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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  XE Owner - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By aura owner - December 28 - 8:30 am

  After extensively researching/testing alternatives in this class, we skeptically decided to stop and test the all new Saturn Aura. We were shocked by the value as well as the sporty driving dynamics. We have approx 1500 miles on the car and are still impressed with the comfort, interior quietness, styling, and overall package. Mileage is mid 20s with mostly mixed driving. After owning Hondas, we feel that GM has finally delivered a competitive product at an approx $2-3K discount. Would highly recommend checking this out before purchasing another vehicle in this class.

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  9 month evaluation - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By andrew dansereau - December 15 - 2:16 am

  OK no car is perfect. I can pick minor things on any car, but having had 60 plus cars, and driving the competition, this Aura xr is a bargain. It is quiet, powerful, well appointed, handles great. The Saturn has so many extras included in the price, how do they do it? Fast, sporty, good looking. My XR is a lot of car for the money !

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  Aura=Very Underpriced - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Underfoot Designs - December 14 - 8:03 pm

  I just bought a 2007 Aura XR, and I absolutely love it. I had a VUE, and loved it, until I got my Aura. Saturn is doing so well, Im convinced their cars are the best value. On top of it all, insurance rates are low with Saturns!

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  Aura deserves serious consideration - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By ray - December 9 - 5:16 pm

  My new Aura has received many compliments and is a pleasure to drive. I love the fact the new aura looks like a more expensive car and it draws a few stares from other car owners.

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  Great car, and the price makes it better - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By farmerboy2 - December 2 - 8:03 am

  Ive had this car for a little over a week, and it definitely lives up to the hype from all of the reviews. Quiet and responsive ride. Very luxurious interior and exterior. I had a 2003 saturn ION 1 sedan that I traded in for the Aura XE, and it was definitely worth it. And for a car of its class it comes fully loaded, V6, power everything, OnStar, great warranty, the list goes on and on.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Chris - November 15 - 2:56 pm

  After narrowing my search down to the Aura XR and the Altima 3.5SE, I was much more impressed with the Aura. Honestly the best vehicle in this price range.

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  Saturn for Life - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By HEB girl - November 14 - 8:50 pm

  I have always owned Camrys and was a die hard Toyota driver. With price being an issue dwhen shopping for a new car, I test drove every make and model out there. I kept going back to the Saturn and test drove it 3 times. hands down quality and price won out and I choose a Saturn. It still smells like new inside and has been a great car and one that I plan on keeping for a while. The sleek looks and gas mileage are a very big added bonus. Pay attention Toyota because you just lost a customer for life!

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  Love It! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By XR Boy - November 10 - 1:20 am

  The car is really really fast for a car of its size. The cars paddle shift capabilities make passing very easy. The cars stability control feature is very useful and helps maintain easy control of the car even under harsh maneuvers. The car has minimal body roll and corners aggressively. Handles better than my Mercedes E-class and Lexus ES 350. The car has an input for an ipod and a very loud sound system. The 18 inch wheels make higher speeds very tolerable. Furthermore I have taken turns much too fast and have found the stability program useful. Buy the XR!

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  Aerodynamic Flaw and Transmission - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By Michigan Exp. - November 3 - 2:46 am

  I agree with another review that this cars transmission hunts, is too quick to downshift and would add that it feels erratic (jerky), especially at low speeds; had it checked by dealer, they say that that’s how it works. Also agree that steering wheel control buttons are too small and hard to use. I would add an item that was not in other reviews. The aerodynamics seem flawed; when travelling at 50 mph or faster, and only the rear window(s) is (are) opened, the closed front windows and closed sunroof vibrate badly and the air pressure in the car is such that it is painful to the ears. Dealers solution, crack the front windows or sunroof; this is not acceptable fix in my opinion.

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  Still Lovin It - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Burbs - November 2 - 2:20 pm

  Have owned my Aura for a year now and I still get excited to drive it. Looks and performs like cars costing twice as much. Great handling and powerful acceleration and people still say "Thats a Saturn?"