Major Options:  Premium Trim Package (Leather Appointed Seats, Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel, Leather Shift Knob), Enhanced Convenience Package (Power, 6-Way Passenger Seat, Power Adjustable Pedals), Power Sunroof, XM Satellite Radio, Premium Floor/Trunk Mats

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  18.91 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Kirk Bell With GM's excellent 3.6-liter V6, leather, power-adjustable pedals, and a host of other features, our Aura XR tester is smartly priced at just under $27K. Given the value proposition, I don't have a problem recommending this car, but with the caveat that shoppers should try the ride before they buy.

Tom Appel I was expecting a home run from Saturn's new midsize sedan, but welcome a standing double. Aura XR works well as a sporty sedan with perhaps the most usable power in its class. The ride is sub par however, with too much crashing over the rough stuff. Inside Aura is fine, but I would have liked to have seen Saturn's biggest-ever car really shine here. Still, at less than $27,000 Aura has the performance, goodies, and value to merit serious consideration in this crowded class.

Major Options:  Preferred Package (Power Seat Adjuster, Power Steering Wheel Radio Controls, Heated Power Folding Outside Mirrors)

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  26.94 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Chuck Giametta A stylish sedan that's also attractive for its pricing and environmental benefits, the Aura Green Line proves General Motors is quite capable of smart, contemporary car design. Our test model's fuel-economy average in the mid-20-mpg range, however, isn't compelling enough on its own to push the Green Line ahead of the faster and less-expensive XE model on the Aura scale of value.

Ed Piotrowski Having spent a morning and evening rush with the Aura Green Line, this car comes off slightly less impressive than during a previous, very brief, preview test drive. This car shudders a bit when transitioning between engine stop and start. The electric motor doesn't provide as much benefit to acceleration as expected either. These complaints are largely overshadowed by this car's price, which with a decent load of equipment, tops out at just a shade over $23,000. Add in a federal tax credit at time of purchase, and Aura Green Line is a pretty compelling value.

Jack Stewart Aura Green Line is reasonably priced. This hybrid's fuel-economy savings will go in the buyer's pocket instead of extra car payments. The car is also roomy and fun to drive.

John Biel This driver has tested hybrids that may have gotten a little better mileage than this one, but some weren't as roomy, comfortable, or nicely equipped as this one. This is a comfortable family car with the bonus of "green consciousness" for those to whom that matters--and at a good price. This is a car deserving of the attentions of shoppers in the intermediate field.

Matt Jaster Saturn's Aura Green Line proves the company is heading in the right direction for fuel economy and performance. The Aura stands out in Saturn's revamped line-up and will most likely continue to do so with future models.

Rick Cotta An impressive level of equipment and interior materials, ample room, decent dynamics, and 30-mpg economy combine to make the $23,000 Aura Green Line a bargain in my book. Some might find it a bit underpowered, but this is one hybrid I don't hesitate to recommend.