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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  Finally - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Freddiet - August 6 - 11:23 am

  In the last fifteen years or so I have had some less than favorable experiences with American vehicles. GMC, Chevy, Ford, Dodge. I hated to buy non American products, but due to the kind of crap we were building the Japanese lines seemed the better choice. I would prefer to buy U.S.and keep my next door neighbor working than a stranger 6000 mi. away. If the Saturn Aura is an example of what we are finally willing to build to get back into the real world auto market, look out imports the U.S is ready to take back control of what we started. Pound for pound, dollar for dollar the best auto value in that market category. KUDOS Saturn,(G.M.)

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  Not impressed - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Fuzzybear - July 24 - 5:26 am

  The 3.6 V6 certainly gives the driver a generous amount of power. Straight- line acceleration is fantastic. The six speed auto is OK, but it can be irritating when I slow to 45 to switch highways because it does not like to downshift. The handling is a different story. The suspension is too sensitive. Each time I hit a bump or dip, the car starts to go off in another direction. I have to grab the wheel tightly and pull the car back into a straight line. The stock tires dont help either. On another note, I am not a tall guy, and I have a hard time getting in and out of the drivers seat. I can only imagine how annoying it must be for people who are 6+.

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  Unbeatable Value - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By frank - July 18 - 5:30 am

  An absolutely terrific car. I love it more every day. Wise move to put the Honda & Camry on the lot, as Aura has absolutely nothing to hide. For what you are paying this car is awesome.

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  2009 Saturn XE - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By Tbran2 - July 4 - 11:10 am

  Bought this car new for my wife after her 2006 Saturn Ion(52K flawless miles). At 3k miles this Aura is also flawless. My wife loves it (she says even more than she loves me) and in Ocean Mist turns heads wherever she goes(she says its her)... of course I have learned never to argue with a statement like that.

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  Do not buy a Saturn aura! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By kelly080 - July 2 - 7:31 pm

  This is by far the worst car I have ever had. This car has had issues ever since the day I bought it 5 years ago. To name a few... Replaced the alternator, brakes work opposite of how they should ( when I press the brake pedal the lights go off and visa versa), problems with the starter (still havent resolved), cruise control doesnt work, Radio doesnt turn off when I turn off my car or open the door, and most recently spent over 2000 dollars to have the wave plates replaced in the transmission. Wouldnt recommend this car to my worst enemy.

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  Worst Car - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Danielle - June 29 - 11:36 am

  I brought my car after leasing a Honda Accord coupe after 3 years. The Aura was definitely a large downgrade. They had to change my brake pads after 3000 miles. The car is rattling when you hit a bump. My two year old son got stuck in the seatbelt. My keyless remote goes out every 6 months they already replaced it twice and it needs to be replaced again. I will be buying a new or used foreign car next time.

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  After 65,000 Miles - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By aura0709 - May 30 - 3:13 pm

  OK so Ive had this car for little over 2 years and have driven the heck out of it. Ive had my share of minor fixes with the car...computer issues, remote keys not working, airbag lights coming on...etc. But I will say that over all this car has been very reliable and a great car.

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  Frustrated & Deperate! - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By mandis - May 29 - 3:57 pm

  I just started having steering problems. The steering wheel jerks hard while driving down the road and it feels like the steering is going out and I am going to loose control. When I come to a complete stop and let go of the wheel it starts shaking all by itself. It seems to only happen when I am driving it. I have taken it to a shop 2 times and both times they say there is nothing wrong. I am not imagining it and I am scared to death to put my kids in the car. Has this happened to anyone else and what did you do?

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  Happy Saturn Driver - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Happy Saturn Mama - May 21 - 2:23 am

  Love this car! Get lots of looks. It is just like the commercial...people cant believe that its a Saturn. It has all of the great GM extras and warranties, but not the price. I am very happy with my Saturn. Needs a couple of improvements, but it is definitely on its way and worth the price, especially when you fill up your tank. Saturn is no longer the step-child of GM!

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  Electrical - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By cmeans - April 30 - 11:36 pm

  I have a 2008 Saturn Aura. I start having real problems with it once it got to 50,000. Steering problems, front end problems (constantly pulling to the right. Now I am dealing with locks the locks that started acting like it was possessed. The car locked me in. And then it would not stay secure. I had to remove the fuse I then found out the relay switch was bad. The car is just at 65,000. Did GM have a recall on the electrical issues?