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:

• 

  So Far So Good - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By gtimes2 - November 12 - 11:51 am

  Purchased a used 2008 Vue XR with 43K miles.Compared to all others out there, this was a really good buy! 1 owner Carfax with no history of any issues...hopefully that holds true.Love the look and the feel when driving. Rides better than the Hyundai Santa Fe we test drove. Rides a little harder when Im the passenger. Seats could be a little softer and the cloth does stain easily, leather was my preference, but not in my budget. Gas mileage on V6 not so great 16-18, but it has more get up and go than the slug 4 cylinder we drove. So far, I really enjoy this SUV, almost as much as I did my 1993 Rodeo!

• 

  Fantastic so far - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By MetroDetroitDJ - November 12 - 2:00 am

  After swearing to never again buy a GM car, researching several pre-owned Fords (Edge, MKZ, Fusion) and Toyotas (Avalon, Camry) I did the unthinkable for me: I bought a 2008 Saturn XR (V6) with a great Moroccan Brown interior. This fully loaded car has been great in the 3 weeks Ive owned it. 25 MPG (great V6 regular gas economy) in mixed driving. Handles well in MIs snowy weather and sometimes icy roads. Several people have commented on the cars beautiful interior. The audio system (w/XM subscription) is stellar. GM may has won me back- too bad about Saturns demise. I consider this car a near luxury mid-size with all of its amenities. I have no regrets- so far, LOL!

• 

  My friends want one !! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Mantha - November 8 - 5:50 am

  We bought this for the room. We are always hauling lots of kids. I have hauled trees in it from Lowes with the seats folded down. Has all the extras.No sunroof which Im glad since that is a major complaint that it leaks. Cant complain about 20 mpg for an SUV this size. Had 2004 Tahoe that was a lemon before this (had electrical issues and the tie rod just broke one day while I was driving which could have killed me had I been going faster). Anyway the saturn outlook beats the tahoe hands down. Had it 2 years now and no problems except for interior lights quit working when you open the door. This is annoying in the dark. My husband checked the fuse. Nothing. But I can still manually turn on

• 

  Didnt think I would like it...... - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By K-Town SdAj - November 7 - 10:00 am

  My wife wanted me to take a look at the Saturn, we where in the market to down size. We had a child last year and she quit work so we were looking to get out of the high priced car arena that I had got us into... Late models of BMW, Audi & Lexus I never thought I could see myself buying a GM product based on their history of poor design and problems they have had. All I can say is give this car a chance, I was very pleased and have enjoyed the car very much the past few months with no problems.....

• 

  Saturn Coupe - 2006 Saturn ION
  By jen - November 7 - 3:06 am

  I love this car. I bought it for my daughter for her first car. We love the satellite radio and ipod hookup. Great stereo system. Room in the back seats. Great car for a teenager.

• 

  Smart Car !! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Ashoper - November 3 - 10:00 am

  This thing is about the smartest vehicle on the market. The lightweight, plexifiberglas automobile feels just great to drive. It has a dentfree body and the car is pretty fuelefficient. Great, great, great !! And -- its not a box !! The quality is the same than any other car built somewhere around the world. Any car can be made on any assemblyline anywhere anyway. Saturn ION 3 Coupe = Smart car !!

• 

  So Far So Good - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Leeanne - November 2 - 2:23 pm

  I have only had my car for approx 7 months, but so far so good. I havent had any real issues excellent for my car making a high pitch sqeaking noise when I start it up in cold weather. I have taken it to my dealer a few times and they cant figure it out. Quite annoying. Overall I love my car. My friends think I drive the coolest car in the city.

• 

  Saturn did it right! Great Car - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Worth the wait!!!!! - November 1 - 8:56 pm

  Ordered car in June last year. Waited and waited and car came in April. I am glad I waited for this car. Fit, style, paint, all TOP NOTCH!!! Shifts smooth and clean. Runs just fine and even better than I thought for a 4 cyl. Recomend manual, gives the car a bit more pep. Top works realively easily and wife can handle with no trouble. Trunk space small, but expected. I did get my golf bag in with top up. So far I give GM and Saturn an A++++ on this roadster! The new supercharged SKY should give it a bit more perfomance, but I am well satisfied. As I put on more miles I will update the review. For now -- GREAT!!

• 

  Excellent ride - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By spidermonkey1 - October 30 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle drives like a car and is extremly fun to drive for an suv.

• 

  Love It!! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Outlook Owner - October 28 - 12:00 am

  Saturn really got it right this time! This vehicle doesnt just look good- it rides sooo smooth (better than the Acadia), has a lot of luxury features, and has lots of room (we have two small children and can actually walk around their carseats!). Gas mileage is great for a large SUV- I get about 17 city, 20-21 highway. I love the power liftgate, auto start, and the dual sunroofs are impressive looking. The interior looks very quality, and the overall vehicle feels very solid. Definitely Recommend!