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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  Pleasantly suprised. - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Bakerman23 - February 1 - 1:43 am

  From the moment I test drove this car till now I have loved every single moment. The acceleration is peppy for a 4 cylinder. The suspension is great, and the car feels really solid. Im glad I spent the extra money for this car over the Astra.

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  Great Buy - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Murph - January 14 - 12:23 am

  I drove many different cars including the Altima and Camry to compare the noise and smoothness of ride. The Camry sport took the corners the easiest, but the Aura rode the smoothest. All in all these three cars handled almost the same so my decision came down to looks and interior. The Aura has by far the nicest dashboard setup and I love the 18 inch wheels. Car is a major head turner, and people are just drawn to the car while walking in parking lots.

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  Its a bullet - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By George Tayeh - January 8 - 3:43 am

  Its not a car, its really a bullet, a rocket. I dont know, all I know is that its very very quick car. Comfortable, well equipped in the interior, too much comfort for the driver and the passenger. The car is really great. If you feel it stiff on the bumpy roads, just check your psi, the tires might be more than 30 psi. Otherwise, the car is great. It has lots of safety features which help you get some discount from your insurance

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  GM - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By NOT HAPPY - January 7 - 5:00 am

  I have to admit I love my Saturn it is BEAUTIFUL OUTSIDE...I have had problems with it thought..cant complain because I bought it USED..But when it came to getting if fixed at a GM dealership GOOD LUCK!!! I have called & So has SATURN CUST. Support every GM dealership within 100miles and Not a one will work on my car..I was told that GM dealerships have to work on your car!! NOT TRUE it is up to the General Manager of the store. So Make sure you live close to a Saturn Dealership...if not you will not be able to get if fixed at a GM dealership. I have not had very good luck with any vehicals I have owned so maybe it is my fault for not choosing the right one. I just want everyone to beware!!

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  Great Commuter - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By berne1 - December 31 - 8:53 am

  Got the Aura XE 4-cyl last month to replace my ION. What a step up! This is the first in a long time Ive returned to the same manufacturer (had two Acuras in a row in the early 90s). Went for the 4-cyl because of price & MPG (commter car). It has a lot of nice unexpected touches- -the auto-up drivers window, interior "mood lighting", telescoping steering wheel, cargo nets. Wasnt expecting any of that in this level Aura. Interior is very quiet. 6- speaker stereo is above average for a base system. Large trunk. Good power. I really like the styling, one of my top reasons for purchase. It looks more expensive than it is.

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  Saturns gone but ive got mine! - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By golferpal2 - December 13 - 4:56 pm

  This is a wonderful car and finally they got it right. Gm is the loser. They lost me from being a future customer. All those gm cars and gm couldnt run the corporation correctly. Hondas are my next new car in 2011.

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  Better than the Caddy. - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Bobcat - November 26 - 5:20 am

  This car is more comfortable than my Caddy and more fun to drive and gets 10 mpg more without premium fuel. Not as much room, but we are retired and dont need the room. Also it can be towed behind the RV with four wheels down.

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  Glad I Made the Switch! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Beverly - November 22 - 8:00 am

  My last 2 vehicles have been Honda Accords. Dependability and reliability of Honda is excellent, but it was the styling of the new Aura which attracted my attention. It was love at first sight and my test drive only served to confirm that physical attraction! Ive had my XR for a week now. I absolutely love driving it and have received many complements on it! In fact, 2 friends are planning to visit the dealership to drive an Aura! It surely was the right move for me! Way to go, Saturn!

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  Update of previous review - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Steve - November 14 - 9:53 am

  Now that I have had the car for a while, I can now say I am more than pleased with it. I have discovered that using semi-synthetic oil helps a bit with gas mileage, as does putting better tires on the car. Now getting 22 mpg in town and 34 on the highway. Better than with regular oil. The ride, quiet and handling are vastly better with Continental 225/50/17 DWS tires than the OEM ones. All in all, a lot of bang for the buck. Too bad they are going away. Ill be driving mine into the ground since it works so well for my needs.

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  Is that a Saturn ? - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Brad - October 30 - 2:46 am

  Have have already driven 4000 miles on this car and it drives great. Ive had many comments on how it looks like an expensive European car. I was about to buy an Honda Accord when a Saturn Aura pull up next to me a a red light. That day I drove over to the Saturn dealership to check it out and and bought one the next day. Everyone that has seen it asks: Is that a Saturn ?