🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Saturn Model: Aura Year: 2008 Generation Generation Code: First Generation (2007-2009) Codes Platform: GM Epsilon platform 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Mid-size Sedan Brand Identity: Saturn's entry into the more upscale mid-size sedan market, aiming for import competitors. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu. Key Features 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 Coverage Areas Language: English Coverage Scope: Comprehensive owner's information for the 2008 Saturn Aura. Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for a full owner's manual). Manual Type Manual Type: Owner's Manual Format Digital Format: PDF Download Software Requirement: Requires a PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader). 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered 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. Procedures Included Basic Maintenance: Procedures for checking fluid levels, tire pressure, and performing basic inspections. Troubleshooting: Guidance on understanding warning lights and addressing common vehicle issues. Technical Depth 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 Format File Type: Portable Document Format (PDF) Searchability: Likely text-searchable if created from a digitized factory manual. Print Quality Quality: Digital replica of original factory print quality. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine 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 System 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 Standard Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission (Hydra-Matic 6T40/6T70). Optional Optional Transmission: N/A (6-speed automatic was standard across most trims). Features Transmission Features: Driver Shift Control (manual shifting capability). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 190.4 inches Width: 71.7 inches Height: 58.4 inches Wheelbase: 112.9 inches Interior Front Headroom: 38.9 inches Rear Headroom: 37.9 inches Front Legroom: 42.1 inches Rear Legroom: 37.9 inches Cargo Trunk Capacity: 15.9 cubic feet Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 3,400 - 3,700 lbs (depending on engine and trim). 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings 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 Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Traction Control: Standard Traction Control System (TCS). Stability Control: Available StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Passive Features 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...
Saturn's entry into the more upscale mid-size sedan market, aiming for import competitors.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu.
Key Features
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
Coverage Areas
Language:
English
Coverage Scope:
Comprehensive owner's information for the 2008 Saturn Aura.
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for a full owner's manual).
Manual Type
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Format
Digital Format:
PDF Download
Software Requirement:
Requires a PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader).
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
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.
Procedures Included
Basic Maintenance:
Procedures for checking fluid levels, tire pressure, and performing basic inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Guidance on understanding warning lights and addressing common vehicle issues.
Technical Depth
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 Format
File Type:
Portable Document Format (PDF)
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if created from a digitized factory manual.
Print Quality
Quality:
Digital replica of original factory print quality.
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.
Part Numbers
Oil Filter 2.4L Ecotec:
GM 12613547 / ACDelco PF48 or equivalent.
Oil Filter 3.5L V6:
GM 12585992 / ACDelco PF46 or equivalent.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Saturn Brand Origin:
GM's brand created to challenge Japanese imports, known for plastic 'dent-resistant' body panels and a no-haggle pricing strategy.
Model Evolution
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.