Upon introduction, the XE FWD is equipped with a standard 3.6-liter, V6, 281-horsepower engine that achieves 17-mpg in the city and 24-mpg on the highway. The XR AWD is equipped with a standard 3.6-liter, V6, 288-horsepower engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 23-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.

The Saturn OUTLOOK’s 3.6L engine includes variable valve timing, delivering a robust 275 hp on the XR and 270 hp on the XE. The 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission provides smooth shifts and contributes to fuel economy. There is also Performance Algorithm Shifting that downshifts during high lateral acceleration maneuvers for maximum vehicle performance. To help reduce brake use Auto-grade braking automatically shifts into a lower gear while braking on a downgrade.

The Outlook’s cabin is both functional and pleasing to the eye. The faux wood in XR models is convincing enough, and the overall quality of interior materials is impressive. However, many of the buttons on the dashboard are a bit too small and similar-looking, making them hard to find and operate.

The first- and second-row seats are comfortable and can easily fit children or adults. The third row might not feel as roomy as a minivan, but it still offers more space than the average crossover SUV. Access to rear seating is easy thanks to the second row’s “Smart Slide” feature, which flips the cushions up as the seatback slides forward, creating a wide path of entry. Cargo capacity is 24 cubic feet with all seats up, and a class-leading 117 cubic feet with all rear seats down.

StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with traction control is standard on all three-door Astras, and available on five-door models. This system works in concert with the standard four-wheel, antilock disc brakes to help the driver maintain control during adverse road conditions or during sudden emergency driving situations.

The Saturn Astra five-door hatchback has two trims: the XE and the XR, and the three-door hatchback comes in the XR trim only. All Astras are powered by a 140-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with either a standard five-speed manual or with an optional four-speed automatic transmission. The XE trim comes standard with: four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, projector beam headlamps, 16-inch steel wheels, six airbags, cruise control, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel and power mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry. The four-door XR trim adds: speed-sensing steering, fog lights, alloy wheels, air conditioning and an upgraded audio system. The two-door XR trim further adds: electronic traction and stability control and 17-inch alloy wheels with performance tires.

The VUE Compact SUV offers style and substance with tight driving dynamics, 137 safety features, and interior and exterior refinements throughout. The VUE line of SUVs features 6 trim levels, including the Red Line Compact Crossover, which comes standard with a 3.6L V6 engine and 18-inch alloy wheels, and a hybrid model, the 2009 Hybrid Compact SUV.

The VUE continues to be one of Saturn’s best-selling models. However, it places in the bottom half of its class for fuel economy. Rumors of bankruptcy surrounding General Motors, Saturn’s parent company, may also scare some buyers away. In fact, GM recently announced that it will sell or close the Saturn brand. While this means that VUEs will start to depreciate faster than they have been, it also means that major discounts on Saturn models are likely, particularly if GM can’t find a buyer for the band and simply shuts Saturn down. If that happens, Saturn warranties should be honored at other GM dealerships. If you can deal with the depreciation, a shaky market for GM means great deals for buyers who like the VUE. For a more fuel-efficient option with even more power, consider the Toyota RAV4.

The VUE comes in several trims — the base XE, XE-V6, XR, and the performance-oriented Red Line. It also comes in two hybrid versions, the Saturn Vue Hybrid and 2 Mode, which are reviewed separately.

The 2009 Saturn VUE boasts good handling and acceleration when equipped with one of two optional V6 engines, although it lacks power with the base four-cylinder. Car and Driver says, “Although few Vue drivers will likely ever flog their trucklets quite like a journalist in a hurry, it is worth noting the Vue’s admirable behavior under the heavy foot of a speed tyrant.” Continue with our full VUE Performance Review to learn why a few test drivers have complaints about the six-speed automatic transmission.

There is also a hybrid model known as the Vue Green Line. It is principally powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 172 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque. A small electric motor provides a smidgen of power assist during acceleration, though its primary role is to restart the engine after it automatically shuts off at a stop. Electricity is recouped by capturing energy normally lost during braking. A four-speed automatic and front-wheel drive are standard. Fuel economy estimates are 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, which are both 6 mpg better than the regular four-cylinder Vue XE with front-wheel drive. It’s also more fuel-efficient than most competitors, and thanks to federal tax credits, cheaper too.

According to Forbes: “The problem with this handsome vehicle is that it’s what we might call ’sculpture:’ all show and no go. In the segment, Mazda’s Miata sets a high standard for performance. While the Sky is just as handsome as the Miata, it is not a lot of fun to operate.”

The 2008 Saturn SKY is available as a base trim and also in the higher-end Red Line trim that’s acknowledged for its finesse. Critics find that the SKY’s two-passenger interior cabin has comfortable seats, but is plagued by bad ergonomics and virtually no cargo room. According to Motor Trend, “It still has the same ergonomic flaws (two of the three cupholders are a pain to use; you have to reach far back on the doors to engage the window switches, and there’s a dearth of interior storage spaces), but the cabin has been dressed up a bit.” The SKY’s interior cabin ranks in the middle of its class. Continue with our full SKY Interior Review to read what reviewers think of its optional Monsoon audio system, or go to the 2008 SKY Photo Gallery to see pictures of its interior appointments.  continue

Upon introduction, the Roadster is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4, 173-horsepower engine that achieves 19-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway. The Red Line Carbon Flash Special Edition is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 260-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 19-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims, and a 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional.

Saturn’s introduced its aura in 2007. As is the case with most General Motors products, the 2007 Saturn Aura’s mechanical underpinnings are similar to those used in other models. In the Aura’s case, it uses a stretched version of the “Epsilon” platform that’s also employed for the Pontiac G6 and Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The Aura is front-wheel drive and features a MacPherson strut front suspension and a four-link independent rear suspension design.

For the outside, Saturn chose to give the Aura a European look. The car’s chiseled physique draws inspiration from some Opel products (a European-only GM division), while the cabin has an upscale ambiance never before seen in a Saturn. Further differentiating the Aura from its other GM relatives is the Aura Green Line, GM’s first hybrid passenger car ever.

Saturn sees the Aura as a sport sedan, so even base models get 17-inch wheels as standard, while the sportier XR model wears 18s. Two of the three powertrains offered in the Aura merit special mention. The spirited 3.6-liter V6 in the XR is the same mill used in the Cadillac CTS and comes with a six-speed automatic transmission that’s not available in the Caddy. The Green line hybrid version makes the Aura one of the few cars in this segment available with that gas-sipping technology, though in real-world testing we’ve found its increases in fuel economy to be middling.

Overall, the 2007 Saturn Aura looks to be one of the more interesting midsize sedans available for 2007. With strengths including a balanced approach to ride and handling, upscale styling, a classy cabin and generous safety features, this is a Saturn that’s finally competitive against the leaders in the midsize family sedan segment.