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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  Handles like a dream - 2003 Saturn ION
  By LuvMyIon1 - July 13 - 2:00 am

  My Ion is a 5-speed. I average 32 MPG around town and love the way it handles. We used to own an Acura Legend and this handles much the same way.

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  Great mileage. Fun to Drive - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Olddrvr - July 10 - 2:23 am

  Bought this car for the mileage and am getting 32 mpg overall. Surprised on how much fun it is to drive. The 5spd shifts smooth, is peppy and car corners excellent. The large cargo area with independent folding rear and front seats and rear doors make this coupe a great value. Might want larger outside mirrors, better vision out rear side windows and a little more response in the steering. Otherwise its much better than adverised and must be a completely different car than the editors drove? Would recommend.

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  Great Outlook for Saturn - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Sandy - July 8 - 11:00 pm

  I traded in my Toyota Sienna for this Outlook. It seemed to be the right fit. It is big enough for my family of five and all their stuff, but not too big. It has plenty of space, handles exceptionally well, and best of all it is not a mini-van. I test drove an Explorer, Vera Cruz, Acadia and the Outlook. The Acadia and the Outlook were the only ones big enough. I honestly feel that the Saturn label has more of a younger, hipper image than GMC. My husband and I both love it,it is cool enough for my teenagers, and for my eight year old. From the outside it doesnt look like it would have a third row, but it is amazing how much room there is in the third row.

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  I love my ION! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By hritch - July 8 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive. The small steering wheel is just my size (56" female driver) and the center mounted panel is easy to look at. I love all the features about this car that I wouldnt expect to find on a car under $20,000 -- power everything, auto headlights, remote entry, cruise control, ABS, sunroof, etc.

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  ION is the car for the money! - 2006 Saturn ION
  By tspielman - July 6 - 4:40 am

  Ive had my ION for 600 miles now and I love it! The 5 speed shifts smooth and fast. It tells you when to shift too! I got the base model for $13,500. The dashboard is a clever design. Took one day to get used too! I have test driven just about every car in this price range and this car has the best pick up for the price. The 2.2l engine is amazing! The interior is very roomy. Seats are comfy but could use a little more comfortable seats! But for this price cant really ask for a lot! Another downside when you have passengers is either your legs get squished or theirs if your seat is slid all the way back! Theres less then 8" of legroom for the passengers.

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  Im sad Saturn is phased out. - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By surtrav3 - July 2 - 3:11 am

  I bought my Vue used with 81,000 miles. Had minor work done on driver side door as it needed to be adjusted to keep the entry lights off. Replaced tie-ends. Very minor stuff. Bumps are a bit noisy but are just an undesired design feature as the mounts are easily loosened. It is not a safety issue at all. I have no problem with wind noise. I have read other reviews stating that the Vue does not handle well in the snow. I disagree with this and chalk it up as driver error. I have had no problems in our North Dakota winters at all. Ive made it out of some pretty deep drifts and severe ice conditions.

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  Great Car For The Price - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Mark in Columbus, OH - July 1 - 6:46 pm

  This is my second Saturn, replacing my 97 SL sedan. I am in love. The quality of the materials inside is head and shoulders above the SL. The power from my optional 2.4L engine is amazing. Fuel economy is acceptable, but worse than the SL, but at nearly double the horses its a fine trade off. I took advantage of the end of year and end of model year deals and got out the door $3500 below sticker, tax, title and tags included. I just hope I get as many years (9) and miles (190,000) out this new car that I got out of my beloved SL.

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  Fun! - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Adam - July 1 - 11:20 am

  The car is fun to drive and cost less than many of the roadsters out there. Always getting attention, even from Mercedes SL500 owners. Very comfortable even for long drives. Exceptional detail for the price and Saturn.

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  3000 miles on it so far - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By 3000 miles - June 30 - 2:36 pm

  Beautiful car to look at and fun to drive. The 6 speed trans is nice but shifts up and down trying to find the right gear often. Car does wonderful on the highway with lots of power to pass and take on the hills. Car has lots of room in cabin and trunk. Gas milage is not as good as advertised. Visibility is difficult at times, see below. Cup holders seem small, like theyre for kids cups.

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  Saturn Ion 3 Qad Coupe 2.4 - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Dave Waldrom - June 28 - 8:33 am

  Comparing this vehicle to my last car, 2001 Ford Focus ZX3. Ion ride is smoother than Focus. Corners better than Focus(less lean). Better acceration than Focus. Easier entry and exit than Focus ZX3. More interior room than Focus ZX3. Gas mileage is about the same, 24-25 mpg vs 24-25 mpg, even though the Ion has 175 HP vs Focus 130 HP. Ion steering has a better road feel. Ion trunk opens and closes easier than Focus. Ion rear seats fold down and back up easier than Focus. Entry to the rear of the Ion is easier with the Ion due to the rear quad coupe doors. Ion center console is almost useless.