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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  Dynamic and Smart - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By AJI - April 25 - 2:00 pm

  Easy and convenient to drive. Responsive and quick acceleration.

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  Switched from the Camry - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Mr. Camry - April 20 - 8:23 am

  I was pleasantly suprised when I found myself at a Saturn dealership as a Camry man. My neighbor convinced me to come in and I was glad I did. The value you get in this car is like no other that I test drove. The Aura is beautiful, powerful, quiet, and hugs the road like a BMW in my opinion. Best of all was what you get for the price.

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  Mixed bag - some outstanding parts - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Redmond - April 18 - 5:20 pm

  It is a powerful, smooth, great- handling sedan with great performance. It is rock-solid and very quiet inside. The interior design is very attractive, although it becomes bland as you live with it. The comfort of the front seats and the quality of the interior materials is lacking, especially the cheap plasticky center console. I keep expecting it to just break off its mounts. The seats also seem to have a certain amount of unpleasant rocking on thier base -makes car feel cheap. Sound system is excellent. Exterior styling is nicely upscale, and I like my massive rims.

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  Saturn Aura 2009 - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By DeMarco522 - April 11 - 3:46 pm

  Saturn Aura is a great car. Handles really well and moves well on the highway. Very quiet when going very fast. Interior leather looks great.

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  Astounding - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By Mr Bruce - April 2 - 11:46 am

  Wow, do I like this car. Great freeway cruiser, has almost identical dimensions to our Accord but 4 in longer wheelbase, which translates: smooth ride. Built on same platform as Saab 9-3. 6 speed trans works great, very responsive to shift down for speeding up or going up hills. Engine turns only 2k RPM at 70mph. Paddle shifters are handy at times but rarely use. Is eager to shift to overdrive for max fuel economy. If you can drive the speed limit, you can get 34 mpg highway. Very quiet, feels like a heavy, solid car but gets sporty when you throw it around. Nicely laid out interior is elegant and comfortable. Im 6-3 and have lots of room. So sad these are the last of a great model.

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  Not your accountants Saturn - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By OC Driver - April 2 - 11:43 am

  Silver with black leather interior looks sharp and classy. My XR looks like an Audi A6 with just a hint of Lexus. The car is tight, very quick, and has so many nice touches.

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  Great car - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By dirtytoliet - March 6 - 2:26 pm

  We had a 2008 Saturn Vue and had problems so I took it back before the 30 day return was up and got an Aura. Best move I ever made on a car. The ride is great and if you turn the track control off you can leave smoke with the tires. Many people think its a Honda. And it cost many thousands less than a Camry.

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  Great Car - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By gregtwelve - February 27 - 11:20 am

  I needed to replace my wifes 8 year old Maxima. Always liked the looks of the Aura since it came out. With the new GM incentives I decided to take a drive. It is an impressive car in every way. It is smoother and more refined than the Maxima it replaced, the ride is much better and it is much more quiet. It has tons more features and was still $3000 cheaper than the Maxima was eight years ago! I cannot get over how great looking this car is in white.

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  Great car! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Dee - February 26 - 9:40 pm

  This is a great car! All of my friends think it is a much more expensive car and are shocked when I tell them it is a Saturn. It is loaded with features. I love the XM radio. I would highly recommend the car.

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  A Luxury Sports Sedan for Less - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By DaveZ - January 19 - 5:06 am

  I purchased the vehicle in January of 2007 based on its styling and fuel economy. I could not believe the features offered in the XR at the price offered. Its a Lexus or a Beemer, even looks like one but for much less. Also, the smoothness of the ride and the quietness as the car rolls along is unbelievable. GM, if you could make the XR a full hybrid, bye-bye Toyota.