2007 Saturn Aura Review

PROS
Fantastic blend of ride comfort and sporty handling, Smooth and powerful engine

CONS Cramped rear seat, Awkward entry/exit 

Fighting the good fight
General Motors launched the Saturn brand in 1991 as a low-price import fighter. For more than a decade, Saturn sold only subcompact sedans, coupes, and wagons derived from a unique platform with a Saturn-exclusive engine. Dealerships employed a customer-friendly no-haggle, one-price policy and offered an ownership "experience."

Initially, Saturn was a huge success for General Motors. Sales were strong and coming from the import competitors. Owner's were quickly developing an affinity for the brand, the no-haggle pricing, and the relaxed buying atmosphere.

With the recent reorganization at General Motors, Saturn's moved from the role of niche player to full-line manufacturer. Over the past four years, Saturn's seen more new products than it had in the prior ten. First came the Vue compact sport-utility vehicle, then the Relay minivan, then the Sky roadster, and finally, for 2007 the Aura--a midsize sedan designed to go head-to-head with the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry

Though the midsize L-Series went out of production in 2005, Aura effectively replaced it in Saturn's lineup,. The Aura shares chassis with the Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6. It comes in two trim levels, XE and XR. Both are front-drive and have V6 power. The XE comes with a 224-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 and 4-speed automatic transmission. The XR has a 252-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 and 6-speed automatic.

Antilock brakes, traction control, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags are standard on both models. Stability control is only available on the XR. Other standard equipment includes split-folding rear seats, OnStar assistance with one year subscription, and MP3-capable audio system with auxiliary jack. Major options include leather upholstery, power-adjusting pedals, and sunroof. Also available is a panoramic sunroof that's shared with the Pontiac G6.

Another surprisingly good feature of the Aura is the new 6-speed automatic transmission. It's the first time General Motors has put a 6-speed automatic into a front-drive car, but you'd never know it. The transmission upshifts smoothly and downshifts promptly. Saturn also offers manual shifting though steering-wheel-mounted paddles for those so inclined.

Putting more than 250 horsepower to the pavement through the front wheels can lead to torque steer--a pull on the steering wheel to the left or right under hard acceleration. It's a common trait of many V6-powered midsize sedans and one the Aura shares. However, the standard traction control does its best to limit the "tugging" to a second or so.

Aura's fuel economy is a mixed bag. The Aura XR is EPA rated at 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. In reality, the Aura's 3600-pound curb weight limits around-town economy to about 18-19 mpg. On the highway, the tall gearing of the 6-speed automatic helps the Aura average close to 30 mpg. Another bonus is the ability of the 3.6 V6 to run on less-expensive regular-grade fuel.

Still, the Aura's suspension offers more body-motion control than your typical midsize sedan without imparting undue harshness to occupants. If you're familiar with the ride of the Honda Accord or Nissan Altima, then you'll be right at home with the Aura.

With the firmer suspension come athletic moves. Aura's right at home carving up freeway on ramps or charging down a twisty mountain road. There's little front-drive push in tight corners and the Aura feels well-balanced and surefooted.

The quick steering has great road feel and offers plenty of feedback. Brakes have above-average stopping power, but are dulled by a mushy pedal that's hard to modulate in heavy braking.

One penalty of the firm suspension is a fair amount of road noise--especially on rough surfaces. It comes across as somewhat surprising because there is so little wind and engine noise. Clearly Saturn engineers focused on making the interior of the Aura as quiet as any car in the class, but perhaps a last-minute tire choice foiled those efforts.

Front doors are standard size, but the B-pillars seem to be moved forward. This makes getting in and out somewhat un-natural and can be awkward at times. Since the B-pillar plays an important part in side-impact crash safety, it's probably a good idea that it's moved in line with the driver and a trade off worth living with.

Rear-seat leg and head room aren't what one might expect in a midsize sedan. Head room is compromised by the housing for the optional standard-size sunroof and grows tight for anyone over six feet tall. Leg room is OK with the front seats about half way back. With the front seats all the way back, leg room shrinks to uncomfortable for anyone other than pre-teens.

Conventional dashboard design features large, easy-to-read gauges and sensibly sized and logically placed controls for climate system and radio. Steering-wheel-mounted buttons for the radio and cruise control are nice. Fit and finish are excellent, and materials perhaps a touch nicer than most other vehicles in this class.

Trunk space is average for a midsize car and features a lid with expensive-looking non-intrusive hinges. Standard split-folding rear seats add to cargo versatility. Interior storage, highlighted by small door map pockets, is perhaps a little less when compared to competitors.

Bottom Line Aura is a pleasant surprise from Saturn. It easily matches sporty midsize competitors like Nissan Altima and Honda Accord for road manners, refinement, and--with the powerful 3.6-liter V6--acceleration. However, rear-seat comfort disappoints and the me-too styling doesn't distinguish.

Still, Aura proves is that General Motors can build a world-class midsize sedan that doesn't feel like a typical American car. It has athletic road manners, sporty ride, great engine, and top-notch interior. In addition, Saturn dealerships offer consumers a customer-pleasing, no-haggle price strategy. Given the division's renewed positioning as General Motor's import fighter, the well-designed Aura should steer plenty of buyers Saturn's way.