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Saturn Aura - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Saturn Aura ranks 11 out of 24 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 61 published reviews and test drives of the Saturn Aura, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Shoppers considering the 2009 Saturn Aura will find a competent domestic alternative to the import sedans that have dominated the class. They'll also find disappointing cabin materials and ergonomics that keep the Aura from the top of its class.

General Motors has announced its intention to shut down the Saturn brand by the end of 2010, closing all 350 Saturn dealerships.  The company stopped building the Aura in mid 2009, producing only a few thousand 2010 models, which are identical to 2009 models in every way.  The demise of the brand will likely mean fast depreciation for these cars, but it could also mean low prices for those interested in one of the last midsize Saturns to roll off the assembly line.  Those who are considering a 2009, however, should be aware that Chevrolet, Buick and other GM-brand dealerships can service the Aura after Saturn's dealers have closed.

The Aura is a well-rounded entrant in the family sedan wars. Its handing is crisp, it offers excellent fuel economy (which matters more to many buyers than ever before) with a competent four-cylinder engine, and its price is affordable. The Aura also achieves excellent safety scores. But persistent issues with interior quality plague the car.

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.

Introduced in 2007, the Aura has changed little for 2009. A mid-level six-cylinder engine available last year has disappeared from the lineup. Fuel economy has been improved with both remaining engines. Stability control and Bluetooth compatibility are now standard. Otherwise, the 2009 Aura is indistinguishable from the 2008 and 2007 models, so this summary may include some material from earlier model years that still applies.

• "The Saturn Aura is an excellent choice among midsize sedans. It's modern and fresh, with European character and aesthetic flair. Taut and responsive, it drives like a European family sedan, perhaps because it rides on a German Opel platform." -- New Car Test Drive
• "The Saturn Aura won't set the midsize world on fire. It won't hurt GM, either...The car is a good step in the right direction, and, after all, GM won't be rebuilt in a day."-- Motor Trend
• "Despite some flaws, the 2009 Saturn Aura remains a solid domestic alternative to the midsize sedan imports. Smaller families should find enough flair, performance and amenities to remain satisfied." -- Edmunds
• "The 2009 Saturn Aura's confident styling is backed up by eager handling combined with a comfortable and surprisingly quiet highway ride. An attractive, well-appointed interior and overall sense of refinement solidify the sedan's appeal." -- Kelley Blue Book

 

Aura Performance - 8.2 (Very Good)

The 2009 Saturn Aura is based on a car built by GM's European division, Opel, and some reviews say it handles almost like a European sedan. The Aura's two engine choices (not to mention a hybrid version, reviewed here), allow buyers to determine how much performance to pay for. Its inline four-cylinder engine offers fuel economy near the top of its class. Read More

Aura Exterior - 8.3 (Very Good)

The 2009 Aura's sheetmetal is conservative, though some find it handsome. "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." But more recent entrants into the midsize car class -- like the curvaceous Mazda6 -- are starting to make the Aura look dated.    Read More

Aura Interior - 7.9 (Good)

The 2009 Saturn Aura's interior is persistently criticized. Though designed in an attractive two-tone scheme, it is built of sub-par materials and hard plastics that disappoint many test drivers. Read More

Aura Safety - 8.7 (Very Good)

The 2009 Aura has earned nearly perfect crash test scores from the federal government. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety hasn't tested the 2009 model, but the similar 2008 model that earned the Institute's highest scores. For 2009, Saturn makes Electronic Stability Control standard on the Aura. Read More

Aura Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 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 on the 2009 Aura, plus and a five-year or 100,000-mile transferable powertrain warranty and 24/7 roadside assistance for the first five years or 100,000 miles. Read More