2008 Saturn Aura [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 58 Aura reviews and test drives.
Saturn Aura - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Saturn Aura ranks 7 out of 23 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 58 published reviews and test drives of the Saturn Aura, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Aura delivers excellent safety features and ratings and a roomy interior, but it can't match the interior material quality of others in its class.
Our analysis shows the 2008 Saturn Aura is a well-rounded car that suffers from a few shortcomings. For example, handling and seat comfort are listed as highlights, but many automotive reviewers say its low-brow cabin materials aren't reflective of the car's moderate pricing. However, the Aura does earn praise for its safety features and crash test results. Reviews also note the Aura is a positive step in Saturn's efforts to become a significant player in the U.S. market for sedans.
The Saturn Aura was an award winning vehicle in its first production year, winning the prestigious 2007 North American Car of the Year award. Changes were minimal for the 2008 model, but now the base engine is a four-cylinder. The 2008 Aura is available in three trims, and also has a hybrid model, the 2008 Saturn Aura Green Line. If you're in the market for an affordable midsize sedan, also consider the venerable Honda Accord.
- "Value is the watchword here, the Aura offering a choice of two big V-6s-one old-think pushrod, one higher-tech overhead cam-and big interior space for less money (and less refinement) than the Accord and Camry." -- Car and Driver
- "Aura is a classy, mid-size family sedan that combines front-wheel-drive dynamics with contemporary styling, a decent interior and very good fuel economy. It is safe and easy to drive." -- New Car Test Drive
- "The Aura is actually what GM has said it would be -- a meaningful competitor to the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, the two standard-setters for midrange sedans for the past decade." -- U.S. News
- "The Aura delivers solid road manners, great looks inside and out and tremendous value." -- Road and Track
- "The car is a good step in the right direction, and, after all, GM won't be rebuilt in a day." -- Motor Trend
- "A roundly agreeable, athletic mid-size sedan." -- Los Angeles Times
Aura Performance - 8.0 (Very Good)
The Aura's reviews and performance score speak to its pleasing power and handling. "It has a taut feel with good steering quality and an overall feeling that the brakes, suspension and powertrain are in agreement with each other," says New Car Test Drive. Continue with our full Performance Review for information on the Aura's "lickety-split" acceleration or "firm but agreeable" ride quality. continue
Aura Exterior - 7.9 (Good)
The Aura's design is good, but not distinctive among other affordable midsize sedans. "Saturn got it almost right," says Car and Driver. "A clean, monochrome body with clipped overhangs and a muscular tire-to-body ratio has a believable Made in Europe stamp." Check out the Saturn Aura Photo Gallery to see the sedan's chrome-bar grille up close, or continue with our full Exterior Review for information on design differences between trims. continue
Aura Interior - 7.5 (Good)
Most say the cabin of the five-seat Aura is comfortable, but should have higher quality materials. As a result, the sedan's score for interior falls in the middle of its class. New Car Test Drive calls the interior "tasteful, if somewhat bland." Check out the Saturn Aura Photo Gallery for images of the five-seater, or continue with our full Interior Review to learn how the Aura's quality is an improvement over previous Saturn models, but still not up to snuff with the affordable midsize car class. continue
Aura Safety - 9.8 (Excellent)
In addition to a long list of standard safety features, the 2008 Saturn Aura also scores very well in government crash tests. Continue with our full Safety Review to read reviewers praise of Saturn's passive and active safety features. continue
Aura Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Saturn Aura reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Saturn provides a three-year or 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Continue with our full Reliability Review for more information on Saturn's coverage for its vehicles. continue
