🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Saturn

Model:

Aura

Year:

2008

Generation Code:

First Generation (2007-2009)

Platform:

GM Epsilon platform

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Sedan

Brand Identity:

Saturn's entry into the more upscale mid-size sedan market, aiming for import competitors.

Key Competitors:

Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu.

Design:

Distinctive styling, European-influenced design due to its Epsilon platform roots (shared with Opel Vectra).

Ride Comfort:

Emphasis on a comfortable and quiet ride, often praised for its refinement.

Interior:

Generally well-appointed interior with good materials for its class, though design elements can be polarizing.

📋 Manual Details

Language:

English

Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive owner's information for the 2008 Saturn Aura.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for a full owner's manual).

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Digital Format:

PDF Download

Software Requirement:

Requires a PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader).

📖 Manual Coverage

Instrument Cluster:

Detailed explanation of gauges, warning lights, and driver information center.

Entertainment Systems:

Operation of audio system, radio, CD player, and optional infotainment features.

Climate Controls:

Operation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, including manual and automatic climate control.

Lighting:

Operation of headlights, taillights, interior lights, and fog lights.

Driver Controls:

Explanation of steering wheel controls, cruise control, power mirrors, and other primary driver interface elements.

Locks And Security:

Operation of door locks, keyless entry, anti-theft system, and child security locks.

Seating And Safety Restraints:

Adjustment of seats, seat belt operation, airbag system information, and child seat installation.

Driving:

Basic driving procedures, parking, and fuel economy tips.

Customer Assistance:

Information on contacting Saturn customer service and roadside assistance.

Cleaning:

Recommendations for cleaning the interior and exterior of the vehicle.

Maintenance And Specifications:

General maintenance guidelines and key vehicle specifications.

Engine Compartment:

Identification of engine components and basic checks.

Engine Oil:

Information on checking and adding engine oil, including recommended viscosity.

Battery:

Information on battery maintenance and replacement.

Fuel Information:

Recommended fuel type and octane rating.

Air Filter:

Information regarding the engine air filter(s) and replacement intervals.

Part Numbers:

Listing of common replacement part numbers for owner-replaceable items.

Refill Capacities:

Capacities for essential fluids such as engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid.

Lubricant Specifications:

Detailed specifications for all necessary lubricants and fluids, including GM specifications.

Accessories:

Information on available factory-installed and dealer-installed accessories.

Reporting Safety Defects:

Procedures for reporting safety-related defects in the U.S.

Basic Maintenance:

Procedures for checking fluid levels, tire pressure, and performing basic inspections.

Troubleshooting:

Guidance on understanding warning lights and addressing common vehicle issues.

Depth:

Owner-level information for operation, basic checks, and maintenance. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic codes typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if created from a digitized factory manual.

Quality:

Digital replica of original factory print quality.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options 2008:

2.4L Ecotec I4, 3.5L V6, 3.6L V6 (Premium/GXP trims).

2.4L Ecotec I4:

Naturally aspirated, DOHC, 16-valve.

2.4L Ecotec I4 Horsepower:

177 hp @ 6600 rpm

2.4L Ecotec I4 Torque:

170 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

3.5L V6:

Naturally aspirated, SOHC, 24-valve, variable valve timing.

3.5L V6 Horsepower:

224 hp @ 6000 rpm

3.5L V6 Torque:

220 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm

3.6L V6 (High Output):

Naturally aspirated, DOHC, 24-valve, variable valve timing.

3.6L V6 Horsepower:

252 hp @ 6300 rpm

3.6L V6 Torque:

251 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (minimum) recommended for 2.4L and 3.5L. 87 octane minimum for 3.6L, premium recommended for optimal performance.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

6-speed automatic transmission (Hydra-Matic 6T40/6T70).

Optional Transmission:

N/A (6-speed automatic was standard across most trims).

Transmission Features:

Driver Shift Control (manual shifting capability).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

190.4 inches

Width:

71.7 inches

Height:

58.4 inches

Wheelbase:

112.9 inches

Front Headroom:

38.9 inches

Rear Headroom:

37.9 inches

Front Legroom:

42.1 inches

Rear Legroom:

37.9 inches

Trunk Capacity:

15.9 cubic feet

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3,400 - 3,700 lbs (depending on engine and trim).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star (Driver and Passenger)

NHTSA Side Impact:

5-Star (Front and Rear Passengers)

IIHS Front Offset Crash:

Good

IIHS Side Impact:

Good

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS).

Stability Control:

Available StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

Airbags:

Dual-stage front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, front and rear head curtain airbags (OnStar Safe & Sound Package).

Seat Belts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seating positions.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player with auxiliary input. Optional Bose premium audio system available.

Navigation:

Optional factory-installed navigation system.

Parking Sensors:

Available rear parking assist system.

Onstar:

Available OnStar system for emergency services, navigation, and remote diagnostics.

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 12 months (using synthetic oil), or as indicated by the oil life monitoring system.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 - 45,000 miles, or as needed based on driving conditions.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles, or annually.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Typically around 100,000 miles, or as per severe driving conditions, check manual for specifics.

Engine Oil Viscosity:

SAE 5W-30 (most engines). Check manual for specific engine requirements.

Coolant Type:

GM P/N 12346621, Dex-Cool (Orange) Long-Life Coolant.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).

Common Issues:

Potential issues include transmission hesitation or rough shifting (especially early 6-speed autos), water pump leaks, and minor electrical gremlins. Some owners reported interior rattles. For 2.4L engines, consider oil consumption issues which may require specific service bulletins.

Oil Filter 2.4L Ecotec:

GM 12613547 / ACDelco PF48 or equivalent.

Oil Filter 3.5L V6:

GM 12585992 / ACDelco PF46 or equivalent.

📚 Vehicle History

Saturn Brand Origin:

GM's brand created to challenge Japanese imports, known for plastic 'dent-resistant' body panels and a no-haggle pricing strategy.

Aura Introduction:

Introduced for the 2007 model year, replacing the Saturn Ion sedan in spirit, though Ion continued concurrently.

Platform Sharing:

Built on the GM Epsilon platform, which underpinned vehicles like the Opel Vectra, Chevrolet Malibu, and Pontiac G6, providing a European driving feel.

Trim Levels 2008:

XE (2.4L I4, 3.5L V6), XR (3.5L V6), GXP (3.6L V6).

Production Location:

Kansas City, Kansas, USA (GM Fairfax Assembly Plant).

Production Years:

2007-2009 (discontinued with the Saturn brand).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Iiihs Top Safety Pick:

Achieved 'Good' ratings in IIHS crash tests, contributing to its safety image.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Mixed to average ratings depending on model year and specific components; some praise for ride quality, others noted reliability concerns.