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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  Saturn VUE Better value - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Mike Nigara - April 8 - 3:46 am

  We chose the Saturn Vue over the Chevy Equinox because of the better value.The Bigger 250 Hp engine cost less than the smaller 185 hp Equinox. The Vue was more carlike and has a luxUrious interior versus the Equinoxs more industrial interior.The Vue has more standard features, less cost.The traction control system comes std on the Vue. Easy to drive ,easy to park, love the rear door access with the clever grocery-package compartment.Plenty of power with extremly smooth shifting.Go anywhere do anything with very good Standard value should make the Saturn Vue the right choice when deciding on a new SUV.

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  DO NOT BUY A SATURN, I REPEAT DO NOT BUY - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Matthew - April 7 - 2:36 am

  I purchased my Saturn ION 3 brand new. This car has DEPRECIATED the worst out of any car I have ever owned. I was coerced into buying the Extended Service Contract being told I could turn it in later. Well the Extended Service Contract DEPRECIATES also. With only 22,000 miles on this car it is starting to fall apart. Brakes are going bad, the fan makes and irritating noise that they tried to fix but failed to do, etc. I should have spent the 20,000 dollars on a CIVIC would have been worth more than my Saturn which is now worth less than 10,000. I also had a new Toyota Camry, JUNK. Fell apart at 20,000 miles. Both made in America. Both JUNK. DO NOT BUY DO NOT BUY DO NOT BUY

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  What a Blast! - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By Ross - April 7 - 12:30 am

  This car is just so much fun to drive! If youre looking for a 2 seater that will bring a smile to your face every time you get in it (or just look at it), this is the car youre looking for!

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  I love my Relay - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Lisa - April 5 - 9:40 pm

  I am torn with the gas prices skyrocketing. but I love the car so much, so much room, comfort for 7 adults, removable seats, storage, there are so many great things about this car

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  Pleased overall - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By harperfam - April 4 - 6:36 pm

  Purchased the vehicle about four months ago as a cheaper form of transportation. We had owned an SUV prior. Overall the vehicles appearence and quality seems good. The interior has a Audi-esc appearence but not Audi quality. It is not bad quality it could just have a little better materials. However the fuel milage has been disappointing. It actually is getting worse mileage than the Honda CRV it replaced. In mixed, conservative driving it is only getting about 21.5 MPG. Very disappointing.

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  Horrible! - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By mres08 - April 4 - 3:21 pm

  Worst car ever. After owning for 1 1/2 years, I have to get rid of it. Have is the key word. It died on the highway. Nobody can tell me specifically whats wrong with it because theres about 8 different things wrong with it. The engine is about to go. There are brake problems, engine problems, thermostat problems, etc. I regret getting this car-- its had problems since day one. No wonder Saturns out of business. The reliability of their cars are seemingly terrible.

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  Dont buy - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Piece of Junk - April 3 - 10:13 pm

  Bought this car in Oct. 2005 brand new. After first year, it all went downhill. Had to replace the Powertrain Module twice already, and now, my dashboard lights go on and off, the speedometer doesnt move, dont know how much gas I have and etc with whatever is on the dashboard. The car been nothing but hell to me and my wife. Truly wish I could get rid of it, but have to wait another year. Do not buy this car used if you ever are thinking about it. Completely garbage !!!

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  Youre Going to Love It! - 2006 Saturn Relay
  By ShuShu - April 2 - 5:33 am

  This ride is so smooth. I love to drive it as well as ride in it. The outside noise in minimal to none. And DVD comes standard. It is just a nice fun reliable car.

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  Great car for school - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Cody - March 30 - 5:00 pm

  I love the car... I had a Firebird before and the VUE gets better gas mileage. I got a great price on the car. Its fun to drive, and looks great. It has lots of room. Its very reliable and has great quality, and comfort.

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  They are discounting Auras - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By rb7385899 - March 29 - 4:46 pm

  forget the "policy" of no saturn discounts. i got $2,750 off list, plus was allowed to use $2,000 in GM credit card rewards. this turned a $26,933 car into about a $22,000 car. Moroccan leather interior and sunroof included. Classy - very classy