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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  Outstanding - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By City Dweller - October 13 - 4:06 pm

  The vehicle gets 29 mpg on the highway and has excellent handling capabilities in the city. The 250hp V6 engine provides excellent power and lets people take notice of the Saturn.

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  big change - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By cacer - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I went from driving a 92 Chevy Silverado to my 04 Vue. What a difference 12 years makes. I love driving my Vue in addition to being the first vehicle I have ever purchased. I have a 2 year old and now she has planety of room to grow up in. Ive had a blast with the gas mileage. I used to never want to drive because it would use about half my tank to get anywhere decent, but with the Vue, I am always volunteeering to drive. Plus, my friends all think its comfortable.

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  Astra XR is the Best - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Matt - October 8 - 10:43 am

  I have been watching the Astra on the internet for months, just waiting for it to arrive in the US. Two weeks ago I test drove the 2 door w/5 speed. It rocks! Exactly a week later I bought my black/black XR 2 door with 17" tires, heated seats (a must in Pittsburgh) and the premium sound system. After 10 years of driving SUVs I wanted a fun to drive coupe that still had some cargo capacity inside. This is the car. When living in Portugal 10 years ago, I had a Citroen AX, 2 door, 5 speed. This is like a modern version of that car. The fuel economy is great, avg 28mpg in the one week that I have owned it. I love that it is a totally new model, people stop and stare or ask what it is.

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  Transmission troubles - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By jswig - October 7 - 6:38 pm

  Just recently having transmission trouble. The problem is that it will not engage into drive or reverse. It just sits and revs up in any gear. I have not did anything with the car yet. Hoping someone can help me contact G.M. and get some help as I cannot afford the expense that most others have went through to get the trans fixed.

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  2004 VUE V-6 FWD - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By 68eldo - October 4 - 10:00 am

  A great mid-size SUV, very peppy and has great utility. The XM radio is a plus along with Onstar. At home in the city and on the interstates. Very solid.

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  great suv - 2009 Saturn Outlook
  By patnpattiglenn@aol.c - October 3 - 6:30 pm

  I have almost had this vehicle for a year. I just love it. It drives like a dream and I get very good gas mileage on mine. I love the style and look of it. It has plenty of room and is very comfortable to drive and ride in. Wish I hadnt got the black interior because it shows everything. But other than that it is my third Saturn and like with the others, I have had a great experience.

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  Avoid this car at all costs - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Diana V - October 2 - 7:40 am

  This car is one of the major reasons GM has been having problems. Within a month of driving the car off the lot I began having problems. I had to take the car back to the dealership every month that I owned the car for the first year. Every month was a different problem, and since it was not the same problem twice I was unable to file lemon law on the car. Problems include but are not limited to the electric steering failing (at 74,500 miles and year 3 that I owned the car, warranty expired at 75,000, when I was able to get car to dealership I was 200 miles past warranty so I was told by Saturn corporate that it was my problem), central computer glitches, faulty wiring to headlights, anti-theft device would lock car ignition upon inserting key in ignition during cold weather, and a problem with the crank case is what caused my Ion 3 to go to its final resting place. The final year I had the car (Dec 2008, exactly 5 years from the date I bought the car) I again started having monthly problems and dumped a lot of money into the car.

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  Flower - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By hewitt - September 30 - 9:50 pm

  We had a Suburban that we only got 16 mpg. My wife and I talked about hybrids and I suggested the VUE. We love the car great gas mileage we average 28mpg around town. I like the way it handles and rides. I would get another one when the time comes. Love the car.

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  Saturn Sky - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Andrey805 - September 30 - 6:50 pm

  I drive a 2007 black Sky-Redline in Automatic (I tested both and the automatic I read was faster 0-60, plus I do alot of driving in traffic). This car is impossible for me to loose control with, Ive pushed its limits and it keeps surprising me, I also beat Mustang GTs and Cobras daily. If you care about looks, speed/performance, and fun factor... get this car, if you care about impressing people with a logo/brand, go get a twice as expensive japanese or german car.

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  I see the vue. - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By rusty24 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  i purchased the vue with aprehension as i have not owned a GM vehicle in over 30yrs iam suprised and satisfied so far with the over all drivability and performence of the vue.