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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  Big Mistake!!! (Shouldve kept my CR-V) - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By bigmistake - January 18 - 9:50 am

  The design pulled me in at first. Nice test drive. Then things started to go wrong. Cruise control is terrible, it revs really high when going up the slightest incline. Brushed metal trim on steering wheel started peeling off and cut my wifes finger twice. Had it replaced, only to find out the audio controls on the new wheel didnt work. Had a 3rd wheel put on. A few weeks later, the chrome passenger door handle started peeling as well. Had to have that replaced. Gear shifter rattles when temp is cole or hot. Dealer cant find anything wrong.Very limited storage in the back (holds 1 stroller). Should not have even offered a 4 cylinder option. Wish I still had my 05 Honda CR-V.

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  Disappointed - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Stewart Crozier - January 17 - 6:40 pm

  I studied every brand of vehicle and visited many dealers all around comparing every way I could. Outlook claimed the best mpg (with other great features) so I bought it. After my great disappointment I began talking to other owners and reading reviews. I now believe I see enough agreement with my experience to warrant some kind of study to expose false advertising. Wondering if Im alone in this. I am "rethinking Saturn"

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  Still Honeymooning - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Alan From New York - January 15 - 10:23 pm

  Purchased a little over a month ago with 48000 miles on the clock, theres not a whole lot to report. The VUE has gone back to the shop for a new water pump, but I dont consider that unusual. What with the recent drastic weather, the VUE has performed admirably in the snow as well as on warm, dry days. Yes, the VUE is far from perfect. The steering is noisy at low speeds and the suspension rattles with anything less than perfect blacktop. Although it runs fine, it feels flimsy. Its also comfortable and doesnt tire me out on long drives like so many others seem to. The steering is good but offers no feedback. Fuel economy is adequate, about 22 mpg overall. So far, so good.

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  The New Mustang - 2004 Saturn ION
  By atheav - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I dont know what the editors problem with the vehicle is, I find it perfectly fine and people are always asking what kind of car it is. With the rear spoiler she almost looks like an improved mustang. For those afraid of getting lemons, look for a warranty on top of the one that already comes with it, that offers a 30 day/1500 mile free replacement warranty. Where if anything goes wrong with the car that is the manufacturers fault within that time frame, the car will automatically be replace, thats what I was offered at my dealership, not all may do it though.

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  My New Ion - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Meglette - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Fresh off the lot, and so far so good. Had a Saab before, so its a little hard to downgrade on the features, but its a good little car so far... the instrument panel is a change, but not bad. Keepin my fingers crossed!

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  it can happen - 2003 Saturn ION
  By rodknee - January 13 - 8:56 am

  ready for this,, 285000 miles on mine saturn. yes,,now here;s the deal. problems,, interior,, well cheap,my power windows worked when they want to ,, fixed that, just move the wire in the door heading into compartment engine power locks stink.. pain sometimes, horn not so good., have a couples .brakes pads rotors, doesnt like the cold weather either,, have to warm up before the car will turn over, but in general this car been pretty good,,simple wear and tear. inside looks kinda crappy outside still looks good.

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  Great bang for the buck - 2004 Saturn ION
  By chris parks - January 13 - 7:40 am

  Ive owned my ION for over a year now and I have 0 complaints. It still runs great and Ive had no problems whatsoever. I actually like the grille of my car better than the 05 model. The interior fit and finish could be a little better, but other than that its great. I especially like the 25 mpg around town! A++

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  Get me out of this thing - 2004 Saturn ION
  By nathan - January 13 - 3:43 am

  I loved it at first. It drove great, it turned heads and I thought it would last me forever. It problems started when it got cold,, The car will not start. The engine will turn once then the security light will come on and the car is useless until about 20 min later. When the problem first happend I thought it may have been the battery, I was going to get a friend to jump me off. When we went to the battery (in the trunk) Water was standing in the trunk well 4 inches deep. After repeat repairs the leak was fixed in the trunk but the car still wont start. There is a constant leak in the passengers side that leaves water 3 inches of water in the floor, there is a ever present smell of mildew.

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  VisionVueOutlook - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Watson - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought 4 with 5. Great fun

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  My First Car - 2006 Saturn ION
  By hot4coldplay18 - January 11 - 11:00 pm

  My Saturn ION 2006 was bought for me, so I didnt have a say. Although it is only my first car, I love it! It is fun to drive, has a great stereo system with tons of presets, and is a gorgeous color (laser blue) which was taken out of the lineup after my saturn was purchased. After reading other reviews, I have had no problems with my Saturns engine. That being said, my two complaints are regarding the fuel efficiency and the dent resistant plastic body. I do not get the 30 mpg that were promised, and after backing into a parked car, the other car looked untouched while the back bumper of mine was not only dented, it was literally cracked. Overall, this is a great, cheap car for anyone.