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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  Fast and fun - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By LA Commuter - September 13 - 10:10 am

  I love my wifes car! This is best car I have driven in years and I am super jealous and want one for me. We got the bronze with black interior + woodtrim package. We get rave reviews from eveyone who sees and are consistently asked what kind of luxury car is it?

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  Defective Vehicle Design - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By dinof - August 15 - 5:26 am

  After owning the vehicle for 6 months and having put less than 5,000 miles on the odometer, I have to say that the build quality is poor to say the least. Both of my underdoor plastic rocker panels are separating from the body creating large gaps thru which the fasteners and road surface can be seen. Neither dealer nor Saturn Customer Service have any fix. Both say the problem is occurring on other Auras.

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  Great Car - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Ron G. - July 25 - 1:26 am

  My wife and I both love this car. We drove everything out there including Toyota and Honda, the quality of this is every bit as good if not better. Rides great, smooth, quiet, fun to drive. We have the old pushrod V6 - gets better than 30 MPG at 65 mph. I have never liked a vehicle as much as this car.

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  My First New Car - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Yataiva Harris - July 22 - 3:03 am

  I have had my Saturn for almost a year now and I love it!! I get very good gas mileage in the city and on the highway. I have gotten many compliments from coworkers and from people on the street about the new look of Saturn. The experience I have had as an owner has been nothing less than superb! I have scheduled appointments for regular maintenance with various dealerships and everyone has been friendly. The only issue I have had thus far is a remote that worked at its own convenience. At the dealership, the service representative was friendly and swapped my remote while my oil was being changed. I would truly say that this car is a very good buy.

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  Great Car. Very Poor Mileage - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By CK - July 14 - 2:03 pm

  I did a review right after we had bought this car. Basically, it said that the car was great. Now that I have had the car for over a month, I am revisiting my review. The mileage on this car stinks. In city drive (basically home to grocery storer, etc.), the car gives 17 miles to a gallon. That is less than the 10 year old Mercedes E320 that I had (18 miles to a gallon) and less than the 10 year old Toyota 4 Runner that I have (18 miles/gallon for a V6). I dont know what GM is thinking, making a supposedly state of the art car with a mileage less than current day SUVs. I guess one reason is that the car weighs a bunch (it is heavier than the Toyota 4 Runner and almost the same as an E320)

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  New Saturn Owner - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By StaciK - July 5 - 12:43 am

  Ive had my Saturn for about 3 months and so far have loved every minute! My 4yr old and 2yr old fit perfectly in the backseat with their carseats. I am disappointed we couldnt find this car in our price range that had leather because the cloth seats are already showing wear and one drop of water makes it look like a ugly stain. It rides smooth at 75mph and my highway mpg is 31 and my city mpg is 26-27.

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  Aura XE a winner - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Scott L. - June 28 - 10:10 am

  Purchased my Aura in February and so far Im very satisfied. Great styling and performance. Many people have remarked on the great looks and are surprised when they discover its a Saturn. A geat amount of equipment at an affordable price. I think Saturn and GM have a definite winner.

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  Kudos to Saturn - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Art - June 26 - 11:06 am

  We love this car. The Morrocan leather highlights this quiet, taut, responsive This car is a fire breather. Previous cars included Pontiac, VW, Nissan, Toyota, Chevy, and Mercury. Nothing comes close to this marvel. As someone who wouldnt have considered a Saturn in the past, the Aura has changed everything. Most of our driving is freeway and the mpg is surprising and excellent - significantly better than the advertized (28/20)- with the cruise on.

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  Great car - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By rush - June 13 - 2:50 am

  I originally purchased an XE at the beginning of the month. I loved the car so much I wanted more. So, I used Saturns exchange program and got the XR with leather seats. The XE is quiter and shifts smoother. The XR is quicker and sportier. I had cloth seats on the XE. The leather seats on the XR are much more comfortable. If you want a quiet, smooth, luxurious feel, the XE with leather seats is your car. If you want a sportier feel and the ultimate driving experience, go for the XR. I have owned at least a dozen cars. This car is by far the best car Ive have owned for driving experience.

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  Ill get my first speeding ticket soon! - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Jared - June 12 - 12:00 am

  My wife and I agree - this car will get us each our first ticket! It is very zippy. Love the exterior chrome finishes and LED lights. Very comfortable and safe feeling. Enjoy the XM radio and OnStar feaures, like turn by turn navigation. We also own an 08 Vue and have been extremely happy with it.