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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  A perfect first time car buy - 2003 Saturn ION
  By SuthernCharm - March 10 - 10:00 am

  The Saturn Ion is a great car for someone just starting out. It has great get up and go power (for a domestic) Personally, I was very skeptical about buying a Saturn over a Toyota, but when it came down to it Saturn was willing to bend over backwards to give me what I wanted in a car. Its a nice stylish build, smooth ride and all the service can not be beat.

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  Tried them all before I purchased - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Bill D. - March 7 - 6:33 am

  I researched and test drove all the small Suvs and I chose the Saturn XE. Just returned from a 4,000 mile trip and I couldnt be happier with this vehicle. Mileage 24+ on highway and very comfortable with a good ride for a small SUV. Looks great and for me has plenty of power, I wanted good mileage and ordered the 4 banger with front wheel drive which has plenty of pep for me. Love the OnStar and satellite radio. One thing that I do wish this vehicle had and that is a pop-up rear window for hauling those over 8 feet items.

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  Yes, Its Really a Saturn! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By tabjaxx - March 7 - 4:23 am

  Test drove GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, Chrysler Pacifica, bought a 2008 Outlook XR FWD. The Acadia didnt ride as nice as the Outlook and had a few rattles to it. One practically melts into the Outlooks leather seats. Nice leg room in 2nd row. The ride is smooth, but can be rather stiff over bumps. It is quiet--you can hardly tell the engine is running; road noise is minimal. The interior is handsomely designed and the amber lighting over the front seat console is a nice touch. Impressive fit and finish. Engine power is adequate, although it is not the quickest out of the gate. Transmission is smooth but is hesitant to downshift. Not bad gas mileage (18 cty, 21 hwy). Nice vehicle. Good job GM!

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  Civic Killer - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Astrabuyer - March 5 - 6:50 am

  I finally found a car that beats out the peoples favorite Honda Civic. This car is better in every way, especially handling. I also really like the cool unique features like the remote roll down windows and monster sunroof.

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  I love this SUV - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Chris - March 2 - 11:46 pm

  Ive had this SUV for a little over 3 weeks and so far its been exceptional. No concerns here. If your looking into getting a resonably priced full size suv than the Outlook is the way to go.

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  Not a bad Vue from here - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By 4norm78 - March 2 - 1:43 pm

  I purchased a 2008 Certified Pre Owned (CPO) Saturn Vue Redline a month ago with 47,000 miles on it. The five year, 50,000 mile warranty was done, but the 12 month, 12,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty tagged with free regular maintenance for 2 years or 24,000 miles made up for it. I’ve been averaging over 19 mpg driving on my 12 mile loop to work each day. I did get a rather curious mpg reading driving around Arizona. From Phoenix to Prescott, going up the mountain, the car was getting 19 mpg. Going done the mountain, the car registered 29 mpg, averaging just short of 25 mpg for the trip. Driving from Phoenix to Tucson, which is relatively flat, the car only got 19 mpg. I looked at the XR model, but I liked the upgraded Redline interior much better. The car rides rather firm, but smooth. The engine has adequate pick up, but the transmission does seem to hunt for the right gear from time to time. No problem with the A/C, but I did have to take the car in for repairs to the passenger side windshield wiper – twice. My car has the remote start and rain sensing options. I’m having no problems finding parts. Found a new cargo shade for less than the dealer price, delivered with no sales tax. When shopping, I looked at RX 330’s and 350’s, but the prices were just too high for a high mileage Lexus that uses premium gas and you see one of them every time you turn your head. The Saturn is out of production, but the current Chevy version of the car provides dealer service and warranty work options.

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  SatisfiedVeryI bought a preowned - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Maclary - March 1 - 10:00 am

  Very happy with car but disappointed with a squeaky brake pedal. Dealer says it is a faulty booster and cannot do anything about it. Been greased two times and still squeaks.

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  Nice Package - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By K2QO - February 28 - 8:26 pm

  Bought this Vue to replace a high mileage Buick Rendezvous that was having issues. Not as much interior space but I knew that going in. The Vue is fun to drive, the engine revs to make the power you need without complaining, the ride is quiet and controlled, and the controls are easy to use. I get 25-26MPG on the highway and 22 in town when the WX is above freezing. For winter, I bought four Pirelli snow tires with steel wheels and sensors. This combo on the FWD is awesome. The Firestone LE tires are crap on snow and ice. Winter MPG has not slipped below 20MPG and that is with remote starter use and lots of slow traffic on snowy road. So far at 13,000 mile, reliability is perfect.

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  Appreciate at the pump - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Hessian - February 27 - 9:36 am

  This is the 8th Saturn Ive owned and it has been the best, fuel-wise and dependability-wise. We have driven it nearly 5 yrs. now and only minor problems. Our major complaint is comfort. The drivers seat is impossible for long drives. Little cushioning, hardly any lumbar support. And no room in the back seat. This is the car for those seeking dependable transportation at affordable prices. Itll get you where you want to go cheaply. Your pocketbook will appreciate it, even if your back doesnt.

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  VERY UNHAPPY - 2005 Saturn ION
  By dawn414 - February 26 - 7:16 am

  This car has been nothing but a headache since i bought it. It only has 40,000 miles on it, I had to replace the censor module twice, the front bushings, and the spark plugs already. It still squeeks, and the engine light always comes on.. Even with all new plugs and wires, dont know what else to do with it.. I will never buy another GM car in my lifetime, or any of my relitives.I have tried calling saturn company, and i have taken the car to the binghamton saturn dealer, and they can not fix it.. so much for customer satification.