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2008 Saturn Aura Review
Quality midsize sedan with fuel-efficient powertrains.
2008 Aura Review Summary & Specifications
The 2008 Saturn Aura is a classy, mid-size family sedan that compares well to the best cars in the class, namely the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Aura combines European driving dynamics with contemporary styling and a nice interior. It's easy to drive and safe. The Aura XR is smooth and powerful with its V6, while the Aura XE gets an EPA-rated 22/30 mpg. The hybrid-powered Green Line is rated at 24/32 mpg yet delivers strong, responsive performance.
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| Vehicle Category | Midsize Cars |
| Editor | New Car Test Drive |
| Model Lineup | Saturn Aura XE ($19,745); XR ($25,375); Green Line hybrid ($22,140) |
| Engines (standard) | 3.6-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 6-speed automatic |
| Engines (optional) | 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve inline-4; 219-hp 3.5-liter OHV 12-valve V6; 252-hp 3.6-liter DOHC 24-valve V6; 164-hp 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve inline-4 plus 4kW electric motor |
| Transmissions (optional) | 4-speed automatic; 6-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | frontal airbags, side-impact airbags, curtain airbags for first and second rows; traction control, ABS |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | electronic stability control |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 |
| Assembled In | Kansas City, Kansas |
| Manufacturer Phone | 800-522-5000 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.Saturn.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 19745 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Saturn Aura XR ($25,375) |
| Standard Equipment | cloth upholstery, 8-way power adjustable driver seat, heated front seats, electronic climate control, 8-speaker sound system with in-dash 6CD/MP3, XM radio, cruise control, remote engine start, power windows, power locks, tilt/telescope steering wheel, universal garage door opener, trip computer, heated exterior mirrors with auto-dimming on driver's side, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror, fog lamps, 18-inch wheels |
| Destination Charge | 650 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Enhanced Convenience Package ($425) includes a 6-way power passenger seat and power adjustable pedals; premium floor mats ($100); |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Layout | front-wheel drive |
| Price as Tested | 26550 |
| Horse Power | 252 @ 6300 |
| Torque | 251 @ 3200 |
| Fuel Economy | 17/26 |
| Wheelbase | 112.3 |
| Length/Width/Height | 190.0/70.3/57.6 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 40.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 39.4/53.0/42.2 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 37.4/52.2/37.6 |
| Trunk Volume | 14.9 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | 1000 |
| Front Suspension | independent, MacPherson struts, L-shaped lower arms, coil springs, hydraulic shocks, anti-roll bar |
| Rear Suspension | independent, four-link, coil springs, hydraulic shocks, anti-roll bar |
| Ground Clearance | |
| Curb Weight | 3647 |
| Stock Tires | P225/50R18 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | vented disc/solid disc with ABS |
| Fuel Capacity | 16.3 |
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