The 2008 Saturn Aura has all the makings of a classic budget car with a fuel-efficient powertrain, a first-class interior trim, and a sporty XR trim level. But you’ll be lucky to make 200,000 miles on the original transmission, and that’s a problem when a $5,000 model already has 150,000 miles behind it.
Is the 2008 Saturn Aura a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – If you can find a Saturn Aura in great shape with low mileage, it’s easily an 8/10. But the car doesn’t hold up well to lax maintenance and rough driving.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – It’s more comfortable in the base XE model than in the sporty XR, but both trims are reasonably cushy.
- Reliability 6/10 – The car is cheap to maintain from day to day, but it’s prone to early breakdown.
- Safety 8/10 – Excellent crash test ratings and adequate safety equipment make the Aura safe enough to drive with peace of mind.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – The sporty XR model gets 17/26 miles to the gallon, which isn’t bad for a mid-size that does zero to sixty in under seven seconds.
- Value 6/10 – If the car had a better track record for reliability this number would be a lot higher. But there just aren’t enough 250,000+ mile Auras on the road to make this seem like a safe bet.
What Do Critics Say About the 2008 Saturn Aura?
Consumer Reports found the Aura to be an improvement over the competing Pontiac G6 and Chevy Malibu, but that it doesn’t quite claw its way into the top tier of family sedans. They liked the XR’s V6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, but found the ride stiffer than in the XE trim.
Kelley Blue Book liked the Aura’s responsive handling and comfy, quiet ride. They found the interior trim to be especially refined, as well. They note that the Aura can’t match the competing Camry and Accord when it comes to its record for reliability.
Edmunds liked the strong performance in the XR model, and they found the overall design of the car attractive, both in body and cabin. They weren’t so hot on the awkward layout of some of the controls, and they found the steering less than sporty.
What Common Problems Does the 2008 Saturn Aura Have?
The 2008 Saturn Aura has generated 416 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 86 of these are for electrical issues and 104 are for steering, with drivers reporting various warning lights blinking on for no apparent reason and the power steering going out. This led to two recalls in 2014.
120 powertrain complaints point to coolant leaks, overheating, and difficulty shifting. A number of drivers have reported the shift cable simply snapping while driving. This led to a recall in May of 2014. A handful of complaints have been registered since then, but the incidence rate has gone down.
A number of drivers have reported the car shaking when applying the brakes. A recall was issued in 2014 for brake lights failing to illuminate, but there have been no recalls for the brakes themselves as yet.
The 2008 Saturn Aura has been recalled 5 times in total, which is average for a vehicle of this age.
How Long Will the 2008 Saturn Aura Last?
If you’re hoping to hit 200,000 miles in your Aura, that isn’t totally unreasonable, but you should expect a maximum mileage closer to 150,000 if you’re buying a used model. The car can last for years to come if you take excellent care of it, but it’s a lot easier to keep a Toyota or a Honda running than a Saturn.
Repairpal estimate a modest annual maintenance bill of around $436. The most expensive common repairs include new exhaust mufflers starting at around $1,199 and engine oil pan replacements at $799.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology in the 2008 Aura is pretty good for the model year. Standard equipment includes a CD/MP3 player with 6-speakers, and the XR model packs a 6-disc CD changer.
Safety technology is adequate for 2008. Anti-lock brakes come standard and you have dual stage airbags. Don’t hold your breath for rearview cameras or anything like that.
Is the 2008 Saturn Aura a Good Value?
Even with fair market prices starting in the low $3,000 range, the 2008 Saturn Aura isn’t a great value. The base model typically lists for around $4,485 and the sporty XR goes for around $4,878.
These prices are for models with around 150,000 miles on the odometer. With that many miles on the transmission, the car might not make the ride home. The Aura isn’t a bad car for the price, it’s just not a very smart investment to buy a sedan that’s already hit its average life expectancy.
What are the Different Models of the 2008 Saturn Aura?
The 2008 Saturn Aura is available in two trims, being the base XE and the sporty XR, with the XE also being available in a hybrid Green Line model.
With the entry-level XE you’re getting:
- Cloth seating
- Remote keyless entry
- Manual air conditioning
- CD/MP3 player
- Steering wheel mounted cruise controls
The sporty XR adds:
- Heated front seats
- 8-way power adjust driver seat
- Leather wrapped steering wheel
- Fog lights
- Heated mirrors
- Automatic air conditioning
What Engines Come In the 2008 Saturn Aura?
- The XE Saturn Aura packs a 2.4L EcoTec inline-four delivering 169 horsepower and 160 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission in front wheel drive and it averages 22/30 miles to the gallon, city/highway.
- In the XR model you’ll find a 3.6L V6 engine delivering 252 horsepower and 251 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission in front wheel drive averaging 22/30 miles to the gallon. The XR hits zero to sixty in 6.6 seconds.
What Colors Does the 2008 Saturn Aura Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2008 Saturn Aura?
The 2008 Saturn Aura is reasonably comfortable. The back seat stretches a decent 52 inches across, you have adequate head and leg room, and the interior trim quality is decent. Some find that the XR model rides a bit stiff.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2008 Saturn Aura Have?
The 2008 Saturn Aura offers about 15 cubic feet of storage space. That’s enough for five medium suitcases. This is a firm 15 cubic feet, meaning there’s no folding seats and the car’s not available in a hatchback or wagon style.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
2008 was the second model year for the Saturn Aura’s first and only generation. The 1st Generation ran from 2007 to 2010 when the nameplate was retired.
2007: The Saturn Aura debuted as a more European styled variant of the Chevy Malibu.
2008: Saturn debuted a 2.4L EcoTec i4 engine for 2008.
2009: An entry-level XR was introduced for 2009, featuring a 2.4L EcoTec i4 with TAPshift 6-speed transmission.
2010: There were no notable changes for the Aura’s final model year.
How Does the 2008 Saturn Aura Compare to the Competition?
The 2008 Saturn Aura offers a high-end cabin with a sporty engine at a budget car price, but unless you can find one with very low mileage, it simply can’t compete with that year’s Accord or Camry for overall value.
A 2008 Honda Accord coupe starts in the low $7,000 range, around two grand more than a comparable Saturn Aura, but it’s expected to last up to 300,000 miles. It’s the same deal with a Camry. Both cars cost more, but may last twice as long.
The 2008 Saturn Aura may seem like a great deal at under $5,000, but if you wind up replacing the car after just a few months of daily commuting, you’re losing money in the long run.
