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Saturn Aura Hybrid - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Saturn Aura Hybrid ranks 19 out of 24 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 16 published reviews and test drives of the Saturn Aura Hybrid, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2009 Saturn Aura Hybrid carries a slightly lower base price than some other hybrids, but is otherwise not competitive with rival hybrid-electric cars. It boasts only a modest improvement in fuel economy over its conventionally-powered cousin, and its acceleration lags behind the class.  General Motors has cancelled the Aura Hybrid, so the cars currently on dealership lots are the last.

The Aura Hybrid has what GM calls "extremely limited availability."  It is sold in only eight states, and even in those eight, many dealers won't have one available to test drive.

Soon, it won't be sold at all. General Motors has announced an agreement to sell Saturn to Penske Automotive, a dealership network.  GM will continue building the Aura for Saturn's new owners, but not the hybrid model.  All production has stopped, so the cars currently on dealership lots are the last that will be built.

To its credit, the 2009 Saturn Aura Hybrid has strong safety scores and a body style some reviewers like.  Its cabin is laid out practically and it is relatively comfortable. But this hybrid simply fails to replicate the performance of a gasoline-engine car, nor does it offer enough of a fuel-economy boost to justify the penalty in performance or the added cost.

Other hybrids based on conventional cars, like the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Nissan Altima Hybrid, offer significantly better fuel economy and come close to matching the performance of their gasoline-powered counterparts.

The uncertainty may mean fast depreciation for these cars. Shoppers who like the Aura and are concerned about resale value may want to consider other GM cars, including the more highly-rated 2009 Chevrolet Malibu or its hybrid cousin.

For 2009, the Aura Hybrid comes in only one, well-equipped trim level.  Saturn has dropped the name "green line" from its hybrids, but used that term in this car's name until 2009.  Leather upholstery and Bluetooth capability are now available as upgrades, and the car now rides on larger, 17-inch tires.

• "Unless your heart is set on a GM hybrid sedan, we'd advise passing on this one." -- Edmunds
• "I almost want to call it the accidental hybrid, because at no point does it seem like the Aura tries to deliver an 'electrifying' experience. ... If anything, the Aura Green Line is a classic case of you get what you pay for." -- Automobile.com
• "A solid option for potential Aura buyers who don't place a high priority on raw power. But get moving on your purchase, before Saturn sells enough cars to result in a tax credit reduction." -- AutoWeek
• "If you want a more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly form of transportation, you won't find a comparable hybrid model from Hyundai, Honda, Ford or Dodge." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "I would definitely consider buying this car, but not because it's fun to drive. The Aura Hybrid is a nicely designed but sedate family sedan that gets better-than-average mileage and costs less than its main rivals. But if you're looking for a car with pep, this isn't the model for you." -- BusinessWeek
• "Sorry, Saturn, but we don't foresee long lines forming at the dealership for this budget hybrid." -- Car and Driver

Aura-Hybrid Performance - 6.2 (Mediocre)

The 2009 Saturn Aura Hybrid doesn't keep up with the rest of the midsize class. AutoWeek reports, "It accelerates well from a stop -- aided initially by boost from the electric motor -- and cruises unstressed at 80 mph and faster. However, it does feel underpowered during hard acceleration in the middle of the rev range." Read More

Aura-Hybrid Exterior - 8.3 (Very Good)

Reviewers like the look of the Aura Hybrid.  It's based on a sedan built by GM's European division, and seems to carry a Euro-sedan class that impresses test drivers. Automobile.com sums up the majority opinion on the Saturn Aura Green Line: "Unanimously, we adore the way the Aura looks; it's the most handsome car here, bar none." Still, most reviewers judge the Aura Hybrid's looks the same as the its gas-engine twin, the Saturn Aura -- you won't get the futuristic styling associated with green-motoring if you choose this car. Read More

Aura-Hybrid Interior - 8.3 (Very Good)

The 2009 Aura Hybrid's cabin is simple but practical.  BusinessWeek says, "There's nothing fancy about the Aura's interior, but it's clean-looking, roomy, and functional." Read More

Aura-Hybrid Safety - 8.7 (Very Good)

The 2009 Saturn Aura Hybrid earns perfect crash test scores from both the federal government and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.  Read More

Aura-Hybrid Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 Saturn Aura Hybrid 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). The 2009 Saturn Aura Hybrid carries a three-year or 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Read More