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2008 Saturn Aura Full Review
Date Published: 5/06/08
Also in the 2008 Saturn Aura Review:
5.
6.
Saturn Aura Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Saturn Aura Review
The 2008 Saturn Aura gets a new 4-cylinder model and added standard safety and convenience features. Aura shares its basic design with the Chevrolet Malibu and the Pontiac G6. XE-6, new-for-2008 XE-4, uplevel XR, and hybrid Green Line models are offered. XE-4 is powered by a 169-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine previously available only on Aura Green Line. XE-6 and XR have V6s of 219 and 252 hp, respectively. The Green Line teams a 4-cylinder gas engine with a battery powered electric motor for 164 hp. New for 2008, GM's StabiliTrack antiskid system is standard on all but XE-4 models. Other standard safety features include ABS, traction control, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. OnStar assistance is also standard. Options include leather upholstery, power-adjustable pedals, and a power sunroof. The three-panel panoramic sunroof is no longer available.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.
Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Kia Rondo. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 5, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima, Saturn Aura, and Toyota Camry.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Honda Accord, and Mazda 5.
Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Kia Rondo. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 5, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima, Saturn Aura, and Toyota Camry.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Honda Accord, and Mazda 5.
News
Aura sedans use GM's current Epsilon architecture, already several years old. A redesigned Epsilon II platform will be used for Aura station wagons slated as 2009 or 2010 models. Sedans will eventually adopt that structure, too. Sources say the wagons will be built in Europe by GM's Opel subsidiary.
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2008 Saturn Aura Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Road noise |
| Handling/roadholding | Brake-pedal feel |
| Ride | Rear head room w/sunroof |
| Instruments/controls | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
We've not yet tested an XE-4. XE-6 delivers reasonably brisk takeoffs and decent highway passing punch. XR models are livelier in all situations; our test example reached 60 mph from a stop in an impressive 6.5 seconds. Aura's automatic transmissions are commendably smooth and responsive.
Hybrid Green Line is significantly slower than Aura 6-cylinders, but it copes reasonably well with traffic. The hybrid system is almost imperceptible in operation.
| XE-6 | XR | Green Line | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 4 | 5.6 |
We've not yet tested an XE-4. XE-6 delivers reasonably brisk takeoffs and decent highway passing punch. XR models are livelier in all situations; our test example reached 60 mph from a stop in an impressive 6.5 seconds. Aura's automatic transmissions are commendably smooth and responsive.
Hybrid Green Line is significantly slower than Aura 6-cylinders, but it copes reasonably well with traffic. The hybrid system is almost imperceptible in operation.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, Aura XRs averaged 20.4-21.8 mpg in routine driving, 26.3 with more highway use. No opportunity yet to measure with the XE-4. Test Green Lines averaged 22.1-26.9 mpg. All engines use regular-grade gas.
| XE-6 | XR | Green Line | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 5.6 |
In Consumer Guide testing, Aura XRs averaged 20.4-21.8 mpg in routine driving, 26.3 with more highway use. No opportunity yet to measure with the XE-4. Test Green Lines averaged 22.1-26.9 mpg. All engines use regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
Little difference in suspension tuning between XEs, XR, and Green Line. All have a firm but agreeable ride. Body control is generally good, though our testers noted some jiggle and body drumming on rippled surfaces. Green Line rides on the smallest wheels and has the most comfortable ride of the three.
| XE-6 | XR | Green Line | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 |
Little difference in suspension tuning between XEs, XR, and Green Line. All have a firm but agreeable ride. Body control is generally good, though our testers noted some jiggle and body drumming on rippled surfaces. Green Line rides on the smallest wheels and has the most comfortable ride of the three.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Near sports sedan agility. XE and XR always feel balanced and well-planted with modest cornering lean and good grip. Green Line, with smaller tires, has slightly less grip than XE and XR. Steering has a quick response, but not all testers are pleased with its weighting and road feel. Strong, stable braking is marred by oddly dull and heavy pedal action.
| XE-6 | XR | Green Line | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 |
Near sports sedan agility. XE and XR always feel balanced and well-planted with modest cornering lean and good grip. Green Line, with smaller tires, has slightly less grip than XE and XR. Steering has a quick response, but not all testers are pleased with its weighting and road feel. Strong, stable braking is marred by oddly dull and heavy pedal action.
Quietness
Aura's main demerit here is marked coarse-surface tire thrum. Also, moderate wind rush at highway speeds. V6 engines sound pleasant enough, though neither is as smooth as the class leaders. Green Line's four-cylinder has to work hard to keep up with traffic, and it's generally more intrusive.
| XE-6 | XR | Green Line | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
Aura's main demerit here is marked coarse-surface tire thrum. Also, moderate wind rush at highway speeds. V6 engines sound pleasant enough, though neither is as smooth as the class leaders. Green Line's four-cylinder has to work hard to keep up with traffic, and it's generally more intrusive.
Controls
Gauges are large and legible. Controls are mostly handy and intuitive, though some testers find the steering-wheel controls a bit small for easy use.
| XE-6 | XR | Green Line | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Gauges are large and legible. Controls are mostly handy and intuitive, though some testers find the steering-wheel controls a bit small for easy use.
Details
Aura's cabin pleases with soft-touch surfaces and quality materials, but test cars suffered some disappointing panel gaps and unsightly seams.
| XE-6 | XR | Green Line | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Aura's cabin pleases with soft-touch surfaces and quality materials, but test cars suffered some disappointing panel gaps and unsightly seams.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Good six-footer headroom. Long seat tracks cater to even the lankiest riders. Optional power-adjustable pedals are a plus for shorter drivers. The available sunroof cuts into headroom a bit. Aura's seats are firm and well-padded, but some testers want more support in aggressive cornering. Visibility is just OK dead astern and to the right-rear, no problem otherwise.
| XE-6 | XR | Green Line | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Good six-footer headroom. Long seat tracks cater to even the lankiest riders. Optional power-adjustable pedals are a plus for shorter drivers. The available sunroof cuts into headroom a bit. Aura's seats are firm and well-padded, but some testers want more support in aggressive cornering. Visibility is just OK dead astern and to the right-rear, no problem otherwise.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Legroom is ample even with the front seats well back, and three grown-ups should not complain on shorter trips. Headroom is good for medium-height adults--but only without the sunroof. Six-footers must duck to clear the sloping roofline when entering or exiting, though wide door openings ease things somewhat.
| XE-6 | XR | Green Line | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Legroom is ample even with the front seats well back, and three grown-ups should not complain on shorter trips. Headroom is good for medium-height adults--but only without the sunroof. Six-footers must duck to clear the sloping roofline when entering or exiting, though wide door openings ease things somewhat.
Cargo Room
Aura's trunk is class-average for volume and aperture size, but it's usefully shaped. Green Line's battery takes up some space in the trunk. The standard split folding rear seat is a boon for versatility. Aura's Cabin lacks small-item storage.
| XE-6 | XR | Green Line | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 4.1 |
Aura's trunk is class-average for volume and aperture size, but it's usefully shaped. Green Line's battery takes up some space in the trunk. The standard split folding rear seat is a boon for versatility. Aura's Cabin lacks small-item storage.
Value within Class
This Recommended midsize sedan 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 is a budget-friendly alternative to the higher-priced Toyota Camry Hybrid. A final plus: Saturn's strong reputation for customer satisfaction.
| XE-6 | XR | Green Line | Class Average |
| 7 | 8 | 8 | 6.2 |
This Recommended midsize sedan 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 is a budget-friendly alternative to the higher-priced Toyota Camry Hybrid. A final plus: Saturn's strong reputation for customer satisfaction.
Total Score
| XE-6 | XR | Green Line | Class Average |
| 65 | 67 | 64 | 63.3 |
Scores for all Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 48 | |
| Average Score | 63 | |
| High Score | 74 |
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2008 Saturn Aura Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/04/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| XE-4 4-door sedan | $20,045 | $18,842 | $650 |
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| XE-6 4-door sedan | $21,625 | $20,219 | $650 |
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| XR 4-door sedan | $25,675 | $24,006 | $650 |
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| Green Line 4-door sedan | $23,640 | $22,222 | $650 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
| Model | Rebate & Incentives | Type | Expires |
|
|
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| Aura | $1000-$1500 cash back or 4.9%-7.9% financing. | Customer | 06/02/08 |
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
XE
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine (XE-4), 3.5-liter V6 engine (XE-6), 4-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist (XE-6), antiskid system (XE-6), tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, OnStar assistance system w/one year service, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, driver-seat power height adjustment, center console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, satellite radio, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats (XE-6).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 225/50R17 tires, wheel covers.
XR adds to XE:
Powertrain
3.6-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Safety
Brake assist, antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat, heated power mirrors w/driver-side automatic day/night, remote engine start, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, steering wheel and rear radio controls, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage door opener.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, 225/50R18 tires, alloy wheels.
Green Line adds to XE:
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine, electric drive motor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: floormats.
215/60R16 tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Preferred Pkg.
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XE, Green Line
|
$440
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$405
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8-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel (XE), steering wheel radio controls.
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Convenience Pkg.
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XE
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$840
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$773
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Heated front seats, heated power mirrors, remote engine start, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage door opener. Requires Preferred Pkg.
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Enhanced Convenience Pkg.
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XE, XR
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$425
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$391
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6-way power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals. XE requires Preferred Pkg.
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Premium Trim Pkg.
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XE
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$990
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$911
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XE w/Convenience Pkg., XR
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$800
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$736
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Leather upholstery, heated front seats (XE). XE requires Preferred Pkg.
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Advanced Audio Pkg.
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XE
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$725
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$667
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, upgraded sound system, rear radio controls. Requires Preferred Pkg., Convenience Pkg. Std. XR.
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Carbon Flash Special Edition
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XE-6
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$2,525
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$2,323
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Preferred Pkg., Premium Trim Pkg. plus power sunroof, chrome alloy wheels.
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All-Season Pkg.
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Green Line, XE, XR
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$290
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$267
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Rubber floormats, mud guards.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Power sunroof
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Green Line, XE, XR
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$800
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$736
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XE, Green Line require Preferred Pkg.
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Upgraded leather upholstery
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XR
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$150
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$138
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Requires Premium Trim Pkg.
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Woodgrain interior trim
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XR
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$0
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$0
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Premium floormats
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XE-6, XR
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$100
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$92
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Includes trunk mat. XE requires Preferred Pkg.
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Floormats
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XE-4, Green Line
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$80
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$74
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Engine-block heater
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Green Line, XE, XR
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$75
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$69
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Special paint
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Green Line, XE, XR
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$95
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$87
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Premium paint
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Green Line, XE, XR
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$295
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$271
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Chrome wheel covers
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XE
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$200
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$184
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Requires Preferred Pkg.
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Alloy wheels
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XE
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$400
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$368
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Requires Preferred Pkg.
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Saturn Aura Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Saturn Aura 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 112.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 190.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.3 |
| Overall Height, in. | 57.6 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3529 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 15.7 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.3 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.2 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.4 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.6 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | ohv V6 | dohc V6 | dohc I4/electric | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.4 /145 | 3.5 /214 | 3.6 /217 | 2.4 /146 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 169 @ 6400 | 219 @ 5900 | 252 @ 6300 | 164 @ 6400 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 159 @ 5000 | 219 @ 3200 | 251 @ 3200 | 159 @ 5000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 4-speed automatic | 22/30 | 20/29 | --/-- | 28/35 |
| 6-speed automatic | --/-- | --/-- | 20/28 | --/-- |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Saturn Aura 4-door sedan |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | --/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Saturn Aura Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Saturn Aura Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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Vehicle History Report
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