5 Star Reviews for Saturn

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.30/5 Average
3,767 Total Reviews
Make Overview:

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:

Showing 1081 through 1090 of 3,767.00
  • The Best Crossover Ever! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
    By -

    This is the best SUV ever! It has all of the features I would want in a minivan, but its not so I do not feel like the typical soccer mom when I drive it. The dual sunroofs are cool. I love OnStar. (I have already used it to unlock my car doors twice.) The navigation system is helpful when we are driving in a unfamilar location. The memory settings are great because my husband likes to take the Outlook whenever he can and the memory settings make switching between drivers easy. XM Radio is entertaining when I am stuck in traffic or waiting for my kids. The automatic liftgate is fantastic when my hands are full. The DVD system is great for screaming kids. You must test drive this SUV!

  • Big car for little money - 2004 Saturn ION
    By -

    I bought my Saturn ION coupe in June of 2004 and I love it! I never have had a problem with it outside of regular service. I just feel that for what I paid I have gotten alot in return. I especially love the interior design and sporty feel.

  • Road Manners to be Proud Of - 2009 Saturn Outlook
    By -

    This vehicle handles and feels more like a large upscale sports sedan than an 8 passenger SUV. If needed, there is plenty of power from the direct injection engine. The six speed transmission helps with rapid acceleration and the highway gas mileage. However, you have to have a light touch on the gas pedal to obtain decent gas mileage in stop and go driving. The interior is spacious, the seats are extremely comfortable and the sunroof and backseat skylight are a nice touch.

  • Impressive - 2005 Saturn Relay
    By -

    The Relay is easier to drive than my old Chevy Venture. I liked how easy it was to remove all of the seats out of the Relay, and the spacious room it created to put a patio set in with room to spare.

  • 2007 ION Mold issue - 2007 Saturn ION
    By -

    Ive had a continuing problem with a mold smell (and actual mold growing) from the engine compartment into the interior cab. Ive had it in for service twice and the third time today. They are trying to push "environmental" issues as the cause but I cannot believe every ION in Florida has mold issues under the hood. I am curious if any other users had this same problem

  • Satisfied so far!! - 2002 Saturn VUE
    By -

    For a 4 cyl, its a great car. I drive it far & wide. Its a pretty comfy long distance ride for 3-4 people. For driving around the city, 5 people sit very comfortably. It handles like a car & its not humongous like most of the other SUVs. I love it!

  • Love my Aura - 2007 Saturn Aura
    By -

    I have had my Saturn Aura XE now for 1 month. I cannot say enough about it. It is beautiful to look at, fun to drive and well worth the value for the price. No one can believe that its a Saturn. Everybody that looks at it says "Thats a Saturn? Saturn sure has come a long way." I dont understand that because I previously owned an Ion and loved it as well.

  • Totally Impressed - 2007 Saturn Aura
    By -

    "hey got everything right on the Aura. Although I have only had the car several weeks it continues to impress me. Without a doubt it is the quietest car I have ever owned. Smooth acceleration, quiet precise shifting and a very enjoyable ride. The leather seats are some of the most comfortable I have experienced.The climate control system keeps the cabin very comfortable even during a long drive on a 97 degree day. The 18" alloy wheels and Goodyear Eagle Touring tires provide exceptional handling and a quiet smooth ride. Fit and finish is taken to a new level. The Auras Euro influenced design and smooth lines create a real head turner.

  • We love our Relay - 2005 Saturn Relay
    By -

    We have had our Relay for 6 months. We love it. Very comfortable, all kinds of extras. Best all around deal on the market. It is our 4th Saturn vehicle. We have had issue with the sound cutting out but it is such a small thing that is easily fixed. The wonderful vehicle far out weighs a little issue like that.

  • Another Excellent Creation - 2005 Saturn VUE
    By -

    It is truly a pleasure driving such a well built SUV. I got so much more for my money especially in added ammenities. The customer service department at Saturn is well trained to answer any questions that I have about the VUE.

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