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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  My Saturn Outlook - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Kay - January 22 - 10:56 pm

  I bought my Outlook in April because we were getting ready to have another baby and needed more room. I had a Nissan Altima. We test drove all of the competition and this was the one we wanted. Loved the advertised gas milage but that didnt quite happen we got about 21. But we did get a K&N filter on ebay and now we get a lot closer to the advertised gas around 25. Love the style and drive after getting the update on the transmission it shifts great. It is a great first year model. The 3rd row could be a little easier to get into but is very nice when needed and love the space of folding down for a huge back space for cargo. All in all we really love our Outlook.

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  Jones1 - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Jones1 - January 19 - 5:23 pm

  The Saturn Sky is a fun car to drive! It gets excellent gas mileage. Sound system is good. This is my first convertible, and I love it.

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  Saturn ion base model - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Cat - January 18 - 7:50 pm

  This is first car I bought to get credit rating. I love this car! Manual transmission. 40/gal. Never got less no matter what I carry! Son got 35/gal. Aggressive driver! Love this car! I also like where the dash is. Lights are good there. Dont bother night vision.

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  What a ride - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By eseg438 - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I ordered this car back in May of 2006 and finally got it in January of 2007. Was it worth the wait? Oh yeah. Power, road gripping, and lots of fun. Now has added power seats and power door locks

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  sets up higher - 2004 Saturn ION
  By ks4750 - January 18 - 2:00 am

  the last saturn that i had i felt like i was on the ground but in my ion i am setting up higher.

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  Great Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Beagle - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I owned 3 Ford Explorers before the Vue. The last Explorer was totaled in an accident when I was broad sided. I cant downplay the Ford, but dollar for dollar, I really like the Vue. It has been fun to drive, reliable, and 4 people I know have now bought Saturns because of my opinion of the Vue. The latest bought a 2004 Vue and they Love it. By the way.... we bought a Saturn Ion Coupe at the same time. Great vehicles ! ! ! ! !

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  Very Pleased - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Ms_agape - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I very pleased with the vehicle. Gas mileage is great for a SUV.

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  this car is great! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By jerzgirl610 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  i love my new saturn, its so great to drive!!

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  Reliable Fun Car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Devon - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I recently bought a 2004 Ion and i absolutly love it. It is bigger then economy class cars i have driven in the past. It has a lot of power and is very easy to handle. I paid a little extra and got an upgraded interior that looks great. I carry a lot of sporting equipment with me and love that i have a big trunk to fit it all in. Couldnt be happier with my Saturn Ion Experience

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  Best Saturn So Far - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Joe G - January 12 - 6:30 pm

  This is the best Saturn of the four Ive owned. Its fun, sporty, handsome, luxurious, and decent on gas. It rides extremly quiet, and turns heads whereever I go. On the highway, I get about 29MPG, while around town its more like 20. I dont expect much better than that in this class of car anyway. Its really the same car as the Chev. Malibu, but I really like the look of the Saturn better. Lots of gadgets and toys to play with too. I love the LED light in the cabin, my leather seats, all the safety features and the remote start. If your in the market for a decent midsize, I think youll be pleased with her!