Saturn Aura
Overall Score - 8.1 (Very Good)
The Aura delivers excellent safety features a roomy interior, but it can't match the interior material quality of others in its class. If you're in the market for an affordable midsize car, you should also consider Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
Critics say that the 2007 Saturn Aura is a well-rounded car with only a few shortcomings. "It's not an official category, but the Aura would get 10 points out of 10 for being a perfect 'almost,' " says Car and Driver. Reviewers list handling, safety and seat comfort as highlights. "The Aura's confident styling is backed up by eager handling combined with a comfortable and surprisingly quiet highway ride," says Kelley Blue Book. However, although most call the interior of the Aura roomy and comfortable, they dislike the materials and trims. On the other hand, the Aura earns praise for its safety features and crash test results. "Compared with the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Ford Fusion, the Aura is well equipped with safety and comfort features," says New Car Test Drive.
The 2007 Saturn Aura won the prestigious 2007 North American Car of the Year award, and is a Consumer Guide recommended vehicle. The 2007 Aura is Motor Week Driver's Choice for Best Family Sedan and the World of Wheels editors' choice for best family sedan. 2007 is the first model year for the Aura, which shares a platform with the Chevrolet Malibu and the Pontiac G6, but many reviewers say the Aura outshines its corporate cousins. Despite its impressive credentials, "The 2007 Saturn Aura XE has to face off against stiff competition from every quarter, and you can make a compelling case for all of them, from the Ford Fusion to the Hyundai Sonata," says Edmunds. The majority of critics think that the Aura represents a good value and buyers in the market for a midsize car should consider it. IntelliChoice gives the 2007 Aura Hybrid a "better than average" value rating based on a projected five-year total cost of ownership compared to others in its class. XE and XR models receive an "average" rating.
Aura Performance - 8.2 (Very Good)
Reviewers are generally pleased with the Aura's power and mostly complimentary concerning the vehicle's handling. "It has a taut feel with good steering quality and an overall feeling that the brakes, suspension and powertrain are in agreement with each other," says New Car Test Drive. continue
Aura Exterior - 8.0 (Very Good)
Overall, reviewers like the exterior of the 2007 Saturn Aura. Car and Driver says the sedan's "clean, monochrome body with clipped overhangs and a muscular tire-to-body ratio has a believable Made in Europe stamp." continue
Aura Interior - 7.4 (Good)
The majority of reviewers say the interior of the five-seat Aura is comfortable, but they feel that Saturn should have invested in higher quality materials. New Car Test Drive calls the interior "tasteful, if somewhat bland." continue
Aura Safety - 9.1 (Excellent)
In addition to a long list of standard safety features, the 2007 Saturn Aura also scores very well in government crash tests. The Aura received 5 stars out of 5 for driver and passenger safety in front-end collision tests and 5 stars out of 5 for driver and passenger safety in side crashes. The Aura received a rollover rating of 4 stars out of 5. continue
Aura Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Saturn Aura reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Standard with every 2007 Aura is a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. continue
