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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  View of the VUE - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Traveling Man - September 7 - 1:23 am

  The 2005 VUE is a pleasure to drive. It is balanced, and has the power to stay on the road with the biggest SUVs out there. The Saturn Vue it is also very economical too! I drive with my family becasue we do not prefer to fly. We have been to Natchez Mississippi, Denver, and Little Rock. We have driven to San Francisco several times and the Vue handles like a dream. My next family car will be a Saturn. By the way, my wife drives a Saturn SL2.

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  Saturn - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Arnie Mjelde - September 6 - 7:03 pm

  Great vehicle. Trouble free, very comfortable. Is used as a "Toad" for my motorhome. Tows very well. Great value for the money. We also generally drive with 4 people, and all are comfortable. Lots of room for my 63" frame. I have "sold" many to my RV-ing friends.

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  Back to American - 2009 Saturn Outlook
  By Steve - September 5 - 9:53 pm

  After having a couple Honda Pilots, GMC Yukon along with several other SUVs... My wife absolutely loves this one! I think GM finally is ahead of the competition with all that this vehicle offers. EXCELLENT Mpg, comfy, plenty of room yet not overwhelmingly large like some. Job well done!

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  Bigger - Sleeker Lexus SUV - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Aleta Lewis - September 5 - 3:16 am

  When I first bought my Outlook, a month later I had an Electronic Control Module problem. But that was corrected immediately by the dealership. Since then, I have hadnt had anymore problems. I love my Outlook. Its a full sized SUV but the gas mileage is that of a small standard automobile. It sits up high with a smooth style and body thats awesome. Its like a bigger, less expensive, more sleeker Lexus SUV. An Eight Passenger Wonder! Its great! It will be a long, long time before I purchase another vehicle.

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  awesome! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By redrose709 - September 4 - 4:33 am

  I love my saturn vue. It runs great. I have had no major problem with my vehicle. I take in regularly to get checked and they have never ever tried to sell me something I didnt need or ask for. I have 74000 miles on it and have no problems worth complaining about. Maybe taking the car in for regular checks would help some of these people with there problems. When my vue actually does go and i need another vehicle i would most definitely buy another vue.

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  Way to go GM! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Pat from Toronto - September 1 - 12:30 pm

  Way to go GM. You got it right with the Aura. The Auras styling is absolutely gorgeous. The ride is very pleasurable, as it enjoys the sporty tautness of a German car combined with an American interior made to be soooo comfortable. I feel great when I drive it. Many friends have commented on its eye-catching styling which is complemented by the bronze pewter colour. I have purchased in the past 25 years a Ford Torino, Datsun B210, Toyota Corolla, Honda Accord, Pontiac Montana and Saturn Ion. In my opinion, the 2007 Saturn Aura rides like a sports sedan. You get a lot of car for the money. I am proud to be driving a car made in North America, which is as good as imports.

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  ion is awesome - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Cazper - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I enjoy the street life and this is the best four cylander on the market. It looks stylish and the women flock to it. i even out ran an eagle talon in this baby and thats stock!!!

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  SO FINE SATURN - 2003 Saturn ION
  By RUSS - September 1 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR HAS GREAT HANDLING. SPACIOUS SEATING. A GREAT 6 CD AMPLIFIED SYSTEM. IT IS EXTREMELY QUIET AND THE AUTO HEADLIGHT SYSTEM IS GREAT.

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  Great all around. - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Adam B - August 30 - 9:40 am

  I drive my Vue for a living five days a week and love the high mpg and XM radio. It is a little under powered but that is a given with the mpg and once you drive it for a wile you become accustomed to it.

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  Love my Astra - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Cybergal - August 27 - 1:53 pm

  I sincerely wish GM would import the new 2011 Astra as a Buick. This is the best small car I have ever driven. It feels bigger than it is. Drives quiet with excellent handling precision.