2009 Saturn Aura

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Photos & Videos

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Saturn Aura is often praised for taut handling and its enticing array of powertrain options. Its base four-cylinder engine is more than powerful enough to move the car without using much gas. Its top-of-the-line V6 makes it quicker than an Accord or Camry. Reviewers have little to say about the Aura's brakes -- usually a good sign.

• "Underway, we found the Saturn Aura is quiet and handles well. Brakes, suspension and powertrain all work together to respond to the driver's wishes." -- New Car Test Drive
• With the V6 engine, " the Aura XR comes across more as a sports sedan than a family car. It is stiffly sprung, with a feel akin to that of the more expensive Nissan Maxima or Acura TL." -- Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
• "It feels most like the lightweight Accord; it's much more stiffly suspended than a Camry and thus more fun to drive. The Aura is firm over bumpy roads, but not excessively so. It'll disappoint only those who prefer the softest of Buicks." -- Motor Trend
• "Aura's confident styling is backed up by eager handling combined with a comfortable and surprisingly quiet highway ride." -- Kelley Blue Book

Acceleration and Power

The 2009 Saturn Aura is available with a V6 engine or a smaller four-cylinder powerplant. The four-cylinder model puts out 169 horsepower, and manages an EPA rating of 22/33 mpg. The 3.6-liter V6 puts out 252 horsepower and earns a 17/26 mpg rating. A smaller V6 offered last year has been discontinued.

Reviewers say the largest of the engines is one of the fastest in this segment of the market, but the four-cylinder is respected. Only one transmission is offered -- a six-speed automatic. On V6 models, it includes steering-wheel mounted shift paddles to allow drivers take over the shifting when needed.

• "For the 2009 Aura, Saturn is emphasizing fuel economy. ... The four-cylinder has even been made an option this year for the upmarket XR. Saturn has also upgraded the four-cylinder's transmission, from a four-speed automatic to an advanced six-speed auto. Efficiency has risen as a result, and the four-cylinder Aura's fuel economy is now at the top of the midsize sedan segment." -- Edmunds
• With the four-cylinder engine, "Acceleration affords confident, competent high-speed lane changes." -- Washington Post
• "The four-cylinder Aura XE is less expensive but isn't quite as sweet as the best Japanese powerplants." -- Car and Driver
• " The 6-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted sequential paddle shifters doesn't waste a single one of the 252 horsepower produced by the 3.6-liter dohc V-6 equipped with variable valve timing -- turn the traction control off, and it will spin its front tires in wild burnouts on command." -- Road and Track

Handling and Braking

The Aura is based on the Opel Vectra, a recently-discontinued European car. Test drivers often praise the Aura's handling as resembling the tight control found on European sedans, while still offering a comfortable ride for passengers. However, the two engines come with two different steering systems -- and some find the hydraulic steering of V6-powered Auras tiresome and heavy. Four-wheel disc antilock brakes are standard.

• "The car dances nicely in the curves, never hinting at losing control in the front or rear." -- Washington Post
• "The four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines come with different steering setups, but neither offers much feeling from the wheel. The four-cylinder's electric steering is at least easier on the arms, as the V6's hydraulic system is overly heavy, making for a laborious effort at parking speeds." -- Edmunds
• "The Aura's road manners are a pleasant surprise." -- Cars.com
• "Cornering is firm and balanced, while the suspension absorbs road irregularities and rough pavement with easy grace. The steering is nicely weighted with the slightly heavier feel of a European car, which in my experience enhances the sense of precision and control. Drivers accustomed to the lighter touch of most domestic and Asian sedans might find it too heavy." -- Arizona Republic
• "All Aura models feature four-wheel disc brakes with ABS. We found they felt good and worked well in normal driving." -- New Car Test Drive