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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  Aura XE-2007 - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Wayne - October 28 - 10:20 pm

  Vehicle is very quiet, outside noise is minimal. Good performance from the smaller V-6. Long trip highway mileage is 29+ MPG. General combined mileage city + highway 24-25 MPG. Excellent initial quality. So far, very good performance in snow. Vehicle is tight with no rattles. First domestic car that I purchased in the past 12 years. Previously have purchased foreign vehicles. The interior width could use another 2". Low profile roof line makes entering the car a little more difficult for a person over 59". Cannot tell where the rear of the car ends due to design.

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  2007 Saturn Aura TONS OF MILES - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Playtowin - October 28 - 8:23 pm

  Bought it used with 25,000 and Im now at 65,000. I live in upstate NY and drive 60+ miles a day so the milage is adding up quick. Im getting 30+ GPM on the highway which is great since thats most of my driving. I had "ok" tires" on it for winter and it still did great! Ive plowed over 16"+ of snow and keeps going. Ive hit a deer with it already and had it fixed. Turned front rotors once but thats from slamming on the brakes to avoid the deer LOL. My big thing was V6 with power and still GREAT gas milage! Ive had enough of 4 bangers with no power. Im sure this car will last 200,000 miles maybe more. WELL SEE!

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  Great car - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By RON - October 26 - 12:46 am

  I bought this car to tow behind my motor home. Im a full timer and tow it a lot. Great all around gas milage, great ride, looks real nice. So far my only complaint is the key fob failed to function properly and had to be replaced by dealer. If Saturn continues to around ,I will buy another and I hope it does

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  Saturn Aura - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Orlando Johnson - October 23 - 11:40 am

  Great car, great looking car, that turns heads everywhere I go. People can not believe that this car is a Saturn. The ride is so smooth, powerful and quiet you would think that you are riding in an expensive luxury car.

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  Yep its a Saturn - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Dafer - October 14 - 10:13 am

  Ive had this car for 2 months. I have the XR with just the standard features. (came with a lot of standard features) Absolutely love the way it looks. The way the 18 inch wheels fill the wheelwells. Its been compared to an Audi A4 or a BMW. The 3.6 V6 has plenty of get up and go. No need to worry about getting onto a highway and the gas mileage is great for the horsepower. I was looking for a quiet highway car, the Aura is very quiet on the highway. The only complaint I have is the Midnight Blue is hard to keep clean, should have gone with the White or Silver.

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  Still - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Edwin Cousins - October 12 - 2:40 pm

  Got this car early in the market, and still get compliments and heads double looking. I often dont know what to say in response to the compliments since I wasnt the one to design it. The combination of power, fuel economy, styling is perfect. Plenty of room(Im 62"). The dashboard info and interior accent lighting one would expect on a $10 - $15,000 higher priced car. I love this car so much that this will be the first time I repeat-buy on a vehicle, and Im a former Honda owner. Move out the way Im coming to get a 2009 Aura!

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  What a great vehicle! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Ryan - September 18 - 11:50 am

  I recently traded in my 2004 gas guzzling Chevy Silverado for the much acclaimed Saturn Aura. I kept reading glowing reviews about the Aura and decided to take one for a drive. I was extremely impressed. Visually the car is stunning. For my taste it is much more attractive than the Camry, Accord, or even some luxury models like Volvo.

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  Thrilled and disappointed - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Steve - September 11 - 5:33 am

  XEV6 has the right stuff to make it nice to drive. Amazing ride and performance but gas mileage not much better than a 1998 DeVille. For my tastes and budget its a CTS at a Chevy price and better looking to boot. Multiadjustable power drivers seat is a must for taller drivers. A/C system is pretty much useless on hot days or if the car has been sitting in the sun for a while. Takes quite a while to cool down, even at the maximum cooling settings. Saturn dealer says this is normal. I guess Im just spoiled from driving Cadillacs for 25 years. Now if Cadillac could make their cars as reliable as the XEV6, theyd really have something.

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  It Doesnt Get Much Better Than This - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By jerry - August 21 - 7:53 am

  First one on the road in MD. This car stickered at $21,775 (base model) and is worthy of competition with cars costing twice the price. Style (I bought the Berry Red), comfort and ride are second to none. This is Saturns finest hour competing with the imports. I test drove Mercury Milan, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima and Maxima, Cadillac CTS and Pontiac G6. Take all of the best qualities of each and put them into a sleek, eye catching style and you have the Aura. Test drive the others youre thinking about and then drive the Aura and see. It was worth the wait.

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  Good bang for the buck - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By James Doerfler - August 19 - 2:00 pm

  So far so good. I have owned Honda Accords for the past 15 years so this was a big departure from tradition. Time will tell if the reliability factor is there.