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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  Great car! - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By eileen - April 9 - 5:00 pm

  I really like my 2008 VUE. Its fun to drive, has great visibility, and is easy to maneuver in parking lots. It was a great deal compared to other cars and SUVs I considered. I love the XM radio, OnStar, and steering wheel radio controls!I wish I could have afforded the larger engine, because its not very peppy - especially on the highway. The cruise control is also poor - the car shifts up or down every 10-15 minutes or so, which isnt very enjoyable. I still like it, though, and I have no regrets. If I wasnt upside down on my trade-in, I would have gotten the bigger engine, remote start, and the package that included motorized seats.

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  Great vehicle (XR3 Manual) - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Hector - April 8 - 12:03 am

  Every car has its cons and pros which is why it took me three months to decide between the Astra, Mazda3, and a Civic. Im glad I chose this vehicle. Its a great, stiff drive that grips to the ground. Standard safety features give one less thing to worry about. The interior has nice qualities and the sound of the door closing is nicer (by a lot) than most. Its not perfect, an aux jack would be nice, and a six gear would be cool, but theyre not necessary. The one cup holder for the driver pushes me from not drinking while I drive. Theres no armrest which I thought would bother me, but having both hands on the wheel instead makes up for it.

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  Saturn VUE - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By joan - April 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive, and has great design. Its nimble, good acceleration, standard details, solidly built.

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  I love it... so does my family - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Patti - April 3 - 11:30 am

  I have enjoyed my new 2005 Saturn VUE now for 2 months and got it just in time before the gas prices went up. I get 22-25 mpg, much improved from my AWD mini-van that I traded. The tank is small, holds 16 gallons, but with the improved mileage, I dont have to fill anymore than before. Buying it was a dream, easy and simple. It has enough room for my 3 kids and all their stuff too. With the VTI 4 cyl. engine I have as much speed up the hills as a 6 cyl. I recommend this Saturn for any one who wants an AWD, interior room and a classy cross over look to boot.

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  Saturn blow-on - 2003 Saturn ION
  By aidamahn - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Have had all kinds of problems with this car, from day 1. The 5-speed transmission shifts sloppy, the gears tend to be hard to shift into sometimes, or theyll pop out. The construction seams to be cheaper than usual. The internals of my driver side door literally fell apart, window popped off track and the lock/hondle stopped working. Traction Control and ABS conflict with shifting (IE: you cant put it in gear while the abs is going off, or breifly after). Traction Control makes car shake violently at lower speeds.

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  saturn dealerships deceiving - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By martii scheer - April 3 - 2:00 am

  the vue rides beautifully and is very attractive inside and out. only MAJOR complaint is was not told that tire snow chains can only be purchased at the dealership and was caught in the sierras, donner pass without chains in a freak storm heading for reno on business and had to turn around as no one could sell us chains for a saturn car.

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  Amys Saturn - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By mewotell - April 3 - 2:00 am

  The Saturn is the best car we have ever owned it has been incredibly cheap to operate, fun to drive and it give one a sens of feeling safe. We live in Florida and the air conditioning system is incredible.

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  I love my new Saturn - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Charlotte Hummel - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Its got the greatest lines... almost like a ballet dancer. It drives super! Great acceleration and pickup. A dream come true to navigate. Sun roof option gives you plenty of light even in winter...helps with those winter blahs. Buy this car and throw out your St. Johns wart for depression. This auto lifts your spirits.

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  Love our fifth saturn - 2004 Saturn ION
  By itazs[awn - April 3 - 2:00 am

  We just got our new saturn last month. We love it. It is our fifth saturn since we have been married. We have been married 22 years and have 2 kids. The saturn is not only excellant in gas mileage but comfort. If you have never had a saturn and want a mid sized car then you may want to go to your closest dealer.No car dealership will treat you as saturn with the friendliest,Honest, and Caring Salespeople.

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  Worst purchase of my life - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By neverdriveasaturn - April 2 - 9:06 am

  Nothing new, except proof of serious probs that should have resulted in recalls. Numerous prob with ABS and traction control systems going out--replaced sensors four times at a cost of $500+ twice(other two times were under part warranty).Had probs with rotors warping immediately after purchase, replaced at 35000 miles.Also had probs with cupping tires(on third set at 67000 miles).Warped tire rods. Auto door opener stopped working.Lever to fold 3rd broke.Depreciation!Traded this one in last week when we were upside down on the loan by $4000 because it was too costly to keep.Our cost to own this one for 3.5 yrs-over $40,000(purchase of $28000 and the rest in repairs, not incl. gas at 20mpg)