Saturn Aura Overview: Specs, Generations, and Which to Buy
A guide to Saturn Aura specs across the 2006–2010 sedan lineup, covering the single generation, its 168–252 hp range, and which automatic FWD versions stand out.
The Saturn Aura is a mid-size sedan built from 2006 to 2010, offered with engines spanning 168 to 252 hp, automatic transmissions, and front-wheel drive. It suits drivers who want a straightforward American sedan with a wide power spread — from modest commuter trims to a genuinely quick 252 hp version. This overview covers Saturn Aura specs by generation and points to the versions worth seeking out.
Saturn Aura generations
1 generation (2006–2010)
The first and only generation of the Saturn Aura ran from 2006 to 2010 in a single sedan body style. All three modifications came with an automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with output ranging from 168 hp to 252 hp. The two standout versions are the 3.5 AT, a 3510 cc engine producing 227 hp, and the 3.6 AT, a 3600 cc engine producing 252 hp. The 3.6 AT (1 generation) is the performance pick of the lineup, accelerating to highway speed in 6.2 seconds — quick for a front-wheel-drive sedan of its era. The 3.5 AT (1 generation) was the volume version, pairing solid mid-range power with the same automatic gearbox and FWD layout.
Which Saturn Aura to buy
- 3.5 AT (1 generation): the mass-market version with 227 hp from its 3510 cc engine — the most common configuration, which makes finding one on the used market easier.
- 3.6 AT (1 generation): the most powerful Saturn Aura at 252 hp, with 0–60 acceleration of 6.2 seconds — the clear choice if performance matters.
Buying used means shopping within a single 2006–2010 generation, which keeps the search simple: there are no cross-generation changes to track, only three modifications in total, and every car shares the same automatic transmission and front-wheel-drive layout. Focus on condition and history rather than model year, since the specification stayed consistent across the production run.
Summary
The Saturn Aura lineup is compact and easy to navigate: one generation, one sedan body, three modifications, all automatic and front-wheel drive. The 3.5 AT (1 generation) with 227 hp covers most needs as the widespread version, while the 3.6 AT (1 generation) with 252 hp and a 6.2-second sprint is the enthusiast's pick. With a 168–252 hp range across the 2006–2010 run, there is a Saturn Aura for both economy-minded and performance-minded buyers.