2007 Saturn Aura Review

Saturn should really score well with its new mid-size Saturn Aura sedan, which isn’t like any Saturn you’ve ever driven. The 2007 Aura is the first mid-size Saturn auto since the 2000-2004 L-Series sedan, which is best forgotten. The new Saturn is among a new array of Saturns, which include its sharp new Sky sports car, and is one of the top 2007 General Motors cars.

The Aura’s goodness comes as a surprise, considering that Saturn has offered mostly ho-hum autos since it began selling cars in 1990 to compete with top Japanese small economy cars.

Saturns were never refined enough to match Toyota or Honda models, but Saturn has provided strong customer satisfaction that has kept most people happy. Hopefully, the customer satisfaction will remain, although the Aura doesn’t have the plastic body panels of old Saturns and the car is made in GM’s highly rated Fairfax plant in Kansas City, Kan. — not in Saturn’s old home of Spring Hill, Tenn.

Remarkably, the new Aura in top-line $23,945 XR form drives much like a solid foreign sports sedan. It has such items as a potent 252-horsepower dual-overhead-camshaft V-6, supple ride and polished handling with a sport suspension.

The base $19,945 XE Aura isn’t as good because it has an old-style 224-horsepower pushrod V-6, fewer features and smaller 17-inch (vs. 18-inch) tires. However, the XE is no slouch and is loaded with equipment.

Both engines have virtually the same estimated fuel economy: 20 mpg in the city and 29 on highways with the 224-horsepower V-6 and 20 and 28 with the stronger V-6. Only regular-grade fuel is needed.

A gas/electric hybrid Aura with a four-cylinder engine will be offered later in the 2007 model year.

The front-drive XE and XR both are solidly built. They have plenty of comfort, convenience and safety equipment, including air conditioning, cruise control, good sound systems and the usual power accessories — along with OnStar assistance, front side air bags and side curtain air bags.

But the smoother, more responsive and faster XR V-6 is outstanding in most respects and the XE is just a very nice car.

The XE has a four-speed automatic transmission, whereas the XR features a responsive six-speed automatic (although its steering wheel paddles for manual shifting are superfluous). An anti-skid system is standard for the XR, but unavailable for the XE. However, both models have anti-lock brakes and traction control.

The XR also has automatic climate control, eight-way power driver seat and standard heated cloth front seats. The remote engine start and heated seats are in a $700 option package for the XE.

A $425 package contains power-adjustable pedals and a power front passenger seat. A power sunroof costs $800 and a power panoramic sunroof is $1,500. Satellite radio also is available.

The Aura shares some 60 percent of its parts with the Pontiac G6 and Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. But its styling, stylish cockpit and driving dynamics separate it from those models. For one thing, the Aura’s firm, accurate hydraulic-boosted rack-and-pinion power steering feels better and is more precise than the electric power steering assist in the base Malibu.

Handling of the XE is good, but the XR is more responsive. Some might prefer the XE’s slightly softer ride. But the XR’s tauter suspension isn’t uncomfortable, even on poorly paved roads — although a few sharp bumps in severe road construction areas jolted me. The anti-lock all-disc brakes felt good, with a progressive pedal action for smooth stops.

The interior is quiet and roomy. Front seats are fairly supportive, although the rear seat has a high, hard center area. Large, legible gauges can be quickly read, and controls are easy to reach and use. The ignition switch is on the dashboard, not out of sight on the steering column. But wide windshield posts can partially block visibility when turning corners.

The large trunk has a wide opening, with a lid that opens smoothly on struts. However, it was difficult to flip the seatbacks forward on my test car’s split-folding rear seat to get more cargo space.

Saturn is positioning the Aura — especially the XR — as a European-influenced import fighter for “import intenders” with a “progressive mindset.”

Those with an anti-Detroit prejudice should get over it and give the Aura a try. 

PRICE: $19,945-$23,945 

LIKES: Crisp styling. Roomy. Economical. Fast with high-line V-6. Supple ride. Sports sedan feel.

DISLIKES: Base model has average V-6. Thick windshield posts. Awkward power mirror adjuster.