2007 Saturn Aura Review

The 2007 Saturn Aura is offered in two standard-engine trim levels (XE and XR, as well as a hybrid version known as the Green Line.

The XE comes with a 3.6 liter cast-iron V6 engine that gives 224 horsepower, while the higher level XR comes with a lighter aluminum 3.5 liter engine offering 252 hp, and the Green Line's engine is a 2.4 liter four-cylinder Ecotec that comes hand-in-hand with the requisite electric motor and battery pack. Both the XE and the Green Line have four-speed automatic transmissions. The XR debuts with Saturn's new six-speed automatic transmission which features a clutchless manual shifting mode. Estimate fuel economy on the XE is 20 mpg city and 30 highway; the XR 20/28; and the Green Line 28/35. (Fuel capacity is 16.4 gallons.)

The five-passenger Auras have a passenger volume of 97.7 cubic feet and a cargo volume of 14.9. Headroom in the front is 39.4, rear 37.4. Leg room is 42.2 and 37.6 respectively.

Standard safety features include automatic halogen headlamps, child safety locks, daytime running lamps, dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags with passenger sensing system, side-impact bags mounted in the front seats, and a steering column and instrument panel designed to absorb excess energy. Also standard are an emergency trunk release, and engine immobilizer, though it should be noted that there is no internal handle on the trunk door. The OnStar navigational system is standard on all models.

The standard audio package for all versions of the 2007 Saturn Aura is a six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 combo. XM Satellite Radio is an option.