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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  Lovin It - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Satisfied Saturner - October 27 - 8:13 am

  I have had this car for almost a year and I still get excited to drive it! The 18" wheels in snow worked great last winter. I got the car fully loaded and I am enjoying features I could not get in Toyota or Honda for the price I paid for this car. Smooth ride, great sound system and quiet. Thanks Saturn!

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  Best value - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By jben111 - October 25 - 2:16 pm

  I have 5 speed manual Vue with the 4 cylinder engine. After about 2000 miles, the car handles and rides great and is very solid. The heated leather seats are a plus. I cant wait for spring to open the sunroof and take it on some trips. Only criticism I can thing of is that the interior buttons and inside door panel use too much cheap plastic. But for the money, this has got to be the best thing out there. Saturn service cant be beat and (this is my 4th Saturn) the cars are very reliable.

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  Saturn 05 Vue never gave me trouble - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By sandy131 - October 25 - 8:52 am

  I am giving my Vue to a friend in need. I purchased it new in 2006. I changed the oil every 3K miles and its at 240K miles now. It has always started and drove perfectly and still does. The only odd thing that happened was at 200K the brake light went on. A sensor in a rear wheel malfunctioned. It wasnt much to fix. I did have to replace the front wheel bearings twice. That may have been due to driving often in NYC and rough roads in the Catskills. Just usual replacements other than that (muffler, tires, battery, brakes).

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  What a smooth ride! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By N2005 - October 24 - 5:53 am

  I gave up my VW Passat 4 Motion b/c of electrical issues. I miss the VW engine. Once I get out of 2nd gear and on the highway the weird lag/shifting goes away. Its very aggrivating, to the point that I almost took it to the dealer thinking there was something wrong with the car. But after reading reviews I realized its something Saturn/GM needs to address and I will have to get used to. I really like my new Outlook, especially the smooth, quiet ride! I hope the fuel ecomony gets better.

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  Sleek look, poor transmission! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By kdame4814 - October 23 - 10:10 pm

  I bought this car after driving my 1997 SC-1 for 3 years. Definitely against my better judgment because I had to have the engine replaced and major transmission work done. But the Ion QC was a sharp-looking car, and I could explain away the problems I had with my SC-1 (dont know what the previous owner did to it, and the reverse slam tranny problem was a common one). The VTi transmission failed on me not onces, not twice, but three times. Were finally getting Saturn to buy it back. We bought a Toyota Camry! If youre going to buy a 2004 QC, at least get a manual.

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  Good small SUV - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By wash51 - October 21 - 6:33 am

  I am happy I decided stop in to see the new Vue. I did the usual and checked out the CRV and Rav4 as well as the new Forester. I have a 97 Outback and love it even with the unbearable seats. I so much wanted the new Forester to make the grade, but the seats were to much to take. In dismay I drove into the nearby Saturn dealer and test drove the Vue. I was knocked out by the quality, fit and finish and comfort. The details are great from rain-sensing wipers to forgotten turn signal warning tone. I have had it for about 3 months and love this vehicle.

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  Cocoa Outllook - Fantastic! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Chula Vista Mom - October 18 - 3:10 pm

  The look and space are amazing! We also own a Saturn Wagon SW2 and Saturn was always top of our list for a new car. We considered a Vue but fell in love with the Outlook. Its drives like a dream; quite, smooth, powerful. The interior is wonderful. We chose second row captains chairs and all the seating is very comfortable. I am nearly 6 tall and one of my sons is 6 2" and we drove as passengers in the third row with no issues. Plenty of leg room and head room. the Captains chairs also allow you to really stretch out if needed. Of course the engine, handling, and operation are good, we expected that, but the storage is a true revelation. We also love the DVD player; high quality & fun.

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  Love my VUE - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Paul - October 15 - 6:20 pm

  I was just about ready to buy a CRV, when I saw this on the next lot over, my wife wanted to look and Im glad we did. The v6 gots a ton of horsepower but still gets great mileage. I average around 25 mpg, and I was so relieved by the low pressure sales approach. Would definently recommend to anyone in the small SUV market

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  The Aura is Awesome - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Dick in Indiana - October 14 - 8:33 am

  I just purchased a beautiful Midnight Blue Saturn XR Aura with Morrocan Brown/black interior. This Aura is simply incredible in all aspects for the money. The ride is great and very quiet. Even surpassing the Amanti. It has a fabulous sports car feel with all of the comforts of the expensive luxury models. I stronly urge anyone looking for a fabulous car for just under $30,000 to race to their Saturn dealer and give the Saturn a try. Youll be just like me and many others, youll have found a new love! It is great to finally be back in a wonderful American Car.

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  You Get What You Pay For! - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Jaysmo - October 14 - 2:00 am

  My 2 yr old Vue has been into the shop for many problems: the AC leaked into the interior, (I was told this was normal), the breaks sqeek, (again, normal), I need to double shift to get the car into 1st, (again, normal), the front struts needs replacing, and finally the ceiling fabric and lights came crashing down after the dealership screwed that up. This not including the 12 times we have been back to the dealership after they either scratched the paint, floor boards, and radio or got grease on the seats. Finally, Saturn doesnt want to be bothered once you purchase the car. Ill never by another GM, let alone another Saturn.