Rather than focusing on exterior design or interior features, Saturn touts the fuel economy of its Aura sport sedan for 2009. The automaker tweaked the Aura's Ecotec four-cylinder gas engine, so it now squeezes out 33 mpg on the highway, up from 30 mpg the previous year. As a result, the '09 Aura now delivers the best fuel economy of any vehicle in its class, beating out both the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord, according to the automaker.
In fact, Saturn feels so strongly about the value and benefits of fuel efficiency that it now offers the four-cylinder engine not only on the Aura's entry-level XE trim but also on the better-equipped XR trim, which last year came only with a V6, so drivers can now opt for a more fuel-efficient engine in a more upscale sedan. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder produces a respectable 169 horsepower and links to a six-speed automatic transmission, which comes standard on all Aura gas-powered trims. The six-speed transmission includes the TAPshift feature, which enables drivers to manually shift gears using shift paddles located on the steering wheel.
Introduced in 2007 and now in its third year of production, the '09 Aura remains essentially a carryover from 2008, although Saturn has redesignated the Aura's trims as the entry-level XE, the XR-4 with the four-cylinder engine, and the XR-V6, which comes equipped with a 256-hp, 3.6-liter, double-overhead-cam V6. In addition, Saturn offers the Aura with a hybrid engine, which achieves an estimated 34 mpg on the highway and 26 mpg in the city. The Aura Hybrid's electric motor starts automatically and accelerates when the driver eases off the brake, and the gas engine kicks in as needed when the driver steps on the accelerator. The gas engine automatically shuts off when the Aura Hybrid decelerates or comes to a stop. For 2009, Saturn upgrades the Hybrid trim minimally, adding 17-inch wheels, up from 16-inch wheels for the previous year.
Standard features for the Aura XE include power windows and power programmable door locks, remote keyless entry, a power height-adjustable driver's seat, air-conditioning, a 60/40-split folding rear seatback, and a Driver Information Center.
The XR trims add leather seats, heated front seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a USB port for the audio system, and Bluetooth connectivity. In addition, the XR-V6 adds automatic climate control, remote engine start, heated exterior mirrors, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass. A six-speaker AM/FM audio system with a CD player and MP3 connectivity comes standard on all trims. Every Aura also includes one year of OnStar and a three-month trial of XM Radio.
The Aura Hybrid comes equipped with automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, keyless entry, and Hybrid LED analog instrumentation, among other standard features. In addition, the Hybrid receives a Hybrid-specific four-speed automatic transmission.
The front-wheel-drive Aura received a five-star crash safety rating for front and side impacts from the federal government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Traction control and the StabiliTrak stability control system with brake assist come standard across the line.
Drivers and reviewers found the interior of the 2008 Aura roomy and comfortable, with good storage and cargo space, and that carries over to 2009, although some felt the interior lacked somewhat in fit and finish, in part due to some hard plastic surfaces. Overall, though, drivers can expect a sporty, well-equipped sedan that offers good fuel economy, a high safety rating, and a long list of standard features.
Happens while driving or braking. Sometimes it's happening when brake is not being being applied. Just recently, found a pin sticking. Lubricated the pin. Now this. Is it related? Or something different?
Over the past 6 months my car has had the power steering light come on and it is hard to steer but once I turn the car off and back on it works great. It only done this like 4 times in the past 6 months. What could be wrong?? I have checked the fluid and it full to the fill line. Hope someone can help me..
I drive my car today and I was fine. turn it off then want out a hour later then it did not want to turn on thr started is new the battery is new and thr alternator is fine all the light work to
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.6 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: dual front · Door sill trim: chrome · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with split-level storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.77
Engine
Alternator: 125 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: driver side auto-dimming · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: front and rear · Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Auto height adjusting shoulder belts: front · Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Wireless headphones · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: rear volume control · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.6 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: dual front · Door sill trim: chrome · Floor Mat Material: premium carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with split-level storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.77
Engine
Alternator: 125 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust tip color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Sunroof: sliding sunshade
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Auto height adjusting shoulder belts: front · Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Front shock type: monotube · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · USB auxiliary audio input · CD changer: 6 · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.6 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Door sill trim: chrome · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.05
Engine
Electric Motor Battery Type: nickel-metal hydride · Electric Motor HP: 14 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 10 · Electric Motor Torque: 110 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 164 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 6400 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 159 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 5000
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low oil level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-appointed
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Wireless headphones · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: rear volume control · XM satellite radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.6 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: dual front · Door sill trim: chrome · Floor Mat Material: premium carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with split-level storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.77
Engine
Alternator: 125 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low oil level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Sunroof: sliding sunshade
Safety
Active head restraints: front and rear · Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Auto height adjusting shoulder belts: front · Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Front shock type: monotube · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Wheels
Wheel spokes: multi-spoke
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent