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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  Style, Comfort, and Fun to Drive. - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Glen - June 4 - 2:23 am

  This is not the typical Saturn. The handling is superb, the ride is a little bumpy with the sports package suspension. Wind and road noise is at a minimum. The four way stability track with four wheel anti-lock disc brakes makes a difference on slippery roads. With the adjustable pedals and 8-way adjustable power seats makes for finding the comfortable position easy. Just wish it had a memory setting on the drivers seat for multiple drivers. For fun you can put the car into manual and shift thru the six gears via the paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. If you are looking for a midsized 4-door sedan, do yourself a favor and test drive this car. Good to have choices!

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  GM in control again. - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By usvet - June 1 - 6:53 pm

  Thus far I have owned a total of 17 new vehicles in my 56 year lifetime, 12 of which were foreign including VW, Subaru, Honda, Mazda(1 ford engine), and Isuzu. I have owned 2 Saturns. The first one a VUE V6 SUV which I purchased because of the Honda engine. The second is my Aura which I just purchased. Unlike the VUE it is all American which makes me very happy knowing that I finally found a domestic vehicle that is up to par with the foreign competion.

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  This Is My 4th Saturn... - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Robert - May 27 - 1:13 pm

  This car has a nice road presence, fun to drive... I wish that my 1st (92 SC2) had the power of this 3.6L! The Formula-1 paddle shifters are nice when in a sporty mood; I believe this is the same 6-speed transmission used in some BMWs (for those who didnt know- BMW does get 1 of its 3 trans. models from GM). The Goodyear Eagle LS-2 tires (OEM) handle well enough. Once accustomed to the Understeer (all FWDs have it, RWDs have Oversteer), winding roads are fun, too. Bred from GMs German Car Group (Opel), its a nice follow-up to the L300. Saturn Service Depts. treat me like a king. Ive owned Fords, Chevys, 1 Dodge, 1 VW... Ive been driving for over 30 yrs.

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  Best Car for the Money - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Jason - May 27 - 8:10 am

  Ive had 2 IONs and now I have an 08 Aura XE with the V-6. It is by far superior to other cars in the same class with similar equipment. It is much more comfortable on my back that any Ford or Toyota and it actually feels like there is something behind the wheel. The Saturn team really nailed this one and I hope to see the Aura aroudn for a long time!

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  Affordable with Eupoean style and more - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By alero02 - May 20 - 5:40 pm

  Weve owned over 30 cars/trucks over the years what with ourselves and a family of young drivers. We owned Nissan, Toyota, Renault, Chevrolet, Pontiac, Dodge, Plymouth, Mitsubishi, and a few more. We had a nice Toyota Sienna mini van, and the last we bought in a foreign brand. It had its problems. But we still shopped and drove a Toyota Camry, Mazda 6, and Saab 9-3. We really liked the Mazda and Saab. The Camry didnt seem as great a car as it has been talked up. Plus the price even with low interest. The Saturn Aura XR-4 won hands down for price, features, safety, and fuel efficiency. We got an Aura XR-4, 6 speed automatic

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  Lucky Lady - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Joanne - May 13 - 2:16 am

  This is by far the best car I ever purchased, I owned every model Cadillac, & never was as happy as I am with my Aura XR. I am noticed by everyone. It drives so smooth you can drive for hours & not be tired. Very proud to drive my Aura XR. She has style & grace, just like a lady

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  America can Compete - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By thomas - May 9 - 8:20 pm

  I bought my fully loaded Aura XR for $21K. The Cadillac engine is smooth and very responsive. The stiff suspension works well for me. The neighborhood teenage kids have already complemented me for having "one bad car". And these kids wont drive anything but an Audi A4 or a BMW 3 Series. I am truly impressed with my Aura XR. I come from a Lexus ES300.

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  Better with Age - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Adam - May 8 - 10:00 am

  I wasnt sure about this car when I first purchased it, having come off of 10 years of German cars. But I can say that I have grown to really like the car. Great power, ride, and comfort. MPG is ok if youre nice to it. On highway road trips, Ive gotten close to 30 mpg. Just recently started to have one issue with the car, cruise control occasionally does not work. Have to take it in to get it looked at. Other than that, no problems at all. I get a lot of compliments on it. The Red Jewel paint is awesome. The car looks more expensive than it is. Many people are surprised its a Saturn. Too bad Saturn went away. They finally had a good lineup of cars.

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  Nice ride! - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By techman3006 - April 7 - 4:10 pm

  I was hesitant to purchase a Saturn at first until a coworker talked me into visiting the dealership...Im glad I did. Im very satisfied with my new car. In two months of ownership Ive actually had 2 different people stop me after parking my car so they could ask me about the vehicle (which is a first for me). Anyway, the car is great and Im very impressed with the performance, styling, features, etc. for the price. It really does seem like it should cost around $10K more. The all around mileage has been decent (around 24.6 mpg) and it has been a joy to drive. DidnÂ’t feel the extra $4K was worth it to go to the XR..

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  Great Aura! - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By don - April 5 - 10:00 am

  My Aura is Deep Blue with Morocco Brown leather interior and it looks like a million bucks! A buddy got a 320CLk Mercedes at the same time and when he saw my Aura and found out what I paid for it he said I got the better deal. I took advantage of Saturns 30 day exchange program as my original purchase was a 2007 Ocean Mist w/black interior car. The dealer swapped it out for my 2008 no problem after owning the first car 3 days. I love the performance and looks of this car! On a recent trip to the desert, it averaged 28 mpg according to the trip computer. I get a lot of compliments from friends and complete strangers alike. My license plate sums it up- GR8AURA!