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:

• 

  The Perfect SUV for all ages - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Jorge Baeza - May 26 - 4:53 am

  First time I saw it was during the 2007 car show in Houston. My wife and me, we were very impressed from the beginning. We didnt know which one to choose between the Acadia and the Outlook, we decided for the outlook because it has more of a luxury type inside. Its a lot of fun and comfort to drive it. My friends are also very impressed with it. I bought the Diamond White color one with the tan interiors. Excellent.

• 

  Great small SUV - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Adrian - May 24 - 6:56 pm

  I must say that I held off writing this review until the first year was over. This is a fun car to drive, and who would of thought a manual shift SUV would be fun? The entry level front seats for a long drive are not the greatest, so upgrade if you can. The sound system is very poor and should of never been in a modern vehicle. Other that that the car is laid out very well and I would recommend this SUV. A great every day car for those with a budget.

• 

  Does what it needs to - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Splash - May 24 - 5:50 pm

  It does what we want it to with no problem. Gas mileage is good, pickup is good. Great price and safety features. I owned an old S series and was pleased with the 250k miles I put on it in its lifetime, and have been pleased with the ION. Customer service is always excellent. The biggest selling point for this car was the three car seat tethers/anchor points in the backseat. Saturn is the only car manufacturer who puts car seat anchors in all seating positions. I can easily fit three car seats in the backseat, even rear facing, with no problem.

• 

  Hit or Miss - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Bsrice - May 23 - 1:33 pm

  Bought my 05 Relay new, great price (I thought till depreciation hit)DVD player was a must have. Did good on gas mileage 28-30. Had problems from the start with molding, carpet, auto door, cupping tires every 8 K miles. Put 3 sets on, told no problem with car, yet camber set so off by Saturn specs, rotor issues, lights flickering. Ended up eating the depreciation and buying a 06 Jeep Liberty. Was a good little van if they spent more time in testing, could have had a nice price nich in the market.

• 

  I like Mine! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Telaine - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I like my 2003 Saturn Vue. I like the large doors and sunroof. It rides smoothly and handles very well. I have a V-6 which my husband suggested and I am glad I did. It is powerful enough to get on the freeway and get moving quickly.

• 

  Made in the USA - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Robert L. Garrison - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I traded a Cadillac in on this new Vue in 2002 instead of 2003. I am so very much impressed with the appearance, the road stability, the electronic steering, roomy interior. I get great gas milage also. Saturn Service provides a loaner or rental car when it is necessary to keep overnight or an extended time. I am proud of my Vue, I am even prouder that it was fully Manufactured and assembled in Tennessee right here in the United States of America. Body, engine and transmission made here in U. S. A. from scratch.

• 

  excellent - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By tommy Saitta - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I own a saturn vue, and we are very happy with it. Its fuel economy is excellent, and its optional gearless transmission is essential for maintaining highway speeds. My only regret was not going for the all wheel drive, but that will be our next Vue.

• 

  I LOVE MY SATURN - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By BGTAX MAN - May 22 - 2:00 am

  THE LOW PRESSURE ATTITUDE SATURN HAS WAS VERY ENJOYABLE,THE SALES REP WAS FRIENDLY AND OUTGOING,AFTER WE SELECTED THE VEHICLE WE PURCHASED, SATURN OF BOWLING GREEN HAD THE SUV CLEANED AND FILLED WITH GAS IMMEDIATLEY,THERE WAS NO HAGGLEING OR BACK AND FORTH TO THE"SALES MANAGER". JAY OUR SALES REP OFFERED US A FAIR VALUE FOR OUR TRADE IN RIGHT OFF THE BAT AND 2 FINANCING OPTIONS WITH NO PRESSURE. WE WERE IN AND OUT OF THE SATURN DEALERSHIP IN LESS THAN 1 HOUR!!WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE SATURN VUE TO ALL,AND SATURN OF BOWLING GREEN!!!

• 

  Saturn Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Howard Watson - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I have an all wheel drive v-6 2003 with the extras. People that ride in it are amazed. I love not having to step up to get in the seat and being high enough to see over the traffic and being able to see all around me. There are no blind spots and with 22,000 on the odometer I have not had anything more than the regular maintainence. I love not getting dings in my car doors - I could have gotten a more expensive SUV - a Lexus, Mercedes or Porche - but the difference was not significat to me. The cost of insurance is much less for this SUV and the safety factor is high in this too.

• 

  disappointed - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By exoterica - May 22 - 2:00 am

  A real disappointment, especially with the mileage. It promised 23/28, and it is closer to 16/19. The dealer siad there was nothing wrong with the car and nothing they could do about it. Have also had the door fixed, windshield cleaner valves fixed with only 3000 miles.