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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  Third Times the charm - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By STRN30 - April 16 - 7:40 am

  This is my third Saturn in 6 years, and I am very happy with my VUE. Easy to drive, not too big, Seats are comfortable, pick-up is great. Miles per gallon is very much like the L200: about 26 highway/20 city. Traction control with ABS makes me feel very safe on the snow covered roads. Sideview mirrors that fold in-such an added bonus. Love the space and the leather/cloth seats. I read that a lot of owners thought the engine was too loud. I am not finding that to be an issue. Love the compass, temp gage/dimming rear view mirror. Overall, for me- it is a great vehicle. Gives me the room I need for me and my dog on trips. Recommend this vehicle to anyone. I feel safe, and love driving in it.

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  new saturn - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By lbsdad - April 14 - 10:00 am

  very happy with the vehicle. purchased several options after market due to high dealer markups (racks, step tubes). vehicle is very nice to look at and fun to drive. quiet on the highway. a little rough on bumps/speedbumps. sales experience very nice, easy to see why people prefer the "no haggle" policy. basic sound system more than does the job, good power with no buzz/rattle. vehicle is bigger than it looks, first impression is a small SUV, but this is a true mid-size.

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  I just bought a second VUE Redline - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By fuzzyfacegang - April 13 - 5:20 am

  After my wife was injured in an accident (totalling a 2003 Toyota Corolla S) I did my research for 5 star crash ratings. I eliminated everything that did not rate 5 stars. We drove up from Atlanta to Spartenberg, SC two days before Christmas ans bought "Chili Pepper". My wife loves it. She loves the pep of the 250 HP engine, as well as everything about it. The Vue had a 5 star rating front and side impact. (This side impact rating was without the side airbags.) We picked a chili pepper red one with cloth interior (No leather products) We also got the side airbags. Saturn VUE isnt the interiof for the snooty but is a clean simple interior. Weve had Porches,MB,Vettes, BMWs but Saturn now!!

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  A Fair and Balanced Opinion - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Dulse - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Did not care for this car before purchasing. Similar priced Corolla and Civic were much more appealing. With incentives and higher trade-in, total cost was $3,500.00 less. Lack of right leg room and goofy speedometer became less important. Ride is smoother than Corolla and as smooth as Civic. Engine and wind noise are low, consequently road noise more noticeable. Handles well and has a good sound system. A lot of bang for the buck. I am glad I chose the right car.

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  I love my VUE! - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Mandice77 - April 6 - 11:53 am

  I love my Saturn VUE and am so glad I decided to purchase one! It rides so smooth and I feel so safe in it. I love the Honda motor in it making it drive so much better! The service Saturn provides is also wonderful and I would recommend a Saturn to anyone!

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  Still surprises me everyday - 2005 Saturn ION
  By RL-2005 - April 5 - 3:33 pm

  Ive had this car for two years and it still puts a smile on my face to drive it 40 miles to work everyday. GM had the injector and pulley kit and catback exhaust that made the car even better for very low cost. I love having a fast, reliable car that handles great and did not break the bank. GM should make all their cars like this one. I may have to upgrade to the turbo Cobalt SS next year.

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  Redline - 2007 Saturn ION
  By madfry - April 3 - 12:40 pm

  This vehicle is a very quick and fuel efficient for the amount of HP that it puts out. It does have limited rear leg room but its a coupe with power its made for the single people who drive around for fun, though children fit well in the back adults no. By me driving the speed limit and not gunning it which i did for the first week it on average will get 225 miles per 10 gallons of gas or 3/4 tank of fuel. If I drive it like normal I get about 210-215 per same amount of fuel, but it depends on the Driver my GF drove it for a week and got 230 from 10 gals. Wonderful car though!

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  Stylish and Economical - 2006 Saturn ION
  By M. T. - April 2 - 11:13 pm

  After being an avid Honda Accord owner for the last 10 years, I was looking for a change and similar quality vehicle for a lower price. After researching every possible vehicle, I fell in love with the look and the amenties of the Saturn. It has everything I want (Sunroof, automatic, nice stereo, good looks, plus even more than I expected--OnStar and XM radio with an MP3 at a great affordable price. The purchase of the vehicle was nonstressful and they accomodated the sale to my finances. Im looking forward to many wonderful years with my Saturn and hope you give this car the chance it deserves. I never thought Id buy anything except Japanese, but am not regretting it.

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  Car That Works - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By FirstAura - April 2 - 3:50 pm

  Have owned a string of Hondas, Nissans and Toyotas and the Aura competes well with these vehicles while coming with more content at thousands less price. It was initially difficult to accept that it was a GM car. The 4 cyl performance works on hills and entering highways. Ride is quiet and will get better once OE tires are gone but that will take a long time. Mileage results so far support the EPA estimates. Looks great particularly since it comes with 17" wheels. Front seats are comfortable and adjust to fit (electric). Bluetooth for phone is a plus. Vehicle had preferred and convenience packages as no cost options. 5 star across safety!

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  2004 Vue is Excellent!! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Jkn1965 - April 2 - 2:00 am

  After test driving many vehicles, including the Ford Escape and the Nissan Xterra, I bought my VUE. This car, although I only have had it less than a month, is awesome. It has excellent power - 6.5 seconds for 0-60. As well, the interior is very easy to fall in love with and has made marked improvements from 2003 (which I test drove as well and decided to wait). The new material has really made the ride smooth and QUIET - even under hard accelleration.