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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  "I Lo VUE" - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By docv - October 27 - 10:33 pm

  I love my VUE.... we had the 2002 and it was noisy so when I saw the Honda v6 plus the extras we didnt ge the first time around I traded in and got this one. Went to Fla. after the hurricanes and enjoyed the ride , until I saw the house ( uhhh ). Were looking at the ION for my wife now.... Had 4 Saturns so far . God bless the USA

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  Great Vehicle except... - 2009 Saturn Outlook
  By tkm52 - October 27 - 2:57 pm

  Ive owned the XR for a about 1 year and it has been great. The only drawback is the transmission is a little sluggish when trying to excelerate in automatic mode. The problem is reduced when you use manual mode. If you know you are coming up on a situation like entering a crowded interstate youll need to manually downshift to 4 or 5 to be able to have sufficient power to merge. The first time I did this I was in automatic mode and scared the hell out of me. The another minor item is when filling the tank. Be aware that a sleeve is in the opening so the nosel is partically sealed triggering shutoff prematurely. I can get another 2-3 gallon in the tank by pulling the nosel back when filling.

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  More Fun han Any Other Compact - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Don - October 25 - 1:16 am

  The last time I had this much fun was driving my 1975 Opel Manta (imported by Buick), and the Astra (another Opel) handles even better. Previously I drove a VW Golf which my Astra with sports suspension beats hands down. Its no wonder the Astra sales have been neck and neck with Golfs in Europe for 5 years. The solid fit and finish, and classy interior rival my co-workers BMW 5 series. Its quieter than any of the various midsize cars Ive rented on trips (I can actually hear the nuances of a jazz CD at 70 mph). And whats more practical than a small hatchback? Once you read the quicky instructions, the computer controls are a snap. The best small car GM has sold.

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  Don and Sue - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Don Foreman - October 24 - 10:13 am

  We drove this new vehicle from Oregon to Missouri and back, puting over 5,200 miles on it and only show 21 MPG. Otherwise, the Outlook is very quiet and comfortable. We have owned new Cadillacs in the past and this unit is close.

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  My seventh Saturn! - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Dorothy Triplett - October 18 - 10:23 am

  Im crazy about Saturns! I especially like the no haggle buying experience and can-do attitude of both sales and service -- Ive been a Saturn owner since 1992, and this is my seventh Saturn. I was able to get my preferred combination: power locks and manual windows. However, they no longer offer remote locking system with this combo, so had to have it installed. I like the new dash design, and the visibility is improved overall. Much quieter - very little road noise.

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  Fun to drive - 2006 Saturn ION
  By ed - October 14 - 11:16 pm

  Its great on gas, fun to drive,and fast. Looks good. is very safe if you have side air bags. CD standerd, OnStar is cool

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  My first Saturn - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Smilin2 - October 14 - 5:30 pm

  What can I say. I went from a Honda civic to a Saturn for more room. I bought the Vue for the V6 and decent gas mileage. I was a little freaked out at first because of the mileage. But it is starting to break in and I just got 25mpg. I also must admit that I drive like a bat outta hell, so this is excellent for my drive style. Anyone else would probably get 28 or 29. You dont realize you are going so fast. It has great pick up.

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  Good Value - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By saturday - October 13 - 10:00 am

  The Vue is roomy and surprisingly zippy. The Vue has plenty of room for my family of four. Plus With the split back seat the cargo area is great for hauling all kinds of stuff. The four cylinder is zippy enough for around town driving and passing. In fact one needs to keep an eye on your speed. Generally it is good Value.

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  happy happy - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By leahfaye - October 13 - 10:00 am

  really good value for my dollar, I like the space frame construction and feel very stable because of it when cornering at high speeds. I love all the neat design features like the grocery and milk holders in the rear, and the front seat laying fully forward to allow me to take long boards home for my home projects.

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  Affordable and luxurious! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Ellen - October 13 - 2:36 am

  Ive had my Aura XE for two months now and I love it just as much today as the day I drove off the dealer parking lot. The ride is smooth and quiet and it has great pickup. The leather seats are the most comfortable I have ever had in a car. I looked at the comparable midsize cars, but with all features the same, none of them could touch the affordability of the Aura.