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2009 Saturn Aura Full Review
Date Published: 8/22/08
Also in the 2009 Saturn Aura Review:
5.
6.
Saturn Aura Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2009 Saturn Aura Review
The 2009 Saturn Aura lineup shuffles some trim levels and model names and adds some new features. This midsize sedan shares its basic design with the Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6, and Saab 9-3. Aura offers base XE, uplevel XR, and gas/electric Hybrid (formerly Green Line) models. XE and new-for-2009 XR 4-cylinder models have a 169-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. XR V6 models have a 252-hp 3.6-liter V6. All XE and XR Auras have a 6-speed automatic transmission. This transmission replaces a 4-speed automatic on 4-cylinder Auras. The XE V6 model with its 219-hp 3.5-liter engine has been discontinued.
The Aura Hybrid has a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that pairs with an electric motor for 164 hp total. This hybrid can shut off the gas engine at a stop, but it cannot run solely on electric power. It uses a 4-speed automatic transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, front side airbags, and GM's OnStar assistance. Leather upholstery with heated front seats is available, as is a sunroof. Newly available for 2009 is a wireless cell phone link.
The Aura Hybrid has a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that pairs with an electric motor for 164 hp total. This hybrid can shut off the gas engine at a stop, but it cannot run solely on electric power. It uses a 4-speed automatic transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, front side airbags, and GM's OnStar assistance. Leather upholstery with heated front seats is available, as is a sunroof. Newly available for 2009 is a wireless cell phone link.
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 2010 or 2011 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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2009 Saturn Aura Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (V6) | Road noise |
| Handling/roadholding | Brake-pedal feel |
| Instruments/controls | Rear head room w/sunroof |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
XR V6 models are lively in all situations; our test example reached 60 mph from a stop in an impressive 6.5 seconds. We've not tested an Aura 4-cylinder with the 6-speed automatic transmission, but similar Chevy Malibu models have adequate power. The 6-speed transmission, though, tends to get caught in too high a gear, requiring a deep stab of the throttle and a sharp, two-gear downshift to summon more power for passing and merging.
Hybrids are slower than other Auras, but they cope reasonably well with traffic. The hybrid system is almost imperceptible in operation.
| XR V6 | Hybrid | Class Average |
| 7 | 4 | 5.5 |
XR V6 models are lively in all situations; our test example reached 60 mph from a stop in an impressive 6.5 seconds. We've not tested an Aura 4-cylinder with the 6-speed automatic transmission, but similar Chevy Malibu models have adequate power. The 6-speed transmission, though, tends to get caught in too high a gear, requiring a deep stab of the throttle and a sharp, two-gear downshift to summon more power for passing and merging.
Hybrids are slower than other Auras, but they cope reasonably well with traffic. The hybrid system is almost imperceptible in operation.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, V6 Aura XRs averaged 20.4-21.8 mpg in routine driving, and 26.3 with more highway use. A similar Malibu 4-cylinder with the 6-speed automatic averaged a reasonably frugal 26.6 mpg.
Test Hybrids averaged 22.1-26.9 mpg. All engines use regular-grade gas.
| XR V6 | Hybrid | Class Average |
| 5 | 7 | 5.7 |
In Consumer Guide testing, V6 Aura XRs averaged 20.4-21.8 mpg in routine driving, and 26.3 with more highway use. A similar Malibu 4-cylinder with the 6-speed automatic averaged a reasonably frugal 26.6 mpg.
Test Hybrids averaged 22.1-26.9 mpg. All engines use regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
Little difference in suspension tuning between XR and Hybrid. All have a firm but agreeable ride. Body control is generally good, though our testers noted some jiggle and body drumming on rippled surfaces, particularly on the XR V6. Hybrids are more comfortable all around.
| XR V6 | Hybrid | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 6 |
Little difference in suspension tuning between XR and Hybrid. All have a firm but agreeable ride. Body control is generally good, though our testers noted some jiggle and body drumming on rippled surfaces, particularly on the XR V6. Hybrids are more comfortable all around.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Near sport-sedan agility. XR always feels balanced and well-planted with modest cornering lean and good grip. Hybrid has slightly less grip. The 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.
| XR V6 | Hybrid | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 5.9 |
Near sport-sedan agility. XR always feels balanced and well-planted with modest cornering lean and good grip. Hybrid has slightly less grip. The 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. The V6 sounds pleasant enough, though it's not quite as smooth as the class leaders. The Hybrid's four-cylinder has to work hard to keep up with traffic, and is generally more intrusive.
| XR V6 | Hybrid | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 5.9 |
Aura's main demerit here is marked coarse-surface tire thrum. Also, moderate wind rush at highway speeds. The V6 sounds pleasant enough, though it's not quite as smooth as the class leaders. The Hybrid's four-cylinder has to work hard to keep up with traffic, and is 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.
| XR V6 | Hybrid | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.4 |
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.
| XR V6 | Hybrid | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
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. We're disappointed to see that power-adjustable pedals are no longer available. 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.
| XR V6 | Hybrid | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.8 |
Good six-footer headroom. Long seat tracks cater to even the lankiest riders. We're disappointed to see that power-adjustable pedals are no longer available. 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.
| XR V6 | Hybrid | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
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. The Hybrid's battery eats up some trunk space as well. The standard split folding rear seatback is a boon for versatility. Aura's Cabin lacks small-item storage.
| XR V6 | Hybrid | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 4 |
Aura's trunk is class-average for volume and aperture size, but it's usefully shaped. The Hybrid's battery eats up some trunk space as well. The standard split folding rear seatback is a boon for versatility. Aura's Cabin lacks small-item storage.
Value within Class
This 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. Saturn's reputation for customer service is another plus. The Aura Hybrid is a budget-friendly alternative to the higher-priced Toyota Camry Hybrid, though in our testing, its fuel economy isn't much better than a non-hybrid 4-cylinder model.
| XR V6 | Hybrid | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 6.7 |
This 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. Saturn's reputation for customer service is another plus. The Aura Hybrid is a budget-friendly alternative to the higher-priced Toyota Camry Hybrid, though in our testing, its fuel economy isn't much better than a non-hybrid 4-cylinder model.
Total Score
| XR V6 | Hybrid | Class Average |
| 67 | 65 | 64 |
Scores for all Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 48 | |
| Average Score | 64 | |
| High Score | 74 |
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2009 Saturn Aura Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 07/17/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| XE 4-door sedan | $21,345 | $19,958 | $650 |
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| XR 4-cylinder 4-door sedan | $23,450 | $21,926 | $650 |
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| XR V6 4-door sedan | $25,945 | $24,259 | $650 |
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| Hybrid 4-door sedan | $24,930 | $23,310 | $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
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
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, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, 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, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 215/55R17 tires, wheel covers.
XR 4-cylinder adds to XE:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat, wireless cell phone link, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Alloy wheels.
XR V6 adds to XR 4-cylinder:
Powertrain
3.6-liter V6 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, heated power mirrors w/driver-side automatic day/night, remote engine start, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage door opener.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, 225/50R18 tires.
Hybrid adds to XE:
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder gasoline/electric motor, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls.
Alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Preferred Pkg.
|
||
|
XE, Hybrid
|
$430
|
$396
|
|
8-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/steering wheel radio controls (Hybrid), wireless cell phone link, floormats.
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||
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Convenience Pkg.
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||
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XE
|
$840
|
$773
|
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XR 4-cylinder
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$590
|
$543
|
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Heated front seats (XE), heated power mirrors w/driver-side automatic day/night, remote engine start, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage door opener. XE requires Preferred Pkg.
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Enhanced Convenience Pkg.
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XR
|
$400
|
$368
|
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8-way power passenger seat, upgraded floormats.
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Premium Trim Pkg.
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Hybrid
|
$990
|
$911
|
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Leather upholstery, heated front seats. Requires Preferred Pkg.
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Advanced Audio Pkg.
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XR
|
$425
|
$391
|
|
Upgraded sound system, rear radio controls, wireless headphones.
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All-Season Pkg.
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XE, XR
|
$290
|
$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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Hybrid, XE, XR 4-cylinder, XR V6
|
$800
|
$736
|
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XE, Hybrid require Preferred Pkg.
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
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XR
|
$300
|
$276
|
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Woodgrain interior trim
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XR
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$75
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$69
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
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Engine-block heater
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Hybrid, XE, XR 4-cylinder, XR V6
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$75
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$69
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Special paint
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Hybrid, XE, XR 4-cylinder, XR V6
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$95
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$87
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Premium paint
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Hybrid, XE, XR 4-cylinder, XR V6
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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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|
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2009 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. | 3436 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.9 |
| 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 | dohc V6 | dohc I4/electric | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.4 /145 | 3.6 /217 | 2.4 /146 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 169 @ 6400 | 252 @ 6300 | 164 @ 6400 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 160 @ 4500 | 251 @ 3200 | @ |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
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| 4-speed automatic | --/-- | --/-- | 26/34 |
| 6-speed automatic | 22/33 | 17/26 | --/-- |
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 | Saturns have a 30-day, 1500-mile vehicle-exchange program. |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
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 2009 Saturn Aura Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Saturn Aura Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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