2007-2008 Saturn Aura: Road Test

An XE-6 delivers reasonably brisk takeoffs and decent highway passing punch. XR models are livelier in all situations. A test XR accelerated to 60 mph in a swift 6.5 seconds. Both automatic transmissions are quite smooth and responsive. The XR's manual-shift buttons can be useful, but a console lever with shift gate would add to that convenience. An Aura Green Line is significantly slower than any V6, but copes reasonably well with traffic. Operation of the hybrid system is almost imperceptible. Fuel economy is passable. Test XRs have averaged 20.4 to 21.8 mpg in city/highway driving, 26.3 mpg in mostly highway driving, and 17.3 mpg in tests that included gas-eating performance runs. A Green Line model averaged 22.1 to 26.9 mpg. All engines use regular-grade gasoline. Little difference in suspension tuning is noticeable between the XE, XR, and Green Line. All models provide a firm but agreeable ride. Body control is generally good, though some jiggle and body drumming may be noticed on rippled surfaces. Virtually no comfort deficit is evident between the XE with its 17-inch tires and the XR with 18s. Riding on the smallest wheels, the Green Line sedan has the most comfortable ride of the trio. Delivering near sports-sedan agility, an Aura XE and XR always feels balanced and well-planted. Expect modest cornering lean and good grip, regardless of tires. Steering produces quick response, but not all testers have been pleased with its weighting and road feel. The XR's standard antiskid system is a plus; XEs should have offered it, too. Strong, stable braking is marred by oddly dull, heavy pedal action. Auras aren't totally quiet. Their main demerit is marked coarse-surface tire thrum. Also, moderate wind rush occurs at highway speeds. Both V6 engines sound pleasant enough, and don't intrude except near maximum rpm. Still, neither is as smooth as class leaders. The Green Line's four-cylinder has to work hard to keep up with traffic, and is generally more intrusive. Gauges are large and legible. Controls are mostly handy and intuitive, though some testers have found steering-wheel controls a bit small for easy use. Aura cabins please with soft-touch surfaces and quality materials, but test models have shown a few disappointing panel gaps and unsightly seams, along with rough edges and some downscale plastics. Front seats offer good six-footer headroom, though the available sunroof cuts a bit into space. Long seat tracks cater to the lankiest riders. Optional power-adjustable pedals would be a plus for shorter drivers. The standard manual tilt/telescoping steering wheel should help any driver. Seats are firm and well padded, though some testers would prefer more support in aggressive cornering. Visibility is just adequate dead astern and to the right rear, but no problem otherwise. Legroom is ample in the back, even with front seats well back. Three grown-ups should not complain on shorter trips. Headroom is good for medium-height adults--but only without the available sunroof; clearance is slim beneath the housing for a regular sunroof, and very tight with the multi-panel version. Six-footers must duck to clear the sloping roofline during entry or exit, somewhat negating the wide door openings. Aura trunks rank class-average for volume and aperture size, but have a usefully cubic shape and non-intrusive trunklid hinges. The Green Line's battery takes up some trunk space. The standard split-folding rear seat enhances versatility, but seatback releases are not lockable. Cabin storage is unexceptional.

Value for the Money
This impressive midsize sedan is a Recommended pick. Aura shines for its sporty road manners, comfortably controlled ride, and mechanical polish. It's also roomy and comfortable, feels solid, and offers a lot for the money, including essential standard safety features. The available Green Line model is a budget-friendly alternative to the most costly Toyota Camry Hybrid. One final bonus: Saturn's strong reputation for customer satisfaction. Used-Aura prices are likely to be close to average.