Family sedans come in all shapes and sizes, but few were as ambitious as the Saturn Aura. Intended as the GM brand’s alternative to the typical Camry and Accord offerings, the Aura in its XE trim offers a wealth of standard features in a sophisticated design.
So, what does the 2008 Saturn Aura XE trim have to offer?
Check out these figures:
- Standard Engine: 2.4L I4, 160 hp and 169 lb-ft
- Optional Engine: 3.5L V6, 219 hp and 219 lb-ft
- Fuel Economy: 22/30 mpg (2.4L), 18/29 mpg (3.5L)
- Safety Features: Traction control, OnStar and optional stability control
Not bad for a mid-size sedan from the mid-aughts. If you’re thinking about giving this Saturn a try, then here’s your chance to learn more about the 2008 Saturn Aura XE.
A Different Kind of Car
The Saturn brand might be gone, but it’s certainly not forgotten among fans and satisfied owners. Whether you’re a diehard Saturn fan or a shopper looking for something a bit out of the ordinary, the 2008 Saturn Aura has plenty to make it a compelling choice.
The Aura is the second genuine mid-size sedan the company offered, preceded by the 2000-2005 Saturn L-Series. It lacks the famous plastic panels of the groundbreaking S-Series, but the styling is spot-on for the brand.
For 2008, you’ll find the Aura in base XE trim or upscale XR trim. There’s also a Green Line variant with a fuel-saving hybrid drivetrain. The differences between the two main trim levels are subtle until you look under the hood.
The XR features a slightly bigger and more potent 3.6L V6, plus a few niceties like rear-seat audio controls, remote vehicle start and 18-inch aluminum wheels versus the XE’s 17-inch wheels. You can also opt for a distinctive two-tone leather interior on the XR trim.
A Close Look at the XE Trim
Now let’s look at the 2008 Saturn Aura XE. The first major differences you’ll notice are the engine choices. A 2.4L 4-cylinder engine comes standard on the XE trim. It’s a decent motor, but you’ll appreciate the smoothness and added power of the optional 3.5L V6.
Both engines are backed by a 4-speed automatic transmission. You’ll have to look elsewhere for a manual transmission and manual shifting is beyond the traditional 4-speed auto’s capabilities. Compare that to the 6-speed automatic in the XR trim, which also comes with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles, to boot.
Fortunately, the outdated 4-speed auto doesn’t get in the way of the 2008 Saturn Aura XE’s overall performance. Handling is surprisingly good with body roll kept to a minimum. Chalk it up to the Aura’s European-inspired suspension tuning.
For a base trim, the XE is rather generous when it comes to its features. Expect power windows and door locks, and a stereo system with CD player and, for anyone with their favorite MP3 player, an auxiliary jack.
Cloth seats come standard on the XE, but leather thrones are an available option. Other features like a power sunroof and heated front seats are available as standalone options across both XE and XR trim levels.
XE models equipped with the V6 also benefit from traction control and GM’s StabiliTrak electronic stability control system. Other safety features include the usual anti-lock brakes, along with frontal and side-curtain airbags.
During its heyday, the 2008 Saturn Aura XE sported a price tag of around $20,395. It was a bargain back then and it remains one today if you’re looking for something sophisticated and capable, yet affordable.
Trust, But Verify
Finding the right vehicle is hard enough without worrying about expensive surprises later on. Vehicle History takes away the hidden surprises with its detailed reports and owner reviews. Learn more about your 2008 Saturn Aura XE before you buy.
