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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  Love it - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By ccran - July 3 - 7:06 pm

  I traded in my Pontiac Torrent for this little gem. At first my thought was what have I done? But the same day I got the car we were hit with ice and snow (Michigan) had to drive on I75, as I watched other cars struggle, I just went along. The car handled beautifully. For me how a car handles in bad weather is so important. This one passed the test with flying colors. It doesnt hurt that its so sharp and I love the interior.

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  A big headache - 2004 Saturn ION
  By A big headache - June 30 - 7:06 pm

  I really like the look and price of this vehicle. However, I have been to the dealership at least a dozen times with serious problems. The car has less than 40,000 miles and Im on my 3rd transmission, 2nd drive-line, 4th stereo, 2nd steering column, and have had my check engine light come on a couple of times. The Saturn service department has been unpleasant and unprofessional to deal with. This is my first and last Saturn. I am getting rid of this car ASAP.

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  IMPORT EATER - 2003 Saturn ION
  By EVIL MIKE - June 26 - 10:00 am

  FUN CAR, STIFF RIDE, WAITING FOR PREFORMANCE PARTS TO SHOW UP

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  500 mile update - This car is great! - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Joseph Astra - June 25 - 1:46 am

  I just hit 500 miles on the odometer. Here is the biggest surprise - 36.5 mpg on my second tank of gas! This was in town city driving. This car has much more pep than I expected (5 speed manual) I have yet to down-shift going up a hill. It handles beautifully. The on-board computer with the upgraded stereo has more information and controls than I have ever seen on a car. The seats are comfortable and supportive *No rattles and no buzzes. This car is solid. The upgraded stereo has concert hall sound. The turning radius is excellent (great for parking too). It is still pretty unique on the street. You feel like you have a very exclusive car.

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  The good, bad and the ugly! - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By cbruckner - June 23 - 11:58 am

  I bought my 2008 Vue 14 months ago with 33,000. I loved the comfort ride and all the bells and whistles, with the heated leather seats and nice interior design. Other than having to change the battery, with under 50,000, I had no problems or issues. Until last week while I was driving home and the RPMs started reving up and going back down and then the transmission felt like it wasnt engaged and I was stranded alongside the road side waiting for a tow truck. Verdict...transmission needs to be pulled to determine the extent of the problems. Now I have a rental with no promise of when my vehicle will be up and running again. Thank God it is covered under the 100,000 power train warranty!

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  Beware - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By LKO - June 20 - 10:50 am

  This is a really bad SUV. Do not buy, many things will break such as windshield washer pump, head gasket,oil will appear like a frappichino. All this will happen at 70K. This car is a total piece beware.

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  A View of the VUE - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By wlondon - June 20 - 10:00 am

  We ordered a VUE before the were available. Weve always had good experiences with Saturns. We picked burnt orange as a color because we liked it an we thought it would be different. Obviously many others thought so too.

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  New owner - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By simental - June 20 - 9:43 am

  The car compares with the best of the mid size sedans. I love the features that come with it. I have an affordable car that has all the large luxury car details.

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  Most fun youll ever have for under 30K - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By lynn - June 19 - 10:00 am

  The reviews are all true on this stunner. It is fun to drive, and youll meet the nicest people as folks stop you at lights and in parking lots to praise the car and/or gawk. The base model engine is more than sufficient for daily driving, and the gas milage is pretty good w/ the top down, and really good w/ the top up. The most surprising thing is how well insulated the top is - very little road noise. The trunk is useless, but you dont buy a car like this to haul things in - thats what friends w/ SUVs are for! I waited 10 months for my car to be delivered, and it was worth every minute.

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  This is a Saturn? - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Terri G - June 18 - 8:53 pm

  The car looks and feels more expensive than it is. Ive seen people checking it out in parking lots and I even had someone pull up beside me while I was starting it up and start asking me about it. The ride is very comfortable and quiet. I have family members that are in the 64-66 range and there is plenty of leg room for them.