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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  Piece of junk - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Julie - April 25 - 7:10 am

  I bought this vehicle due to Consumer Reports 2007 article. However,they are completely wrong about this car! I bought this vehicle in November of 2007, and not one week later, the car had to be brought back in for work. One month later, the same thing. They had to replace the paneling inside, replace the heater coil, and try to figure out why when I had my cruise control on, it would go from 70 to 78 going up hills. However, as I was told, it is stated on the Saturn description that this is normal. Really? I figure it is because they have no idea why the cruise control was not working.The next thing is the MPG. What a joke!!! I average, with going normal speed, 60-65, maybe around 21-22

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  very very happy - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Lucy from Buffalo - April 20 - 3:30 pm

  After looking at and test driving several new vehicles I decided on the Saturn Aura 4 door XE. I am very, very happy with my choice. great ride, fuel economy and looks. no problems at all so far. I have put on 5,000 trouble free miles.

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  Excellent First New Car! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Dave - April 18 - 9:20 pm

  I am absolutley thrilled with my Aura. Last year at this time, I never would have imagined owning a Saturn, but after test driving the Nissan, Toyota, and Honda, It won hands down. For the price I could afford, the car looked the best and was the most fun to drive. I purchased the chrome wheelcovers after I brought it home and it even looks better. You cant even tell theyre not real rims! Overall I couldnt be happier and happy to see an American car company finally step up to the plate. Well done Saturn. Now if I can just get a picture with the car of the year trophy, it will be complete!

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  The Aura is a real winner! - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By Dave - April 12 - 3:56 pm

  I think Saturn (GM) hit a home run with the Aura. Its sleek in an everymans kind of way, has more useful gadgets than my toolbox, and the economy is outstanding. On the highway with cruise control at 70, I consistently enjoy 38 mpg; thats darn good in a non-hybrid mid-size sedan. The 2.4 liter 4-banger does just fine and I live in the mountains - of course, Im not trying to jump every car off the line. The 6 speed automatic is smooth as glass, although with a bit of throttle hestitation - you do have to get used to it. I find the interior to be quite well done and ergonomically laid out. The seat fits me well and has proven quite comfortable on a 6 hour trip. I give Aura an A-.

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  Tough to beat - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By gvreid - April 1 - 3:03 pm

  Bought the fully loaded version. Absolutely love this car, particularly on long highway drives. Effortless power and great passing ability. Great value for the money. Very classy and sporty at the same time. My wife wants to trade cars with me. No deal.

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  Pedal positioning is painful - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By rojo8 - March 26 - 10:16 am

  The gas and brake pedals are far apart and both are high off the floor, so its impossible to pivot your foot comfortably on the heel. I have to completely let my foot off the gas pedal in order to hit the brake. No big deal obviously on high speed drives with minimal braking, but in-town driving is painful. Because its so uncomfortable, its also very unsafe. Id find myself resisting moving back and forth between braking and accelerating, which obviously is not a safe driving practice. If youre small-feeted like me (size 8-9; not terribly small in fact) but youre used to stomping on your pedals, then no big deal. Pivoting is safer because its more comfortable. What an idiotic design.

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  Nice but needs improvement - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By norene - February 21 - 8:20 pm

  The driver seat is uncomfortable for me at the lower level. It need to be improved for 53" and below and the gas pad need to be a little closer because I feel like Im on top of the steering wheel which is not good if in an accident. Getting out is a problem unless you want to adjust the seat everytime. The seat has caused back problem for and I have always had bucket seats but the seat isnt back friendly. The doors swing out too far but I understand this is for long legs and short legs just have to adjust. The armrest need to be longer for short arms. Even with it extending it is not comfortable. Blind spots in mirrors.

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  What a Car! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Land of Zia - February 17 - 9:06 pm

  I went looking in Sept of 06 looking for a Vue but the Aura XE was love at first sight. This awesome driving experience is something to look forward to every day. The 3.5L V6 performs most superiorly to its counterparts from Japan and Europe. When driving conservatively on the highway I could achieve economy in the mid 30s. A great joy to drive; economy and powerful performance plus ample amenities for an excellent price of only $22K. The Saturn Aura should alert educated buyers of the excellence and perfection that a roadster can be. If you are an import zealot, how sad to forego the experience of driving a real car for an inferior one. VW, Honda, Toyota and Subaru; no comparison.

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  08 Aura - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Bob - February 12 - 6:23 am

  I had a Honda Accord before and I struggled with purchasing a Saturn. I had purchased two other Saturns before for the wife and hated them both but this one has been a pleasant surprise. Smooth quite ride with what I think is preety good gas mileage for a V6 (Avg 25) doing city and highway 50/50. Had one small coolant link since in the first 6 months, which was just an occasional drip. Other then that perfect. Wife always had a hard time with Nav systems but the OnStar has been the perfect solution. I drive it about 80% of the time and the wife uses it when she nees directions. Shes got an 07 Honda and just admitted that she likes this better. Time will tell if its as reliable as a Honda.

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  Mixed Emotions - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Adam - February 7 - 9:43 am

  Im about 8000 miles in now. It has great performance. I get compliments on the looks of the car (one lady thought it was a Lincoln MKS). The interior still baffles me. For the most part, its quiet and comfortable, but the plastics are a bit cheap. The traction control switch is under the armrest, the heated seat buttons are down low on the side of the seat, and the side mirror switches are too far away. These all need to be re-positioned so they are easier to get to. And who still puts an emergency brake pedal on the floor? I had a bad rattle, which ended up being a bad weld on the sunroof bracket. Dealer fixed it under warranty.