2008 Saturn Aura

The 2008 Saturn Aura is an amazingly good deal. Available in a V-6 (which I purchased), it is by far the nicest car I've ever owned (including luxury brands). It has luxury details without the huge price tag. It comes with all the available features you could ever want. It has a great suspension, handles like a dream, and is an absolute pleasure to drive. I regularly get compliments on this car's appearance and take pride in driving it.

This vehicle is comfortable to drive (or ride in). It has ample legroom - even in the back. I have two (rather long-legged) teenagers and they can sit in the back without complaining about having enough room - and without putting their knees in my back.

Additionally, the trunk is surprisingly spacious. You get more room in this vehicle's trunk than you would in most SUVs with a 3rd row seat installed.

The Saturn Aura gets great gas mileage and its performance doesn't suffer to give you more miles per gallon. Although I haven't gotten the advertising "30 MPG", I generally get about 24 MPG, which is pretty good because the speed limits are higher where I drive.

Prior to buying this car, I had no experience with a Saturn vehicle. I've heard from many people that they love their Saturns, and that the purchasing experience was more relaxing than at other types of dealerships. I agree completely. Additionally, when I've had to go in and get my vehicle serviced, the service department staff were as pleasurable as the salsepeople.

I purchased my Saturn Aura at the end of the year, when the prices were even lower than usual, so I got a great deal on it. However, I must admit that I would probably have bought it even if it weren't such a great deal - just because it's a REALLY nice car.

If you've been wanting a nice-looking vehicle but just can't afford to spend $30,000 or more, the Saturn Aura would be a great choice for you. Don't buy a Hyundai or Kia because you want something that looks good but you can't afford a Chrysler 300 or Dodge Charger. Buy a Saturn Aura and get a car that looks good AND drives well. (I've driven higher-end Kias and Hyundais. They do look nice on the outside, but they don't handle well and they're not nearly as comfortable).

I would think that even if you buy this car "used", it will still be a reliable vehicle for you and should meet all your needs.

Pros: The Saturn Aura comes with a great selection of options. It offers excellent fuel economy (even in the V-6), It's beautifully designed, It comes with OnStar and XM satellite radio services. It is an extremely comfortable vehicle to drive.

Cons: Some of the components seem to be less-than-durable. Within a few months, my turn signal no longer turned itself off after making turns and I've been having trouble with a mildew smell coming from the air conditioning. I'm concerned about being able to get service in the future, as GM has decided to discontinue the Saturn brand.

Overall opinion: You don't have to sacrifice on style and you don't have to spend a fortune to get a car that looks great, handles well, and gives you everything you need in a vehicle. Just buy a Saturn Aura!