Overview & Reviews

The Saturn brand, which was part of General Motors, has been discontinued as of the 2009 model year. Though popular in its early years, Saturn suffered from poor sales and was shuttered as part of GM's bankruptcy reorganization.

Despite its sad end, Saturn started with a bright future. After losing market share to Japanese imports during the '80s, General Motors launched Saturn, a new division that began selling small, low-priced cars in 1990. The division promoted itself as "different," with Saturn dealers offering no-haggle pricing and friendly customer service.

Saturn made its debut with the S Series line of vehicles. Available in sedan, coupe and wagon configurations, these Saturns differentiated themselves from other GM products with all-new platforms and flexible plastic panels meant to resist denting. Additionally, the brand was granted its own plant, with all Saturns being built at a dedicated facility in Spring Hill, Tennessee. These first Saturns weren't exactly built to burn rubber; they were powered by engines that offered from 85-124 horsepower. The payoff, though, was that these were among the most fuel-efficient vehicles of their day, offering up to 40 miles per gallon (when equipped with a manual transmission).

Just after the brand's conception, GM boasted that Saturn vehicles would benefit from rapid evolution, but in the early years, this wasn't the case. The brand's vehicles saw only one redesign in their first decade of existence. The revamp took place in the mid-'90s, and for the most part, it was only skin deep. Exteriors were spruced up and interior room saw a slight increase.

The Saturn brand enjoyed some success in its earliest years, fueled by buyers who were in love with its unique approach to customer relations that included "no-haggle" pricing. By the turn of the century, though, the novelty had worn off. With dated platforms and a limited range of products, the marque was neglected by GM, and disappointing sales figures showed that buyers had taken note and chosen to spend their dollars elsewhere.

GM responded by ramping up its commitment to the Saturn brand. In 2000, it rolled out the L Series; sharing a platform and an engine with the Opel Vectra (one of GM's European products) the sedan was the opening salvo in GM's ultimately futile fight to resuscitate the struggling brand. An SUV, the Vue, was unveiled, as was a minivan, the Relay. The S Series was replaced by the lamentable Ion, which was available as a sedan and a coupe. GM also added a hybrid to the lineup, with the introduction of the Saturn Vue Green Line.

Later, Saturn included the sporty Sky roadster, the midsize Aura sedan, the compact second-generation Vue crossover and the full-size Outlook crossover. For a brief period, there was also the European-sourced Astra compact hatchback.

Despite the increase in product quality, however, the Saturn brand effectively collapsed in 2009. As part of GM's bankruptcy proceedings, Saturn was offered up for sale. Initially, it was believed that the Penske Corporation would take over Saturn. But the deal fell through at the last minute, thereby spelling the final end for GM's import-fighting experiment.

User Reviews:

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  Loyal former employee - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By gregor - February 1 - 12:10 pm

  I have owned the Saturn for almost two years now and have been happy with it. Though the front seats are lacking in comfort during long trips, they are suitable for around town. The room is great for getting stuff around town, especially with the front seat laying flat. The sport package is great with the alloys, power package, and sunroof. The 5 speed is the only way to go with the 4 cyl. otherwise the power is too lacking. All in all a fun car to drive.

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  Bobs Best - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Bobs Best - January 31 - 7:20 pm

  There is no doubt but that this is the best car I have ever had in terms of quality. I have 19,000 miles on it and have not had a significant repair. All work done on the car has been routine maintenance. My son-in-law has the same car but without the fancy features and his experience is similar to mine.

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  First Saturn - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Gary - January 29 - 11:16 pm

  Happy with the overall package. Interior quality not up to Honda and others, but love the Honda V6 and transmission. Gets good gas mileage and is pleasant to drive.

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  Great Ride, Poor Fuel Economy - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By gbddy - January 28 - 9:56 am

  I love my 08 Saturn Vue. I got it for my wife for her birthday and it is as my wife says" So Cool". But the fuel economy is not good at all. It is so bad that I am wondering if something is wrong with it. And it only has 38000 miles.

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  2007 Saturn ION 2 Sedan - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Orbit9090 - January 22 - 5:30 am

  Our Saturn ION 2 sedan automatic 2.2L is very quiet and smooth riding. It is noticeably quieter and smoother than our 2007 Toyota Corolla LE automatic, especially when accelerating from a stop. The IONs handling is excellent. Headroom and legroom is impressive for this class of vehicle. Average fuel mileage (27 mpg) is not as good as our Corolla (30 mpg), but the ION feels much more spacious and comfortable inside. The IONs standard steering- wheel mounted cruise-control performs perfectly.

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  First Time Saturn Owner - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Teddy2200 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  LOVE this SUV. Coming from sportscars all my life this is a joy. I feel safe but not overpowered by size. Love the saturn service people.

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  Great car-despite the critics! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By DaisyNJ - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. She drives like a dream-smooth, great handling and WAY more pick up than the other sedans I have owned. Despite the critics comments that the back seats are uncomfortable-I have had 6 people comment and how great they are. I love the instrument panel in the middle-it makes your drive so much easier. No more looking through the steering wheel to see your speed. The roomy interior is one of the best features. My 64" buddy can join me with no problem. My only complaint is the interior fabric. The stains do not come out BUT luckily, they have fixed that for 2004 modfel year. Overall, this is the best car I have owned.

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  Happy ION Owner - 2004 Saturn ION
  By brumilcar - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Good dependable car, fun to drive, good handling in traffic.

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  Good to go and cheap - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Viewer - January 13 - 3:26 pm

  26 MPG, Leather heated seats sunroof, roomy fun great stereo. Let the good times roll. Oh and zero mechanical issues the first 35K

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  My First SUV - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Charles - December 31 - 1:20 pm

  I Love Saturn, Ive owned two lux sedans and one ION, this is my first VUE. It feels good and safe to sit up high, but I also feel very cramped. I just dont have any leg room to feel comfortable. It moves out quickly when you need the power and has good breaking traction. Im still trying to get use to the quick response with the steering wheel. It moves to quick for me, more like a sports car should. I like it but I wouldnt buy it again. I stick with Saturn, but the VUE was not my cup of tea.