Saturn Aura XR

Reviewed by: Jeff Fortson of JeffCars.com
Date: December 2006

Arrival Date:

The all-new Saturn Aura is now on sale.

Target audience:

If you’re looking for a sporty American midsize sedan that truly competes with the likes of the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry or Nissan Altima, this is the car for you. I hope you don’t mind people mistaking your car for an Acura or some other entry level luxury import.

Replaced:

The all-new import-styled Aura replaced the boring Saturn L.

What’s new:

Everything!

Body type:

Too bad it’s only available as a 4-door sedan.

Seating:

The Aura is capable of seating five. However, it will be a stretch to get more than two large adults in the rear of the vehicle.

Popular Standard Features:
-Air condition
-Power Driver seat (standard on test vehicle)
-Power windows
-Power locks
-AM/FM/CD player/MP3 compatible
-6 cylinder engine
-5-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty

Safety Features/Awards:
- NHTSA ( National Highway Traffic Safety Administration):
*has not been rated at the time of review
-ABS Brakes
-Air Bags (driver and front passenger side airbags, front and rear head curtains)
-Daytime Running Lamps
-Tire Pressure Monitor System
-OnStar System (included free for 1-year) Includes Automatic Notification of Air Bag Deployment, Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance, Emergency Services, Roadside Assistance, Remote Door Unlock, OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics, Hands-Free Calling, Accident Assist and Turn-by-turn trip routing
-Stabiltrak-Stability Control (standard on test vehicle)
-Rear Window Defroster (standard on test vehicle)
-Remote Vehicle Start (standard on vehicle)
-Fog lamps (standard on test vehicle)
-Remote Keyless Feature
-Rearview Auto Dimming Mirror w/Directional Compass (standard on test vehicle)
-Power Adjustable Pedals (option on test vehicle)
-Steering Wheel Mounted Audio Controls (included as standard feature on test vehicle)
-18 inch tires/wheels

Warranty:

Basic warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first)

Powertrain warranty: 5 years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first)

Maintenance Included: No

Towing Included: Yes

Engine/Gas Mileage:

3.6L V-6, 252-horsepower, 20 city/30 highway (featured on test car)

3.5L V-6, 224-horsepower, 20 city/28 highway

Fuel efficiency:

Saturn offers two engine choices. The gas mileage on Aura’s all-new 6-cylinder, 6-speed transmission is similar to most of its import competitors.

Looking forward:

The engineers of the Aura should consider adding chrome 18 inch wheels, a rear seat armrest and an in-dash navigational system similar to its competitors. According to the Aura engineers, a rear seat center armrest is coming in 2008.

What’s so special:

Yes, the plastic panels that were once the trademark for the Saturn brand are now gone. It is still hard to believe this is a Saturn. The European import-styling of this vehicle has a strong influence of GM’s Opel brand.

Unlike in the past, consumers wanting a Saturn will no longer have to comprise the styling or the refined contemporary layout of the interior with the all-new Aura. Even the rear seat passenger will no longer have to compromise their musical choices. The rear occupants can take advantage of the wireless headphones that allows them to listen to their favorite radio station regardless if the front seat occupants or listening to a CD or the radio.

Moreover, the Aura is competitively priced with its import competitors and the build quality seems to be on par too. With the longer standard powertrain warranty being offered on all of GM vehicles for 2007 along with Saturn’s 30-day or 1,500 mile exchange policy, there is no reason why a savvy consumer should have any reason not to place the Saturn at the top of their shopping list. The firm, but comfortable ride of the Aura definitely drives like an import. This is the first American midsize sedan that will truly give the imports a run for their money.

How much:

The Saturn XR reviewed by JeffCars.com topped out at $26,820. With such options as Morocco brown leather seats, a power sunroof and a power passenger seat, this added an extra $2,225 to the vehicle. The only major options missing from this test vehicle: XM satellite and the panoramic 4-panel retractable glass roof. The Aura is available in two trim levels: the base XE and the highline XR. The base XE starts at $20,595 and can easily run just a little over $27,000 on the XR with the optional panoramic roof.