Petty Dodge Challenger headed to 2010...
Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2008 Saturn Aura Quality Review

November 18, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Pop for the option packages that include power front seats, and you'll be much happier
MyRide.com

not without a few rough edges
Edmunds

Aura's cabin pleases with soft-touch surfaces and quality materials
ConsumerGuide

There may be a few rough edges in the 2008 Saturn Aura, but TheCarConnection.com finds most reviewers are comfortable in this car--at least in the front seats.

When it comes to the 2008 Saturn Aura, passengers in the back are simply not going to be as happy as those in the front, says MyRide.com. The "multi-adjustable front seats" are "comfortable during a lengthy drive," they add, noting the driver can also find an optimal position with the telescopic steering wheel and power-adjustable pedals. The upper portion of the driver's door panel is also padded for comfortable elbow resting. Cars.com notes, “The optional leather front seats are firm but comfortable, though very tall drivers might wish for more rearward seat travel.” Edmunds adds the Aura "offers all the room, comfort and performance of other General Motors family sedans, but does it with more panache." However, backseat occupants will find that the seats are "lacking in thigh support" and that legroom is not as spacious as "the Pontiac G6," reports MyRide.com.

Edmunds counters, “the Aura treats rear passengers to a lavish amount of space -- but they must go without a center armrest.” Elsewhere in the cabin of the Aura, there’s a lack of “small-item storage," though trunk space is "class-average," says Consumer Guide. Even so, the trunk is "usefully shaped" and clocks in at "just under 15 cubic feet," according to Edmunds.

"The interior quality" of the Saturn Aura is "worlds better than its predecessors," vouches Car and Driver, "but it still doesn't quite match the best of the Japanese rivals." ConsumerGuide adds that the cabin of the Saturn Aura contains quality materials and a lot of soft touches. However, the test cars suffer some gaps in the panels and seams that are not friendly to the eyes. And while "chrome is sprinkled throughout for added flair," notes MyRide.com, the Saturn Aura overlooks several comforts and finishing touches such as "a rear seat center armrest" and "a close assist handle for the inside of the trunk lid." Particularly remarkable is a “morocco brown” interior leather package that reviewers adored, but as Cars.com observes, “There are rough plastic edges on the glove box, front door pockets and a dash storage cubby, as well as questionable faux stitching accents on the door armrests.”

When it comes to noise, ConsumerGuide comments, "Aura's main demerit here is marked coarse-surface tire thrum. Also, moderate wind rush at highway speeds. V6 engines sound pleasant enough, though neither is as smooth as the class leaders."

Conclusion

The 2008 Saturn Aura has the room of a family-sedan champ, but some interior trim lacks the finer touch of imports.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Pop for the option packages that include power front seats, and you'll be much happierMyRide.comnot without a few rough edgesEdmundsAura's cabin pleases with soft-touch surfaces and quality materialsConsumerGuide There may be a few rough edges in the 2008 Saturn Aura, but TheCarConnection.com finds most reviewers are comfortable in this car--at least in the front seats. When it comes to the 2008 Saturn Aura, passengers in the back are simply not going to be as happy as those in the front, says MyRide.com. The "multi-adjustable front seats" are "comfortable during a lengthy drive," they add, noting the driver can also find an optimal position with the telescopic steering wheel and power-adjustable pedals. The upper portion of the driver's door panel is also padded for comfortable elbow resting. Cars.com notes, “The optional leather front seats are firm but comfortable, though very tall drivers might wish for more rearward seat travel.” Edmunds adds the Aura "offers all the room, comfort and performance of other General Motors family sedans, but does it with more panache." However, backseat occupants will find that the seats are "lacking in thigh support" and that legroom is not as spacious as "the Pontiac G6," reports MyRide.com. Edmunds counters, “the Aura treats rear passengers to a lavish amount of space -- but they must go without a center armrest.” Elsewhere in the cabin of the Aura, there’s a lack of “small-item storage," though trunk space is "class-average," says Consumer Guide. Even so, the trunk is "usefully shaped" and clocks in at "just under 15 cubic feet," according to Edmunds. "The interior quality" of the Saturn Aura is "worlds better than its predecessors," vouches Car and Driver, "but it still doesn't quite match the best of the Japanese rivals." ConsumerGuide adds that the cabin of the Saturn Aura contains quality materials and a lot of soft touches. However, the test cars suffer some gaps in the panels and seams that are not friendly to the eyes. And while "chrome is sprinkled throughout for added flair," notes MyRide.com, the Saturn Aura overlooks several comforts and finishing touches such as "a rear seat center armrest" and "a close assist handle for the inside of the trunk lid." Particularly remarkable is a “morocco brown” interior leather package that reviewers adored, but as Cars.com observes, “There are rough plastic edges on the glove box, front door pockets and a dash storage cubby, as well as questionable faux stitching accents on the door armrests.” When it comes to noise, ConsumerGuide comments, "Aura's main demerit here is marked coarse-surface tire thrum. Also, moderate wind rush at highway speeds. V6 engines sound pleasant enough, though neither is as smooth as the class leaders." ConclusionThe 2008 Saturn Aura has the room of a family-sedan champ, but some interior trim lacks the finer touch of imports.  2008 SATURN AURA STYLING | [8 out of 10] MyRide.com: "Attractive Styling" Cars.com: "Stylish exterior" Edmunds: "the 2008 Saturn Aura is a well-rounded midsize sedan with sufficient levels of style" The 2008 Saturn Aura is a mid-size sedan that offers both style and grace when on ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

If you're looking at mid-size sedans, you already know that there are plenty of choices available. You may also know that the Toyota Camry is the sales leader. The latest Camry, introduced in 2007 alongside the Saturn Aura, has its merits, but also its faults. There are quality issues with this Toyota; to keep costs down, the interior of this generation of Camry exhibits some inexpensive-looking pieces. Head to head, the 2008 Aura is decidedly sportier in feel than the Toyota Camry or the Hyundai Sonata, more along the lines of the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and Ford Fusion. While the sophistication of the Hyundai Sonata has improved dramatically, it is not quite the equal of the Aura. The Volkswagen Passat is in the same size class and offers a tightly constructed cabin with a great look and feel, but it's due to be replaced by a new car in 2009 or 2010.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Saturn Aura

Check Financing Rates

for the 2008 Saturn Aura

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 Saturn Aura near you

See the Saturn Aura in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

Comments (0 total)

Be the first to post a comment

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy