Used 2009 Saturn Aura

The 2009 Saturn Aura sedan is the most powerful salvo launched in Saturn’s rejuvenation program. Riding alongside the hot SKY roadster and newly-launched Astra sedan and coupe, the Aura redefines the automaker’s role as both import fighter and technology leader. Like the SKY roadster, the Aura is more stylish and confident than anything Saturn produced in its first 15 years of existence. Although the Aura shares a platform with the Chevrolet Malibu, Saturn’s version feels more refined inside, outside and on the road. The latest model in Aura lineup is a gas-electric Aura hybrid formerly known as the Aura Green Line. Even as Saturn begins unleashing its most appealing cars ever, the automaker has committed to maintaining its popular "no haggle" pricing policy.

Despite the athletic styling and eager stance, we weren’t sure exactly what to expect from the Aura once we got behind the wheel. Having seen the spec sheet we did anticipate a healthy dose of get-up-and-go from the XR model, but we didn’t expect such smooth shifts from the six-speed automatic transmission. The XE’s four-cylinder engine is surprisingly smooth, delivering performance that is more than adequate and downright competitive. The passenger cabin remained notably quiet on the highway, and the Aura handled twisty two-lane roads better than most midsize sedans this comfortable.

The Aura’s interior is defined by the attractive styling, quality materials and overall sense of refinement that have begun permeating the passenger cabins of more and more domestic entries. There are still details to be polished, but to compare the Aura’s interior with that of earlier Saturns is to contrast two different automotive eras. The mere availability of the unique Morocco Brown leather package furthers the Aura’s contemporary image. Ambient cabin illumination enhances the upscale feel at night.

In addition to the chrome-bar grille serving as the new face of Saturn, the Aura is distinguished by big, expressive headlamps, a sleek profile with sharply-defined fender flares and distinctive LED taillamps. Build quality is quite good, with tight gaps between body panels and doors, flush fitting glass and a number deep, lustrous paint color choices. Blind spots are relatively few, thanks the large expanse of side glass. Aura XR models have 18-inch alloy wheels (in place of standard-issue 17-inch steel wheels), chrome door handles and front foglamps.

Hybrid Model
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..

Rear-seat Wireless Headphones
Although the Aura doesn’t offer a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, it does offer two sets of wireless headphones to accommodate differing music tastes.

Included as standard equipment on a base Aura XE are a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, six-speed automatic transmission, six-speaker CD/CD-MP3 sound system with auxiliary audio input, XM Satellite Radio, OnStar, power windows/locks/mirrors, remote keyless entry, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, automatic headlamps, cruise control, split-folding rear seatbacks and 17-inch steel wheels. Standard safety equipment includes electronic traction control, StabiliTrak stability control plus front, front-side and side-curtain airbags. XR trims add heated front seats, leather interior, power driver’s seat and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Optional equipment includes a 3.6-liter V6 and 18-inch alloy wheels (XR), power glass sunroof, six-disc premium audio system with rear-seat wireless headphones, remote vehicle start, power-adjustable pedals, leather seats, heated front seats, and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity.

Thanks in part to variable valve timing and the advantage of a six-speed automatic transmission, the Aura XR’s more powerful and sophisticated 3.6-liter engine returns outstanding performance with combined fuel economy acceptable to most family sedan shoppers. The frugal 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine provides adequate power and the best fuel economy in its segment. While far better than many domestic four-cylinders, the Aura’s 2.4-liter engine is still not as smooth or refined as the four-cylinder engines of the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. A bonus of the new standard six-speed is steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.

2.4-liter in-line 4
169 horsepower @ 6400 rpm
160 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/33

2.4-liter in-line 4 Hybrid
164 horsepower @ 6400 rpm
159 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/34

3.6-liter V6
252 horsepower @ 6300 rpm
251 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/26