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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  Best bang for the buck - 2004 Saturn ION
  By x98mirage - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive been shopping around for the past 6 months. I gave myself a budget of $20k. I was comparing this car to the Accord, Celica, Eclipse, and Jetta... For the price, I got the ION 3, fully loaded with all the extras and cannot believe what I took home! This car drives with the smoothness of a Towncar, has an AC that freezes me on a 95 degree summer day, and looks great at the same time. This car has class, practicality, and sportiness all at an incredible price! One of the few American cars made in America, Id recommend this car to anyone in the market... AT LEAST TEST DRIVE IT!

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  Saturn Vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Richard Wayne - August 30 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle attracted my attention because of the combination of its load capacity, daylight running lights, and fold down passanger seat. With the option of ABS it dressed out nicely. Good power for size and reasonable MPG. After test driving two other vehicles in this class I settled on the Vue. This is a fun vehicle to drive.

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  Really good car! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Gayland - August 27 - 4:00 pm

  My daughter, who lives in Austin,Texas, bought a new VUE and we were introduced to it in this way when she came to see us in Dallas. Test drove a new one after she left and was really impressed with the car. Looked at several other cars/SUVs and went back to the Saturn and wrote him a check for the VUE that we wanted and have just been very pleased with it. Period!

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  X-cellent XR - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Glenn - August 26 - 7:20 am

  I went from a 02 Acura RL to a new 08 Aura XR which actually has more features and options than the RL or TL for a lot less money. I like the stance and handling of the XR on its 18" wheels. The performance is quick and responsive and I enjoy the paddle shift on the steering wheel. Its a bit tight to enter and exit but maybe thats just for me at 65" tall. The insulated glass makes for a very quiet ride.

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  Follow-Up To My Review On 4/11/2009 - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Robert - August 25 - 4:06 pm

  Its 13 months later, and now I know that I cannot get another NEW Saturn ... I guess Ill just have to keep this one; right now, I"m OK with that. This car continues to prove its worth. My next one would have been Saturn #5. Im now approaching 50,000 miles, and have owned it 2 yrs, 11 days. Ive replaced the worn rear brake pads, and have machined the front disc brake rotors (due to intense pulsations when braking at higher speeds). The tires STILL HAVE 8/32" of tread, and they STILL drive nicely. Folks still compliment me on its looks ("Thats a Saturn ??"). The car is STILL a pleasure to drive! Next Car= Ford, Lincoln, Chevy SS, or Cadillac

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  SKY- Upscale Roadster for the Common Man - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By VUETH1S - August 25 - 7:36 am

  Colossal value. Thoroughly enjoyable to drive around. Interior a pleasure to sit in. Quick, nimble, excellent road hugger. Solid and tight. If youre 6-4 probably need something bigger.

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  Economical SUV, great mileage! - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Belinda - August 21 - 12:30 pm

  I purchased a VUE as a second Saturn at my home. These vehicles are outstanding! My SL has over 150,000 miles and is still going strong at 30 mpg. I have not done any major repairs. The FWD Vue handles beautifully, and I expect to get many comfortable, realiable & gas efficient miles out of it. I was so excited that it fit our family (5) with comfort and ease. This vehicle was well thought out in design, from the dash controls, to rear storge in the hatch. I highly reccommend a Saturn vehicle to anyone looking for a sporty compact family SUV with great style and mileage. You should go to a local dealer and test drive a VUE. You will be amazed at the low cost of ownership and miles of dependable service.

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  Very Satisifed Saturn Owner - 2005 Saturn ION
  By David C - August 20 - 11:06 pm

  From the time I walked in the door at the dealership until the time I drove away with the car, it was an awesome experience. The salesman that took care of me was not interested in upselling but rather what I was looking for. I had done my homework online prior to buying so I new what I wanted which made it even easier. I have the ION 1 and its an incredibly fun car to own and drive. It has a huge amount of kick in the motor for a sedan, so it does make the road trips enjoyable. Gas mileage is just as good. The trunk space is a big factor since I do travel quite a bit.

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  Love this Vehicle!!!! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By USN78 - August 19 - 2:03 am

  Replaced our import suv, thought we would give American another shot. This vehicle has it all. The third row seat room is awsome compared to our old vehicle (Suzuki XL7 Limited). The captain chairs are great for the kids to jump quickly into the back. Smooth ride, good looking inside and out. Get alot of heads turning. People cant believe the quality/luxury in this Saturn. GM hit a home run with this platform. Got ours loaded except minus the NAV.

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  Better than the imports - 2003 Saturn ION
  By LM2 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car -- much better than the imports in this class. Strangers stop me in parking lots and tell me they love they way it looks.