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2009 Saturn Aura

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Overview

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2009 Saturn Aura Review

By KBB.com Editors

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.

You'll Like This Car If...

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.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a proven track record of reliability and resale, you'll find the Aura faces the unenviable task of competing with the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, vehicles that have earned and deserve their status as the two best selling family sedans in the country.

What's New for 2009

Major changes to the Aura line include the discontinuation of the Green Line name, 3.5-liter V6 XE model and four-speed automatic transmission. The upscale XR trim can now be ordered with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, while Saturn's six-speed automatic transmission with tap shift becomes standard on all models except the Hybrid. StabiliTrak stability control is also made standard, as are redundant audio controls (XE, XR). On the Aura Hybrid, 17-inch alloy wheels with low rolling resistance tires replace 16-inch alloys.

Driving the Aura

Driving Impressions 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.

Favorite Features

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.

2009 Saturn Aura Details

Interior

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.

Exterior

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.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

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

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.

Under the Hood

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

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Saturn Aura vehicles for sale near you.

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2009 Saturn Aura Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.9

Out of 10

Based on 321 Ratings for the 2007 - 2009 models.

Review this car

Value

9.1/10

Quality

9.1/10
Reliability

9.3/10

Performance

9.2/10
Comfort

9.2/10

Styling

9.3/10

Great Car

By Leo (SC) on Thursday, April 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 170,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 6/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Great Looks, great drive dynamics , comfortable"

Cons: "FWD needs more than normal alignment service"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought this car when it had 62K miles on it and from the moment I saw it I thought it was a very sporty looking car. Then after driving it I fell in Love, as much as I could with FWD. LOL. It handles great, acceleration is strong and very linear, and the ride is very comfortable. I used it for commuting and I was traveling 100 miles one way to work and the drive to and from work was never a problem because of the vehicle. Great car that I would recommend to anyone, Makes me sad that Saturn is gone after bringing such a great car to the market."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Awesome car!

By Amy (IL) on Friday, April 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 102,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Nice looking car and great to drive."

Cons: "Minor water leak"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I have owned this car for 2 years and love it. It gets better gas mileage than advertised. Usually 33mpg on highway. Only downside I have had is that I had water leaking onto the floor of the passenger side. I have a friend who does body work and he found that the drain for the air conditioner was flowing into the car. Poor design. This was fixed and have had no other problems."

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Overall, Good Car

By EClan (NJ) on Wednesday, April 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 65,881

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "very safe and reliable"

Cons: "paneling around windshield too wide, depreciation"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"Bought a 2007 Saturn Aura XE, used in 2011. Two years later, I haven't had any mechanical problems, other than, for some reason, this car fails emissions at the state inspection center, but passed at a local certified station. Only two other complaints; the paneling around the windshield is too wide which sometimes affects visibility. And being that Saturn is no longer, the depreciation value of this car drops more rapidly. But overall, I love this car. It's reliable, safe, has good handling for a car this size. I'm disappointed this car was discontinued!"

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I abosolutely love my car....

By angel (IN) on Monday, April 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 77,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "great family car, good on gas, roomy"

Cons: "expensive parts.... cup holders are too close"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"im young and its a family car.... only downfall is the parts are expensive, but its well worth the money!! good on gas and very reliable. 4 years and all i have replaced is the fuel pump."

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Excellent car for long trip-very comfortable

By Steveo (FL) on Sunday, March 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 95,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "super comfortable ride-lots of passing power"

Cons: "cheap plastic interior"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I have used this car 2.5 years for a daily commuter 65 miles each way to work-I tried the little car route with the super economical 4 cylinder engine and had aches and pains from being so cramped and enduring all the shakes and vibrations in a low end vehicle. This car was Saturn's last hurrah-and they finally got it right! Plenty of power, super comfortable seats, smooth ride-really quiet on the highway, great sound system. This car to me is just as nice as its Buick counterpart for a LOT less money. My main complaint is the same for all GM vehicles, they gey real cheap with the interior plastic components and miss the high mark on an otherwise outstanding vehicle!"

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Love my 2009 Aura XR

By Jeanie (IA) on Monday, March 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 57,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great price, handles like a luxury sedan"

Cons: "they don't make them any more!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought my Aura in November 2010 - it was a dealer's demo car so it had about 16k miles on it but I am still considered the only owner. I got a great deal on it because it was a demo car and hadn't sold yet. This car has been a great one - haven't had to have anything other than preventative maintenance done. It handles and rides like the luxury sedans that cost upwards of 10-15k more money! The XR model does have the nice amenities such as on star, leather, a usb port, power everything so that is nice. Honestly - my favorite little perk is the auto dimming rearview mirror, after having it - it's hard to drive my boyfriends car at night and deal with the headlight glares in the mirror. I know they do not make these any more - but if you have a chance to find a used on in good shape, I don't think you'll be disappointed."

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See all 321 reviews