonew it turns heads and makes people think,"what is that car and who makes that?" I love it so far and Im very happy with what I purchased.

• 

  Awesome Aura! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By ALEX1942 - October 16 - 2:23 am

  I already put 3200 miles on my XR, and must say this car gets more fun everyday. The handling is great, as is the acceleration. I get lots of curious looks from people, trying to work out what kind of car it is. I dont think that will last long, because when the word gets out about this car, Saturn will sell a ton of them. I traded in a Mercedes Benz for mine, and I had a few people raise their eyebrows when I said I had gotten a Saturn. However, nobody questioned my descion once they saw it or drove it. Great job Saturn!

• 

  I turn the car on, it returns the favor - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Char - September 10 - 4:36 pm

  The car was originally a return from rental, so it was broken in when I bought it. But I love this car. Driving it is like an F-16 on wheels and just as sleek. Some people think I paid 50-60K and stare in disbeleif when I tell what I got for 22K. (Including tire/wheel warranty, bumper to bumper extended warranty and 3rd party remote- which the Saturn warranty covers) The in-town mileage is low but the highway mileage is outstanding. I typically get 35-40 MPG (at around 60) Kia & Hyundai eat your collective hearts out. Because of the high safety rating, insurance cost is very low. But why doent GM advertise it more?

• 

  Wish I had known - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By jcr - September 6 - 9:53 pm

  This car has been in the shop more times than my previous 7 cars. Windshiped wipers didnt work - 2 times to fix, ESC light on - 2 times to fix, cruise control - hit bump in highway - quit - 2 times to fix, and now on 4th time in for rear brake lights - some times stayed on all the time, other times never came on when applied the brakes. My car is definitely not "car of the year" Ive driven borrowed cars half the time Ive owned this one.

• 

  A good one - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By ARC - September 3 - 10:43 pm

  The 2008 Aura XE V-6 is fun to drive and so far has been more than expected. We leased the XE with heated leather seats, boy they work great. Weve been asked twice so far how much we like the vehicle and remarks were: very sharp exterior and very sleek.

• 

  What have I been missing - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By XE 3.5 - August 23 - 3:13 am

  Over the past several years I have owned x2 Acura RL and the Mercedes R Class. I decided to check out what Saturn had to offer. I drove the Aura purchased it within the hour. It ranks in my book with the Acura RL without the high cost. The ride it self puts the R Class Mercedes to shame. What have I been missing? How much I could have saved and still been driving in luxury. However no more!

• 

  Saturn Aura XR Homerun! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By b52ew19 - August 12 - 6:43 pm

  I shopped around, looked at the Accord, Camry, Madza 6, VW GTI, Acura TSX, Lexus, and Mercedes. Nice cars, but the Aura XR was the winner! The Camry came in second, but the price was too high. The Aura drives like a champ, hugs the road like a sports car. OnStar is outstanding, well worth the money, especially the phone option.

• 

  Excellent Value - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Marilyn - August 7 - 6:50 pm

  In the mid-size sedan class I was torn I have owned a Honda Accord and a Toyota Camry. After driving the Saturn Aura and experiencing to "Saturn Sales Experience", I knew that I was set to purchase the Aura! The five star safety rating was important to me in making my decision as was the trim level for the price. My car is equipped with leather, a sunroof, remote vehicle start and six air bags. A comparable Luxury brand would have cost me a lot more money. I have the 3.6 liter V6 which makes me feels like Im driving a Cadillac or Corvette!