Target Audience:
Consumers seeking a comfortable, stylish, and well-equipped sedan
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Impala, Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima
Design:
Distinctive styling, influenced by European GM models (Opel Vectra/Vauxhall Insignia lineage)
Chassis:
Global Epsilon platform, providing a solid and refined driving experience
Powertrain Options:
Range of modern V6 engines
Instrument Cluster:
Indicator lights, gauges, driver information center operation
Entertainment Systems:
Audio system operation, radio controls, entertainment options
Climate Controls:
HVAC system operation, automatic climate control, manual controls
Lighting:
Headlight operation, interior lighting, fog lights
Driver Controls:
Steering wheel controls, gear selector, parking brake
Locks And Security:
Door locks, keyless entry, anti-theft system
Seating And Safety Restraints:
Seat adjustment, seat belts, airbag system operation
Driving Operations:
Starting the engine, driving, parking, towing information
Customer Assistance:
Warranty information, roadside assistance, dealer services
Cleaning And Care:
Interior and exterior cleaning procedures
Maintenance And Specifications:
General maintenance guidelines and vehicle specifications
Engine Compartment:
Identification of engine components, fluid fill points
Engine Oil:
Oil type, capacity, and checking procedure
Battery:
Battery maintenance and jump starting procedures
Fuel Information:
Recommended fuel type, octane rating
Air Filter:
Information on air filter replacement (general)
Part Numbers:
Some basic part numbers (e.g., tire size, oil filter, likely not extensive)
Refill Capacities:
Fluid capacities for engine oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid, etc.
Lubricant Specifications:
Specifications for various lubricants and fluids
Accessories:
Information on available factory-installed accessories
Reporting Safety Defects:
Information on reporting safety defects (U.S. only)
Basic Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels, tire pressure, basic fluid changes
Warning Lights:
Explanation of dashboard warning lights and their meanings
Tire Changing:
Procedure for changing a flat tire, jack points
Jump Starting:
Correct procedure for jump starting the vehicle
Fuse Replacement:
Locating and replacing fuses
Depth:
Owner-level maintenance and operation. Does not cover advanced diagnostics or repair procedures typically found in a service manual.
Engine Option 1 Type:
3.5L V6 (LZ9)
Engine Option 1 Displacement:
3.5 Liters / 3500 cc
Engine Option 1 Horsepower:
224 hp @ 6200 rpm
Engine Option 1 Torque:
223 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine Option 2 Type:
3.6L V6 (HFV6 - High Feature V6)
Engine Option 2 Displacement:
3.6 Liters / 3564 cc
Engine Option 2 Horsepower:
252 hp @ 6300 rpm
Engine Option 2 Torque:
251 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine Option 3 Type:
3.6L V6 VVT (LLT - Direct Injection)
Engine Option 3 Displacement:
3.6 Liters / 3564 cc
Engine Option 3 Horsepower:
265 hp @ 6300 rpm
Engine Option 3 Torque:
251 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Aspiration:
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Port Fuel Injection (MPI) for LZ9 and HFV6, Direct Injection (DI) for LLT
Recommended Fuel:
87 octane unleaded gasoline (89 octane recommended for 3.6L LLT for optimal performance)
Valve Train:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 24 valves
Cylinder Block Material:
Aluminum
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
5 Stars
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Good
IIHS Side Impact Crash Test:
Good
IIHS Rear Impact Crash Test:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side-impact airbags, roof rail airbags (standard or optional depending on trim)
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Audio System:
Available Bose premium audio system, CD player, MP3 capability, auxiliary input jack.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system
Connectivity:
Bluetooth for hands-free calling (optional on some trims)
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist sensors
Lighting Features:
Automatic headlights (optional)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months, or as indicated by the oil life monitoring system.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace as needed (or every 45,000-60,000 miles as preventative maintenance).
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (or every 20,000-30,000 miles).
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Inspect regularly, change fluid and filter typically around 100,000 miles, or as per severe service schedule.
Coolant Replacement:
Initial change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter (GM Super Coolant).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30, meeting GM dexos1 specification (or API SN/GF-5).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts (4.2 liters) for 3.5L V6; 5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) for 3.6L V6.
Coolant Type:
GM Super Coolant (Orange color, silicate-free, P-OAT based).
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Approved washer fluid or water.
Common Issue 1:
Transmission issues (hesitation, rough shifting) with the 6T70 transmission, especially in earlier models. Maintenance of fluid is critical.
Common Issue 2:
Catalytic converter failures or P0420/P0430 codes.
Common Issue 3:
Water pump leaks on 3.6L V6 engines.
Common Issue 4:
Power steering leaks or pump noise.
Oil Filter 3.5L V6 Example:
GM Part Number 19179401 or AC-Delco PF46/PF46E
Oil Filter 3.6L V6 Example:
GM Part Number 12621080 or AC-Delco PF64
Saturn Brand Philosophy:
Saturn was positioned as a different kind of car company, emphasizing customer satisfaction, innovative retail environments, and polymer body panels (though Aura did not heavily feature this).
Generation:
First Generation (2007-2009)
Platform Basis:
Based on the GM Epsilon platform, shared with vehicles like the Opel Vectra, Saab 9-3, and Chevrolet Malibu
Manufacturing Location:
Kansas City, Kansas, USA
Production End Year:
2009 (Saturn brand discontinued in 2010)