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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  04 Saturn AWD - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By mitchbr - August 17 - 10:00 am

  The Vue has been extremely reliable and fun ro drive. No problems so far. Mileage city 18 Highway 24. Im impressed with thw acceleration and handling. Wish it had a bit more storage.

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  Love this SUV! - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By jimbodean - August 16 - 1:27 pm

  I have had quite a few different vehicles over the years. I traded in a 2009 Malibu, loved the car but have knee trouble and could not climb out of it anymore as it was too low to the ground. Looked at all the small SUVs and nothing compared to the Vue. Gas mileage is adequate compared to the wifes 2009 Dodge Journey R/T. She actually likes driving the view more than her car as she says it looks like a Lexus. 47,000 miles on it and still drives like a dream. I would by another if they were still making them.

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  A bad used car-fails to start - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Mike Dbn - August 14 - 2:06 am

  This Saturn has the infamous "Passlock" anti-theft defect. The IC chip in the ignition column switch fails to recognize a genuine key and fails to start, usually in winter, but this has happened other times as well. The IC chip has been replaced twice, but I refuse to pay $300+ for an out-of- warranty repair. Not a reliable used car because of this. Also, the McPherson struts are noisy in winter, and make anoying "click" sounds. Seats feel cheap (no back support). Electric steering is too tight and you might oversteer into the next lane. Bad blind spots on both side pillars. Basically this is a 2004 Chevy Cavalier with plastic side panels. A real dog!

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  Third Saturn owned, Ion bad choice - 2004 Saturn ION
  By kellyd - August 13 - 6:10 pm

  Ive been driving Saturns for almost 10 years now. I swore by them until the Ion.I no longer have it as it was totalled in an auto accident recently. The only damage was to the front underside. The hood was completely intact. Ive always bought Saturns for their safety features as well as price. However, the seating was very uncomfortable, especially for longer drives. My seats stained very easily, including water stains. The battery was defected and had to be replaced 2 days after purchasing it (brand new)! It was replaced again last year. I was unable to start the car right away in cold weather on certain days. This started 3 years after purchasing it.

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  So far - Great! - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Joe - August 13 - 7:03 am

  After test driving the alternatives, the Aura XR blew me away. I was a confirmed Toyota fan but the new Camrys and Avalons did not measure up. The Aura has been a pleasure to drive and the dealer experience great. Only time will tell if longer term reliability will rival the Toyota and Honda.

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  Much Improved - 2003 Saturn ION
  By jucolley - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Nice styling, great pick-up, nice fit and finish in both the exterior and interor. Comfortable driving position.

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  Stylish and commanding - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By JAMESBOND - August 12 - 5:53 pm

  Incredible machine for the money, beautiful ecotech world engine. Strong great on gas. Stlylish design, handles great, fun to drive and extremely dependable! Have put it in rough conditions and stills pull through with out a cough. Wow impressed with this gas saving SUV.

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  Steal of the year - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Hoagie - August 11 - 11:36 am

  I just picked up a brand new 2008 white XR 2 door. I believe it was the last 5 speed manual in Michigan. I had driven the same exact car in black in May of 2008, but wasnt ready to pay almost sticker for it. With the $8k off, I couldnt say no this time. I love the leather heated seats in the Michigan winter. I dont love the summer wheel package and bought some Goodyear F1 A/S the minute I left the dealership. With the price I paid, I can overlook the small issues, like the cupholder, and the 5 speed makes the engine tolerable. I find no fault with the ride or comfort. It is a beautiful car, and 2 guys at work told me so the first day. so far I am very pleased.

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  Happy owner - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Flatlander - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Bought it while on vacation in Pensacola Fl. We are very happy with the VUEs power, ride, and gas mileage. It has a unique look and we have had several complements since driving it back to IL.

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  FUN TO DRIVE! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By luvourvue - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Drove by the dealership on an errand and a blue model caught my wifes and my attention. Had to stop and check it out. Friendly salesman, Shannon, had us take a test drive, and my wife was hooked! Had been considering AWD but decided for the price, FWD was fine for us. Got 0% 60-month financing and the monthly payments we were looking for. Comfortable ride, handles well, sufficient power, and looks great - love the color. Junst a note - if you get one with color-keyed bumpers, be sure to get the stick-on bumper pad to protect the finish!