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:
Showing 31 through 40 of 381.00-
Great and fun car - 2007 Saturn Aura
By richard - January 8 - 11:36 amGreat car, great performance, awesome ride. Very stylish. Great gas mileage, 20/28. Test drive this car and I think you will fall in love with it, I did. Teenagers to adults will love this car
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My first brand new car - 2007 Saturn Aura
By DocA - December 28 - 7:43 pmOverall love this car. Did alot of research and test drives of various cars before deciding this was my dream car. Sometimes I have nightmares. Ill be taking it in for the 8th time for the service traction control light coming on. The dealer has tried something different each time including have the roving Saturn Enginer come out & determine that the header was put on wrong and needed to be rebuilt. That took car of the problem for about 5 months and now its back. Very fustrations
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Great New Car - 2007 Saturn Aura
By Dino F. - December 27 - 4:33 amThis is a fun car to drive and it looks great. Putting the 6 speed automatic transmission into the Manual Mode and using the steering wheel mounted paddles to shift is a real blast. If the badges were removed from this vehicle, you would never suspect it was a Saturn.
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Almost a ten! - 2007 Saturn Aura
By Fair-minded - November 29 - 2:03 amCould only hope that Saturn improves the standard model fuel economy. That is the only slot to not rate above excellent. I dont know what planet some of the other reviewers are from, but anything, no matter how slight, that appeared out of true was taken care of comletely. My seats are very comfortable. Handling is precise and powe deleivers with the promised punch. Great guns! This car rocks!
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Owner since 1991 - 2007 Saturn Aura
By neal - November 21 - 5:06 pmHave owned Saturns since 1991. This is no. 5. Each with over 100,000. They just keep getting better and better. Especially like the tap/shift in icy conditions. Like having all the accessories added in the origional vehicle build.
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Aura: nice mix of GMs best stuff - 2007 Saturn Aura
By Steve Hedke - November 21 - 11:53 amOur Aura XR is our fourth Saturn, and shares garage space with an XK-E, TR3, and a 29 Ford hotrod. This car combines great performance, style, and reliability with super dealership support. The XR is a fine daily driver, but great for motoring trips. Quiet, really quick when using the Allison 6 speed paddle shifter in manual mode, and sticks to the road like no sedan weve ever owned. Directly compares to the Lexus ES but the Aura handles better. The Caddy 3.6 with VVT is silky smooth and hard to tell when its running: the tach is necessary. If this car is indictative of the new models Saturn has in store, with their excellent dealerships the marque will be more popular than ever.
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For the money cannot beat - 2007 Saturn Aura
By Jim Gould - November 2 - 10:16 pmI bought my XR new. went to buy a BMW 328i and left with the Aura. I love almost everything about the car including, XM radio, OnStar, sunroof, rear audio system and quality leather. My biggest 2 complaints are the 6 speed auto needs to be reprogrammed as sometimes it takes too much effort to downshift. Second the mixed gas mileage is terrible. 16-17 mpg in mixed driving. However, if you look at the price verse what you get overall it is the best sedan on the market. I would recommend.
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Disappointed - 2007 Saturn Aura
By missmollyk - October 23 - 4:03 pmThis is my third Saturn in over 10 years, and while I love the product, I am kind of disappointed in this car. I was told the MPG was better than it has been (lucky if I get 19 mpg both street/hwy) and have had little things going wrong on it from day one. The OnStar was leaking water in when I washed the car, the stereo jammed CDs in it, now the AM doesnt work and the OnStar is cutting out during phone calls. The front bushings are squeaking on turns and bouncing. It has a lag when getting on the freeway, seems to take a few hiccups to get up to speed.
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Love my Aura - 2007 Saturn Aura
By kell - October 18 - 9:13 pmI love my Aura. It is so beautiful and I always am getting compliments. I purchased the XR fully loaded and I love all the little extras. My car came with locks on the gas cap, big mistake.. It is so annoying. It feels so sporty inside and looks very classy. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a stylish car with lots of power.
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Sporty XE For Me - 2007 Saturn Aura
By JoeMerchant - October 2 - 12:56 pmThe Aura provides the roominess my family wanted while remarkably providing the sporty feel of a coupe which I wanted. The XE is quick off the line, handles cornering like its glued to the road, and can be configured to turn heads. My Aura is Midnight Blue with the sporty 17inch twin-spoke alloys rims and a subtle fin on the trunk. I did not opt for the leather interior yet still find it fun to be inside.
