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 Clear Winner!!! - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Stan Schmitt - February 26 - 2:43 am

  This model represents a real leap forward from my 02 - in design, quiet, finish, and new features. Mounting th the dials in the drivers normal line of sight is soething that should have been done decades ago! Now I dont have to take my eyes off the road! Use of sound-deadening steel makes a real difference in ambient noise. New A/C outlets are finally completely adjustable due to a simple change. Car is still only 3 months old, and not many miles on it, so gas mileage is not at the peak yet. 2.2 L engine is peppy.

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  It brightens your Outlook on life - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Rudge - February 24 - 11:00 pm

  This vehicle is phenemonal. Great handling, power and comfort. Everybody loves the looks and are surprised that GM/Saturn could build a vehicle that is superior to a Toyota in every way. I am happy to say that this vehicle can stand up to the Lexuses, Acuras and BMWs of the world for $15,000 less. I love the attention that this vehicle brings.

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  2004 Saturn Review - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Pache Hodges - February 19 - 2:26 pm

  I enjoy driving and riding in my Saturn. It is dependable, fun to drive. It is my favorite vehicle I have ever owned. And, I have owned Blazers, Lincoln Town Cars, Cadilacs, Lexus.

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  Love My Aura! - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Love My Aura! - February 18 - 8:46 pm

  I had not even considered Saturn when I started looking for a new car. I saw a great deal in the paper and decided to check it out. I had driven a few other cars, but Saturn really had it all. I also found it to be superior to the similar, newly designed Malibu. It is a surprisingly smooth ride and the heated cloth seats are amazing! With the Aura, I was able to get all the features that I was looking for, at a great price! I would definitely recommend this car if you are searching.

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  Consider my Astra kissed. - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Jason - February 18 - 8:23 am

  I went from a Cadillac CTS to the Astra. I needed a comfortable commuter car with better fuel economy. So far the Astra has been a great decision. Its not only comfortable, but the interior is nicely designed and feels very premium. Not bad for under 20K. The exterior design is awesome. Ive already gotten a ton of complements. GM did a great job on this compact car.

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  One of Best New Vehicles Ever Owned - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Milton - February 15 - 6:46 pm

  Its a very fun vehicle to drive. IlLove it! Handles great. The steering seem a little quick, but I can adjust to it.. That may be because I have been driving a Suburban and a large motorhome.

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  2002 Saturn VUE - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Mrs. Calhoun - February 12 - 2:00 am

  An excellent vehicle for the money. Saturn made the buying experience very pleasant, and has given me excellent service.

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  definitely worth a look - 2003 Saturn ION
  By schillidog - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Saturn greatly improves on their small car platform with the new ion line. more power, space and better looks i bought this car in july 03 and have had no problems with it the car gets good gas mileage and has a good performance along with it all backed by saturns reputation for reliability and helpfulness through dealerships

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  This Vue is impressive - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Rudge - February 9 - 3:16 pm

  The 08 Vue with the 3.6 V-6 is awesome. It is smooth and powerful. A TRD Tundra was no match last week for this barn burner. The interior controls are perfectly laid out and of supreme quality. People really like its looks. Car has over 5000 miles so far with no issues. I glad I bought this over the CRV and the RAV4.

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  Tickled Pink by new VUE - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By lovethisone - February 9 - 5:30 am

  I have only had this vehicle for 4 days and have driven it 275 miles! I cant stay out of it. This is my 3rd Saturn, the first two were the basic SL and then an Ion 2. All have been 5 speed manuals. I loved the Ion at first, it being new and all but the novelty wore off quickly. That said, my only 2 musts were a 5 speed, leather and of course A/C since I live in the south. The Vue is exceptionally roomy for a small SUV with plenty of headroom for a larger person. We are all small in my family so there is lots of room! My daughter loves the XM radio so I think we will keep it. 2 family members plan on purchasing one in the near future so Saturn must be doing something right with this one.