• 2008 Saturn Aura

• Used Saturn Aura
• Repairs Saturn Aura

These scores and this review are from when the car was new.

Scorecard

Overall:	2008 Saturn Aura U.S. News Best Cars 8.6
Critics' Rating:	8.8
Performance:	8.0
Interior:	7.5
Safety:	9.8
Reliability:

How we calculate scores

Research analyzed for this review

Pros & Cons

• V6 power at a four-cylinder price
• Pleasant driving experience
• Hybrid model available

• Some complain about cheap interior

Research Other Years

• 2009 Saturn Aura
• 2007 Saturn Aura

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