2007 Motor Trend Car of the Year: Testing and Finalists
Saturn gets a clue; sheds its ho-hum image
By Allyson Harwood
Upon hearing that this is the best-looking sedan Saturn has ever built, the typical skeptic would respond: "Oh, sure. It's attractive for a boring car." But starting with the Sky and moving forward with the Aura, Saturn is making even the most cynical turn around for a second look.Replacing the unmemorable L-Series, the all-new sculpted Aura comes to dealerships with a choice of two V-6 engines: a 224-horsepower, overhead-valve 3.5-liter backed by a four-speed automatic, or a dual overhead cam, 252-horsepower 3.6-liter with a six-speed automatic.
At the track, the 3.6-liter XR's 6.3-second 0-to-60 time was 1.1-second quicker than the L-Series and went through the quarter mile at 93.4 mph versus the L's 88.9. The Aura also feels better at speed and is better composed in every driving situation. While this does show notable improvement over the last-generation sedan, it's still slower than the Camry by 0.3 second to 60 and by 4.1 mph in the quarter mile.
There are still minor problems with the Aura. On the road course, it was noted that the speed governor kicks in at 115 mph, when its competitors' limiters don't make themselves known until 120. While the 3.6-liter provides good acceleration, it's rough at idle and cammy, nearly sounding like a four-cylinder. Judges noted that the chassis feels solid and substantial and that the Aura provides a soft, quiet ride on choppy roads. However, steering is slow in corners, an issue that requires corrections mid-turn.
Interior design is clean and updated, but still uses many of the materials GM is known for: cheap, hard plastics, dark-hued seats, and the occasional evidence of aiming for a price. But there are attractive styling cues through the cabin, including metal-toned accents, and the overall quality is greatly improved.
| 2007 Saturn Aura |
| Base price range | $20,595-$24,595 |
| Price as tested | $26,919 (XR) |
| Vehicle layout | Front engine, FWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan |
| Engine | 3.6L/252-hp*/251-lb-ft* DOHC 24-valve V-6 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Curb weight (f/r dist) | 3675 lb (61/39%) |
| Wheelbase | 112.3 in |
| Length x width x height | 190.0 x 70.3 x 57.6 in |
| 0-60 mph | 6.3 sec |
| Quarter mile | 14.9 sec @ 93.4 mph |
| Braking, 60-0 mph | 125 ft |
| 600-foot slalom | 64.8 mph, avg |
| Lateral acceleration | 0.80 g, avg |
| MT figure eight | 27.5 sec @ 0.63 g, avg |
| EPA city/hwy fuel econ | 20/28 mpg |
| Sum Up | Saturn's best-looking sedan--ever. |
| Bet you didn't know | Designed in Germany, assembled in Kansas, the Aura shares 60 percent of its parts with the Malibu Maxx and Pontiac G6. |
| *SAE Certified |
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