Love, love, love my Saturn Aura
Will NEVER understand GM's decision to drop this line. I've always driven union-built, American-made GM vehicles and have never had issue with any of them. I currently least my Saturn Auro XE and intend to purchase it with a GM warranty at end of lease. Can't get as much vehicle for my money and know that it is a great ride!
- Comfort 5.0
- Interior 5.0
- Performance 5.0
- Value 5.0
- Exterior 5.0
- Reliability 5.0
- Purchased a New car
- Used for Commuting
- Does recommend this car
From worst to best
I recently traded a 2006 Mercury Montego for a 2008 Saturn Aura. I've owned vehicles for 65 years, and this one is by far, the best, with the Mercury being very close to the worst. In addition to excellent handling characteristics, and plenty of get up and go, the instrument cluster is one of the best I've seen, with excellent day and night visibility.
- Comfort 5.0
- Interior 5.0
- Performance 5.0
- Value 5.0
- Exterior 5.0
- Reliability 5.0
- Purchased a Used car
- Does recommend this car
Don't believe the ads
I've owned my 2008 Saturn Aura (V-6) for one year now. First the petty...I stand 5ft 7in and have a difficult time getting into and out of this vehicle due to the design. In addition, the vehicle's beverage holders on the center console are so small that there isn't room for a two drink containers. One will fit OK but is any taller than 2 inches, it will tip over when you make a turn because the holders are so shallow. On a more serious issue, the vehicle has NEVER come close to producing the promised EPA mileage. NOT EVEN CLOSE!!! I will be trading in this vehicle within the month so I can get back into a decent sized car that I know will not leave me wondering why it it not giving me the advertised performance.
- Comfort 2.0
- Interior 1.0
- Performance 2.0
- Value 2.0
- Exterior 5.0
- Reliability 3.0
- Purchased a New car
- Used for Commuting
- Does not recommend this car
Problems...but okay
Hi I've had my 2008 Saturn Aura V6 for about six months now. The very first problem was water leaking on the passenger side floor underneath the dashboared. This was from the windsheild not being sealed properly. Like the user below, the indicator light for the outsid/side air does stop working intermittently, but I think its just slow coming on because after the car is completely started and ran for a few it turns on. My radio is like that too, it will come on 2 or 3 minutes after the car is started up. Then, there is a rattling coming from the back seat. My power driver seat also went out once for about an hour or so. However, the car is still very nice. I love the gauges and it drives pretty well. I still can't find a comfy driving position. But when compared with other features on other cars (I look because this will be traded in soon) you cant beat the aura for features, looks, and the drive. I think it just may be my car, im looking to upgrade to an XR aura soon if I like it...or else im going to a mazda 6 grand touring.
- Comfort 3.0
- Interior 3.0
- Performance 3.0
- Value 3.0
- Exterior 3.0
- Reliability 3.0
- Purchased a Used car
- Used for Commuting
- Does recommend this car
Problems starting to occur after 8 months.
I have had my 2008 Aura XE since May of 2008. I had no problems with it until January 2009. Then the indicator lights showing outside/inside air for the heater, the rear window defroster and the AC, all started to not light intermittantly. Next, a few days ago, the remote door locking/trunk release function stopped working off and on, (about 50% of the time). The fob battery is okay. This is embarassing. When you unlock the door with a key after it was locked remotely, the theft alarm goes off. I am not a heavy person but the butt pocket in the front seat cushion is too narrow for comfort, also the seat is too hard. The suspension is too stiff so the car rides hard, like the tires are full of concrete not air. If I could recover the money I paid for this car, I would return it in a heartbeat. I would NEVER ever take this car on a road trip. It is very unpleasant to drive on the highway. Both the handling and comfort are lacking. In defense of the vehicle, I will say it is a very nice looking car and I have had compliments on it's looks from strangers.
- Comfort 1.0
- Interior 5.0
- Performance 4.0
- Value 4.0
- Exterior 5.0
- Reliability 3.0
- Purchased a New car
- Does not recommend this car
Better than the Caddi.
We just love our Aura, better than my old Cadillac DeVille. We are getting 33 mpg on the interstate at 70 mph. We just finished a 2,800 mile trip and no problems. Very comfortable for long trips. Only complaint is that the right arm rest in center should slide forward another inch or so for more comfort.
- Comfort 5.0
- Interior 4.0
- Performance 5.0
- Value 5.0
- Exterior 5.0
- Reliability 5.0
- Purchased a Used car
- Used for Transporting family
- Does recommend this car
Excellent Vehicle
We've owned a 2008 XR with the 3.6 engine for the past 9 months/ 6600 mi. Excellent styling and not one problem so far, a solid 30 mpg on the highway. Acceleration is brisk and handling is on a par with my accord coupe. Seats are firm and excellent for long highway trips, and the steering precise. The only drawback is the limited turn radius, but not enough of a negative to disuade me. I will be keeping this one until the first major style upgrade, then I'lll most likely purchase another one.
- Comfort 5.0
- Interior 5.0
- Performance 5.0
- Value 5.0
- Exterior 5.0
- Reliability 5.0
- Purchased a New car
- Does recommend this car
My fourth and favorite Saturn
My wife owned a 1998 SL2 that was replaced with a 2007 VUE. I drove a 2000 SL1 that I replaced 3 months ago with a 2008 Aura XE 3.5L V6. I love to drive this car. I'm 6'1", and I finally feel comfortable in a car-front seat and back. (The SLI replaced a Plymouth Sundance). I knew that gas mileage was going to suffer a bit to get a car that I feel comfortable in, but this is a great compromise. The scooped out front seatbacks is a great idea to give those in back more room. I live in Rochester, NY, so after a few years of driving on salted roads, I may miss the polymer side panels, but the construction feels much more solid. The ride is very quiet. The handling and power are great. I'm a fan of the XM radio, though I must warn, once you have it, you likely won't want to do without. Reaching for the tuner knob is a bit awkward at times, otherwise the instrument panel and console are nicely laid out. I've always been impressed by the level of service and personal treatment I've received at Saturn dealerships/service centers. I remain loyal to the brand because they make quality, reliable cars in America, and back them up with excellent service. The Aura adds some flash and excitement that has been missing from their line.
- Comfort 4.0
- Interior 4.0
- Performance 5.0
- Value 5.0
- Exterior 5.0
- Reliability 5.0
- Purchased a New car
- Does recommend this car
proud owner
I have the xe aura with the3.5 engine. car drives and handles perfectly. with leather and power sun roof its a great looking car inside and out. Now if i would ease off onthe gas petal im sure i would get the e.p.a. gas mileage claimed for the car.
- Comfort 5.0
- Interior 5.0
- Performance 5.0
- Value 5.0
- Exterior 5.0
- Reliability 5.0
- Purchased a New car
- Does recommend this car
Better than the imports
My wife and I have had this car for almost a year... We love it. The XR model provides the power and performance we desired. The interior is clean, well appointed, and makes sense. We looked at Accord and Camry but they seemed like yesterday's news. The Aura is a car that will look and feel modern for the next few years. Only negative I can think of right now is the car's turn radius. Other than that, it is a great car for someone desiring something different than the vanilla imports.
- Comfort 5.0
- Interior 5.0
- Performance 5.0
- Value 5.0
- Exterior 5.0
- Reliability 5.0
- Purchased a New car
- Used for Commuting
- Does recommend this car