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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  My third Vue - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Karla - July 17 - 2:36 pm

  I am on my third Vue. (I have had 04,06 and now 08)It has been a very reliable vehicle though without much pizazz until now, the 2008 has really captivated my attention. The interior and exterior are beautiful its very quiet and is very exciting to drive. My other Vues were nice but not stylish. The 08 has more than enough horsepower to leave most vehicle in the dust which is not usual for a small SUV. Definitely worth checking out. the Vue has been very reliable I expect the same from this new version.

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  Awesome SUV - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By adamsd - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I love my Vue!! I have NEVER been in a mini-SUV that was so spacious. Finally, my knees dont touch the steering column and my head doesnt scrape the roof. Also, I prefer manual transmittion, and all the other SUVs either dont offer it or its a special order. Great feel and a comfortable ride. You wont regret the vehicle. (Powerpack and ABS worth extra cost).

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  Wait for the VUE - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By John in AZ - July 14 - 4:00 am

  Check this vehicle out. If the dealership doesnt have one, order yours its worth the wait.

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  Fun to drive - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By pm1975 - July 10 - 7:23 pm

  Purchased a Salsa Red Astra XR w/ auto and stabilitrak and am loving it. The handling is sharp but not uncomfortable over broken pavement on my commute to work. The Saturn car buying experience also made it so easy to purchase. The interior is extremely pleasing with the data information center and high quality materials throughout. I considered buying a Mazda 3 as well but I felt the Astras interior beat it while being just as fun to drive. The main improvements I would suggest would be a little more power and more storage inside. I would have never considered a Saturn before the Astra but Im glad I gave it a chance.

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  Awesome car at a low price - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By stan of chattown - July 7 - 9:23 pm

  Me and my wife are proud to be owners of such a fine car. It has great power and a lot of options such as OnStar, hands- free phone, heated seats, and much, much more. Saturn has reached the top. It should lead a lot of people back to buying American cars. Saturn has something to show off and its a blessing too me and my family. People are looking at it like its the 10th wonder of the world. I suggest everybody to buy this car. Its awesome

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  New 2007 VUE - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By MarvC - July 6 - 12:13 pm

  My wifes 99 Honda Passport finally died. She really wanted to stay with the smaller SUV. We ended up test driving the Honda Pilot (a little pricey), Rav4 (bumpy short wheelbase not a lot of cargo space). We almost gave up in finding an SUV, friend recommended the VUE. Sales staff were great, the car fit our budget. We added leather, V6, enhanced stereo, alloy 17" wheels, spolier and DVD system. The ride is very smooth, a little more road noise form the 17" wheels. Acceleration is outstanding! Cargo room more than enough for us. We have the Polar White and get many comments on the look of the SUV from others, espically at the car wash.. The car looks like a much higher priced unit!

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  Really A Great Surprise - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By bailranch - July 6 - 10:00 am

  It is a great vehicle! I was shocked to see that I could get in and out with contorting my limbs! Also, when my wife drives, I can stretch my legs out straight in the passenger side (Iam 6ft 2in and a BIG guy) Ive taken 4 road trips already and it averages the 25/mpg and is a treat to drive. The sport package makes it a great car!

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  why doesnt everyone own a Saturn!! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By David Gabriel - July 6 - 10:00 am

  this is the second Saturn i have owned and this current one is the equal of the first or even better. fun to drive. fast, economical, good looking, comfortable. i couldnt say more for this car. my only question is, "why doent everyone own a Saturn!!!!!!!

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  Best Small Car Hands Down - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By redbaron08 - July 5 - 12:46 pm

  I absolutely love this car. I test drove and researched a lot of cars in this class, but kept coming back to the Astra. Top selling point for me were the way the doors closed. The car is so well built it feels like a Mercedes or BMW. I took it on a 2000 mile road trip after leaving the dealership and fell more in love with it as each mile passed. Every time I drive it is a joy. The gas mileage has been 29 mpg combined with well over 30 on the highways. I love the fact that I dont feel like I am driving a small car. When I was shopping the Mazda 3 came in second place in my list of cars, and though the Astra was a little more expensive, it had a better warranty and more safety features.

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  excellant - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By academy - June 30 - 10:00 am

  i puchased my view about 3 weeks ago and i love it. I drive alot and it is great knowing that i now have a very dependable vehicle that doesnt slack going up the mountain.