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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  The Truth about the Sky - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Dom_windsor_ontario - February 26 - 1:26 am

  Well I was very excited to get my new Sky. Unfortunately my happiness just went downhill from there. Quality and craftsmanship is very poor. Ive been to the dealership about 8 times already, and here is a list of problems so far. Roof leaked, needed sealant in the front end of the top. Poor quality paint job, could see primer at some spots. Driveline noise, rear axle leakage. AC compressor noise and malfunctioning when engaged. This is only after 4 months and 7000 miles later. I still love the car, but its very embarrassing to have this many problems with a brand new vehicle like that. I gotta say Im very disappointed.

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  GM got it right! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By John - February 25 - 3:10 am

  Finally General Motors has built a vehicle that is outstanding in every way. I read the review on the GMC Arcadia and went to my local Saturn dealer to see the outlook. I was very impressed. I went back a month later and drove one. That was it I was sold. This SUV performs like a car. Great power from the engine, great amenities, quiet and a well thought out design for the interior and exterior. Very comfortable on long trips. The HID lights, 19inch wheels, dual sunroofs are great touches that you dont see a lot in General Motors vehicles like this. They didnt hold back with this one.

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  BEST MOVE BY GM - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By SMART VUE - February 25 - 2:00 am

  BEST MIDSIZE SUV ON THE ROAD. GM HAS INSTALLED A 3.0 HONDA ENGINE IN THE 6 CYL VUE, WOW DOES IT MOVE!!VERY SMOOTH AND ALOT OG GET UP AND GO. WHAT A GREAT MOVE TEAMING UP WITH HONDA...

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  Surprisingly Positive SUV! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Rich/Jerz - February 25 - 2:00 am

  We tested the 6 at first, then the 4. If you need to race other parents home from soccer practice - the 6 is wicked.... Hence we sought practicality - landed the 4. Although it does not have the same cargo room as the Jimmy, the pasenger room is definitely larger, especially the front seating area, waist and head room. The ride is more stable than the Jimmy, especially in curves. The four cylinder is not bad. I especially enjoy the gas milage - I cant believe the needle doesnt move when I step on the pedal. My VUE is equipped with a sun roof, power package, floor mats, cloth int., CD - 6 speaker, and exterior mold accents on the lower quarter.

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  Outstanding Car to buy - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Kellie Herrera - February 24 - 10:00 am

  What can i say I love this car - It is spacious and roomy and very comfortable

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  A cheaper Audi? - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Patmajia - February 22 - 10:00 pm

  My family of 5 bought a 2.4 L Aura. With the 0% deal, it should cost less to buy, own, and drive 100k miles (incl. $5 gas) than a Camry hybrid. Outside, it looks a lot like the Audi A4; even the standard alloy wheels seem to copy those once offered on the Audi A4, a good car to copy. The red exterior with tan cloth and faux wood interior is gorgeous, but some plastic bits are low end. Only the Morocco leather (which you cannot get on the 4 cyl) is better. This car rides smoothly, and is quieter on the road at 70 mph than the 2008 Accord and is about even with the 2008 camry I test drove. Its quick enough for us. The 5 year 100k standard drivetrain warranty should make for low hassle ownership.

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  Little Rocket - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Fireman - February 22 - 9:33 am

  Forget all the hype. This is one car that will make you smile for some time. From the unique styling to the snappy feel, the Sky will do more than open your eyes, it will turn heads no matter where you drive. For the wait, my money is on this car, hands down.

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  Finally Unloading this Car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By jallegra22 - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Where to start...check engine light came on when I drove it off the lot, sensor problems..5th gear went out at 40,000 miles (a long/expensive fix), good luck if you live in a cold climate it will fail to start (for 15 minutes exactly) which is extremely inconvenient as youre sitting there in the freezing cold waiting for it, cooling system is totally shoddy and interior looks completely trashed from next to nothing. replaced wiper system twice. I will say that I get wonderful gas mileage, but its been nothing but problems along the way with this car. The ride is bumpy and loud and Im always waiting for something else to break. Im having to get rid of this car at only 85,000 miles.

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  So far so good. - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By DK - February 22 - 2:00 am

  I decided to write this in defense of my vehicle, which I have had for 30,000 miles. I believe that if an owner takes care of a car, the car will work as intended. I find that most people that complain about vehicles are the ones that dont do routine maintenance and abuse their vehicles. My car has never failed me and I doubt that it will. I live in the Chicago suburbs. I love this car. It is great. It is quite fast. I love the heated leather seats as well. The exterior design was what initially caught my interest. I have owned 2 Chevrolets (Camaro,Cavalier) and a Buick LeSabre in comparison. I do love this car.

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  Disappointing Clutch - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Disappointed - February 21 - 5:06 pm

  This is my fourth Saturn, and I do not know if there will be a fifth. I have had the car in to fix both of the windows. I had to get the seat cover replaced, and I am having constant issues with the clutch. The car stutters and shakes. It stalls more times than I can count. I have had the car in the shop twice now, and the problem still persists. The guys in service are great ,and have told me that the mechanics of the clutch have changed. I just have to change the way I have been driving it.