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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  lkl - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By llawrence - October 19 - 2:00 am

  The VUE has gotten up my drive with no proble through every snow this season. I fell very safe in the Vue and even when going up my very very steep drive I feel very safe with no worry of tipping etc.

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  An excellent car at a great price - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Cygnus - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Ion earlier this month. I traded in a 2001 Honda Civic LX. Despite what I read in road tests, the seats are very comfortable, the ride and handling are both excellent and the center-mounted instruments are no better or worse than conventional instruments, just different. The updated steering is nearly as good as my old Civics. Im getting 29-30 mpg in mostly city driving. After three Hondas in a row, I have no regrets buying a Saturn.

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  Is this a Saturn? - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By RON LANE - October 18 - 6:50 pm

  The people at Saturn got it totally right this time. I bought the XR model with Morrocan tan leather. It is very beauitful. Even some Lexsus owner friends of mine are jelous about the OnStar phone and service. This car has great get up and go and rides very smoothly. The manual to auto transmission shift is very cool. I am not sure but the gas mileage could be a little better. There are also a few appointments on the inside that could have been done just a bit better but for the price point, this car is an amazing value and a joy to drive.

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  Happy Nearing 5000 Miles - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Dick - October 16 - 11:30 pm

  Just emerging from a hard Minnesota winter with temps at 22 below zero and a good amount of snow. Have had no problems at all with this car, none, zero, nada. Love the way it drives and love the pick-up thats nice for city driving, plenty of power.

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  saturn vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By k. kafer - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Great handling, large cargo space, great visability, I like the option of side curtain air bags. afordable

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  LOVE SATURNS! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By AlexCheney - October 14 - 10:00 am

  My family holds the record for most new Saturns bought from our dealership (Saturn of Newport News). They are amazing cars, and I will never drive anything else.

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  good - 2004 Saturn ION
  By melleigh - October 14 - 10:00 am

  i love my saturn. the dent resistant panels are great, and the airbags make me feel safe in my car. its a car that is very fun to drive.

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  Will GM get the Astra message? - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Mark B - October 13 - 3:53 pm

  The Astra is the second best selling car in Europe. Owner reviews on Edmunds and Yahoo are 95% favorable and gushing with favorable comments on this little gem. Yet, GM and Saturn hardly advertise it. Makes you wonder why our USA-based automotive companies have a problem selling cars. This car will blow Corolla, Civic and other imports out of the market if GM handles it right. Tweak it to get better mileage (28/36), add some engine options, add overdrive, add a auxiliary audio input port, etc. and it will sell (Build it and they will come....remember that GM?). I am from Detroit and want our Detroit-based auto companies to succeed big time. Listen to the consumer and build the Astra!

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  Saturn Vue Sport - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Rick - October 12 - 1:53 pm

  This SUV drives well. The seating is very comfortable. The seat belt shoulder harness is adjustable for comfort. I get great mileage in the city. My 5-speed is fun to drive! This 4-cylinder engine has power.

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  The Best Car I Ever Drove - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Tim - October 11 - 2:10 pm

  This is a low cost Cadillac. Drives like a dream. This is my 4th Saturn and if i could I would but another one. But now Im forced to buy a Ford.