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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  Camry Killer - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Girish - March 14 - 10:06 pm

  I fell in love with the Aura as soon as I saw one on the road. It has a very european finish on its exterior and that caught my eye immediately. I am bored looking at the Japanese sedans on the roads and Aura was a welcome. I got my XE way b4 it won the car of the year award at the auto-show and I was proven right. The car perform very well - particularly on the highways. It is fun to drive and the engine seems to always have some juice left in it no matter what speed you are driving at. Ask a Camry to beat that. Road noise is minimal, and the car steers beautifully on curvy interstate roads. I enjoy my drives on the open road and have clocked 17k miles in 9 months without a whimper. Go Aura.

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  I love my Saturn except - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Darnice Johnson - March 6 - 5:46 am

  I purchased my Saturn 3 years ago and still love it. My Saturn is the fully loaded XR Bronze XR model and I have been stopped by strangers admiring the style of this vehicle. Ive kept the mileage low and average 20 mpg city driving. Only complaint is recently the ESC service light activates at the slightest stop which causes the brake lights to stay on. Took it in for servicing which lasted less than a month and it is coming on again. I am hoping that this will not be a on going problem.

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  Former CTS owner. - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Lew - February 14 - 4:50 pm

  Thought I would never get anything but another CTS when my lease ran out, not so. Checked out the Camry,Fusion, Mazda6 and the Passat, the Aura XE had just about everything we wanted. We had to go with the XE due to the need for a lower payment. The XR would destroy all other rivals in almost all comparisons including the CTS. What a nice sedan at a great price. Quick and responsive with a real nice ride.

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  Saturn Aura XR - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By T. Wendel - February 11 - 1:26 am

  The car is incredibly quick considering it weighs in at 3700 pounds. Handling is superb as is braking. Transmission shifts so smoothly (perhaps the computer is smarter than old technology) and the ride is incredibly quiet, probably due to the sheet metal and the construction of the windshield. Interior is finished so very well although the rough plastic might leave something to be desires. The trunk is huge and the back seat folds down for extra space. The ride is firm, perhaps firmer than many would expect given the cars size and weight. The radio is great and the satellite stations really enhance the selection and the sound. A beautiful car with so many standard features included.

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  love it - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By tony - February 7 - 5:13 am

  I love the style and comfort the whole package is amazing could not be happier.

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  Great Car - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Vern - January 27 - 5:10 am

  Had the car about a week now. Just love it. All the controls are much more user friendly than my previous car. Interior lighting at night is terrific. Performance and ride are completely satisfactory. Fit and finish are good. Car feels solid. Like it much better than the Honda I traded in. Would recommend it to anyone wanting a midsize car from an American owned manufacturer. Dont send your money overseas. Buy an Aura.

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  Aura XR - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Andrew - January 27 - 3:33 am

  I recently purchased the Saturn Aura XR after looking for the last 2 months at a number of vehicles. Saturn is comparing the XE to the Camry and Accord...but when I test drove the XR I found it more like an Infinity, Lexus or BMW. The performance that the Aura XR has is incredible for the price. My choice came down between the Infinity G35 and the Aura XR, and the XR was significantly cheaper for similar performance. The more I drive my new Aura the more I know I made the right choice. I love the look of the Aura and the performance is incredible. Saturn has upped their game in the Aura and I would reccomend the Aura to everyone

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  Beauty and the Beast - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Windell - January 14 - 9:46 pm

  When I first heard about this car I said, "Aura Who", until I did my du- diligence on this car. I test drove the XE V6 and it was peppy than drove XR V6 and it was awesome. It amazing how 25 horse power makes a differences in performance. I had a 300zx twin turbo and it was very fast but compared with this sports sedan its almost the same experience. Cornering is tight and 6.5 to 6.8 in the 0-60. With the big 18" wheels this makes the car look aggressive and handsome at the same time.

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  Excellent choice - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By craig - December 31 - 2:53 pm

  Treated excellent at the dealer. A great car with no rattles or problems. I cannot believe how it handles in the turns, and it has decent power.

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  Techno gray XR - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Sj - December 30 - 5:36 pm

  This is a great looking car and so many people dont recognize it so they ask. The car is extremely quiet and rides like a luxury car. It is heavier than the competition but that weight makes it feel substantial on the road. Considering its features a comparable Altima or Camry would be over $30k and neither is as rare or as good looking as this car. The controls are all logically placed and the stereo is top notch for this class. If you dont want to be a follower and want a fast family sedan that stands out this is a good choice.