2009 Saturn Aura

Started in the 1980s as “a new kind of car company,” General Motors’ Saturn division took a fresh approach to manufacturing and selling automobiles. Initially, the brand launched with “no haggle” dealership pricing and a small lineup of vehicles distinguished by dent-resistant plastic door panels. Over time, the cars and SUVs became more conventional, sharing parts and basic designs with other GM models. The last Saturn vehicles, the Aura sedan and Astra hatchback, were based on designs from the European brand Opel, which was then a part of GM. Ultimately, Saturn was shuttered during GM’s bankruptcy in 2010, along with Hummer, Pontiac, and Saab. Saturn vehicles still on the road today are over a decade old and lag behind other used options when it comes to safety and convenience features.

The Aura uses the same platform as the Pontiac G6. The XE model has a coarse 3.5-liter V6 paired with a four-speed automatic. A smoother, stronger 252-hp, 3.6-liter V6 with a six-speed automatic is in the up-level XR. Both returned 20 mpg overall in our testing. Our tested XE had a better ride than the XR, which is stiffer and harsh over bumps. Both were nimble and responsive, but easily slid their tails at their handling limits. The interior has considerably nicer materials than past Saturns. Curtain air bags and ABS are standard, but ESC is standard only on the XR and the hybrid version. 2009 was its last year.