Competitors:
Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima
Design Language:
Distinctive styling, European-influenced Epsilon platform architecture
Powertrain Options:
Variety of engine and transmission choices, including performance variants (e.g., Aura XR)
Interior Appointments:
Often praised for upscale interior materials and quiet cabin for its class
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed overhaul, repair, and diagnostic procedures for all engine variants
Engine Management:
Ignition system, fuel system, emissions control, engine control module (ECM) diagnostics and calibration
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (e.g., 4-speed 4T65-E, 6-speed 6T70/6T75) repair, overhaul, and diagnostics
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, axles, CV joints, differential
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, alignment procedures
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (discs/pads, calipers), ABS, EBD, brake fluid service
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, interior/exterior electrical components, wiring diagrams
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, windows, exterior trim, interior trim, underbody components
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair
Comfort And Convenience:
Power windows, power locks, mirrors, seats, sunroof operation
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnosis and servicing, seatbelt mechanisms
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation
Troubleshooting:
System-specific diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation and resolution
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for critical fasteners across all systems
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems
Depth:
Professional-level detail, suitable for mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts
Engine 2.4L:
2.4L Ecotec I4 (LE5), 177 hp @ 6200 rpm, 170 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Engine 3.5L:
3.5L High Feature V6 (LZ9), 224 hp @ 6000 rpm, 220 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 3.6L V6 Xr:
3.6L High Feature V6 (LLT, often in XR models), 252 hp @ 6300 rpm, 251 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (performance may vary slightly by year)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI) for all engines
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 8.0 quarts (7.6 liters) with Dex-Cool (orange) coolant
Oil Type 2.4L:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Oil (GM recommended)
Oil Type V6:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Oil (GM recommended)
Oil Capacity 2.4L:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change
Oil Capacity V6:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change (LZ9), approx. 5.5 quarts (5.2 liters) for LLT
Standard Transmission:
4-speed automatic (4T65-E)
Optional Transmission:
6-speed automatic (6T70/6T75) primarily with V6 engines
Transmission Fluid Spec 4T65E:
Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Transmission Fluid Spec 6T70:
Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Transmission Fluid Capacity 4T65E:
Approx. 4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) for dry fill, 9.5 quarts (9.0 liters) total
Transmission Fluid Capacity 6T70:
Approx. 5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) for dry fill, 10.5 quarts (10.0 liters) total
Length:
Approx. 191.7 inches (4869 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.9 inches (1801 mm)
Height:
Approx. 58.1 inches (1476 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 107.9 inches (2741 mm)
Curb Weight I4:
Approx. 3,300 lbs (1497 kg)
Curb Weight V6:
Approx. 3,450 lbs (1565 kg) to 3,550 lbs (1610 kg) depending on trim and drivetrain
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star rating for driver and front passenger in frontal crash tests
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star rating for rear passenger and 4-Star for front passenger in side impact tests
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Achieved 'Good' ratings in frontal and side impact tests from IIHS, potentially earning Top Safety Pick status in some years
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Available StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, available full-length side curtain airbags
Audio System:
Available premium audio systems, CD player, MP3 playback capability, auxiliary input jack.
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed navigation system.
Parking Assist:
Available rear parking assist sensors.
Bluetooth:
Available Bluetooth hands-free calling system.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil. Refer to oil life monitoring system.
Service Intervals Filters
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 12,000 miles (19,000 km) or 12 months, or more frequently in dusty conditions.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Check fluid level periodically. Replacement interval typically around 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for Dexron VI, but consult manual for specific recommendations.
Coolant Replacement:
First replacement at 5 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km) thereafter for Dex-Cool.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (consult owner's manual for exact specification)
Power Steering Fluid:
GM Power Steering Fluid or equivalent
Engine Mounts:
Premature wear or failure of engine mounts, especially on V6 models, leading to vibration.
Transmission Issues 6T70:
Occasional reports of harsh shifting or solenoid issues in the 6-speed automatic transmission.
HVAC Blend Door:
Failure of HVAC blend door actuators, affecting temperature control.
Rear Wheel Bearing:
Premature failure of rear wheel bearings causing humming or grinding noises.
Saturn Brand Philosophy:
Saturn was introduced by General Motors in 1985 as a separate division, focusing on innovative automotive design, polymer body panels, and a customer-centric sales approach.
Aura Introduction:
The Saturn Aura was introduced for the 2007 model year, replacing the Saturn Ion sedan. It was designed to be a more upscale and European-influenced competitor in the mid-size sedan segment.
Platform Sharing:
Based on the GM Epsilon platform, shared with vehicles like the Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6, and European Opel Vectra.
Manufacturing Location:
Lordstown, Ohio, USA
Production Years:
2007-2009 (Saturn brand discontinued in 2010, but production continued for a short period for existing inventory)
Car And Driver Best Sedan:
Named to Car and Driver's '10Best Sedans' list in 2007.
Consumer Reports:
Received generally favorable ratings from Consumer Reports for its class, particularly for ride and handling.
Safety Certifications:
Consistent good safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, contributing to its appeal.
