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The 2007 Saturn Aura was first released in August 2006 and the buzz spread quickly, In short, it greatly helped the downtrodden manufacturer rekindle itself.

In December, 2006 the Aura sold 5,800 units in the United States, and it received considerable honors, including North America Car of the Year honors. The award is give by 49 prominent national auto reviewers.

Here's what three prominent reviewers said about the 2007 Aura:

* Lindsay Brooke, Automotive Engineering International: "A stiff body structure, suspension nicely balanced between ride compliance and handling, responsive DOHC V6 and smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic make the AURA more fun to drive than Toyota's Camry."

 * John Davis, Motor Week: "A striking and entertaining family sedan alternative to Camry and Accord. Excellent interior that is original, yet mainstream."

 * Matt DeLorenzo, Road and Track: "The Saturn AURA is a breakthrough car for General Motors. The exterior styling, interior upgrades and drive train, especially the 3.6L V6 with the 6-speed automatic, come together as a complete package. The road manners are solid, the interior is beautiful, and the overall fit and finish is top-notch. Add in a competitive price structure that keeps the sticker below $30,000 and you have a world-class family sedan."

The Aura, which shares its wheelbase and front-wheel platform with the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx hatchback and Pontiac G6 sedan, is available in XE and XR models. Both are four-door-only sedans with the latter model the premium offering.

I drove the XR model, which has a slightly larger and more powerful, 3.6-liter, 252-horsepower engine, 18-inch wheels and a six-speed automatic transmission, The XE features a 3.5-liter, 224-horsepower engine, with a four-speed automatic and 17-inch wheels.

Saturn doesn't skimp on standard features. The XE's list is long, but the additions to the XR include: manual-shift capability (small steering wheel shifting paddles), an anti-skid system, automatic climate control, heated front seats, eight-way power driver seat, heated power mirrors, remote engine start, in-dash six-disc CD/MP3 player, steering wheel front and rear radio controls, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, fog lights and alloy wheels.

The new Saturn has an aura, no doubt. It's a midsize family sedan that wouldn't lose much status if it were positioned in the premium midsize class. In fact, it may be the best Saturn ever offered.

2007 Saturn Aura (Statistics):

Safety features – Dual front side and side curtain airbags

Fuel Mileage (estimates) – 18 mpg (city), 27 mpg (highway).

Warranty – Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain, 5 years/60,000 miles, Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles; (24-hour) roadside assistance program, 3 years/36,000 miles.

Base price – $23,945.00