2007 Saturn Aura Review
Saturn is one of the youngest domestic brands, and its long held a reputation for cheap, mediocre cars. But the Aura, debuting for this year, is dressed to impress. Taking a cue from European design, the Aura marks a bold new direction at Saturn. The Aura was named the 2007 “North American Car of the Year.”
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
After years of producing mediocre, forgettable cars, Saturn is back. The Saturn Aura represents a serious effort on the part of GM to bolster Saturn’s lineup. Presenting a good value for the money, and one of the best interiors ever seen in a Saturn, it’s no wonder it won car of the year.
What’s New For 2007:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
The Aura is too young for accurate reliability information to be available. Saturn has been very hit and miss in their reliability. However, driver impressions have been positive so far, despite some concerns about cheap door panels. There have been no recalls or noted defects with the Aura. Expect average to above-average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Aura earned perfect five star government crash test ratings. IIHS data is not yet available. The Aura comes with anti-lock brakes, full side airbags, and traction and stability control.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Full safety features
+ Cheaper than the competition
+ Great interior for a GM
Cons
– Unknown reliability
– Lacking some refinement
– No manual option
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Aura is all-around well priced. It may not have the six-speed automatic and CD changer of the Dodge Avenger R/T, but it it costs $2,500 less and includes traction control. The Ford Fusion puts up a bit more of a fight, including a six-speed and CD changer for only $600 more, but lacks traction control and ABS. The Aura costs $1,700 less than the Mazda MAZDA6, and only lacks its CD changer.
What Others Are Saying:
“The Aura is essentially a rebadged Pontiac G6. But value is the watchword here, the Aura offering a choice of two big V-6s – one pushrod, one overhead cam – and big interior space for less money (and less refinement) than the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.” – Car and Driver
“Although its dashboard isn’t loaded with electronics, the 2007 Saturn Aura is a solid sedan with a decent stereo and has navigation and hands-free calling offered through OnStar.” – C|Net
“My biggest complaint about Saturns has always been their extensive use of cheap plastic. So it was a pleasure to sit inside and see how much of an improvement the Aura is over the older vehicles in Saturn’s lineup. Soft-touch, low-gloss materials and considerably more attention to detail and fit and finish give the impression that the interior designers won a lot of arguments over the bean counters.” – About.com
“Saturn is in the process of reinventing itself with a host of surprising new products that are available now or will be in the near future. The current star of this new renaissance has to be the 2007 Saturn Aura. This midsized, front-wheel drive sedan is designed to compete with the likes of Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima, all powerhouses in this crowded market segment, and from what I could see on my first drive, this good looking sedan has the goods to give those stellar cars something to be concerned about.” – The Family Car
Read more about the 2007 Saturn Aura at the Saturn manufacturer web site.
