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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  The Vue is sweet! - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Mattpowl - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Being the third Saturn in my family, I had great confidence in the new AWD V6 Vue. Hats off to Saturn for a great design with some unique features. The electric power steering is really smooth. Handling is excellent and the gas mileage is very reasonable. The cargo organizer is very useful for grocery shopping. The AWD is great on snowy roads. Would definitely recommend to anyone!

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  good so far - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By grobby - March 12 - 5:03 pm

  I bought this car new a year ago. Its the 2.2 engine. Leather seats and sunroof. So far this has been a great car. I have 22,000 miles on it. I know others think that it is load inside, I actually dont. The car handles well and gets good gas mileage. I think that 06 Saturn was the best small SUV on the market at the time. The 06 had a make over both inside and out. I think it looks much better than the earlier models. I drove them all and settled on the Saturn. I really enjoy it

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  So far so good - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Puck - March 11 - 1:06 pm

  Just purchased the 06 and so far were happy with it, for the most part. The sticker said 26/32 for the mileage, and through the first three fill-ups were only getting about 18.8 MPG. Our driving is about 50-50 local and highway travel, so I certainly expected better... Time will tell.

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  True enjoyment! - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By Darksky - March 8 - 11:46 pm

  I fell in love with the looks the minute I saw my first one! Its one of the best looking cars on the road and for the money a lot of car and a great buy. I dont understand the reviewers complaints about the manual top. Its simple, fast and reliable to operate. Its so small I cant see the need for motors and a drive system. The performance, handling and braking are exceptional. The car is a constant hit with everyone you meet. I love the XM radio and all the small speakers. Even with the top down at 80 sounds are still clear and strong. Its fun to drive and the enjoyment factor is way high. A bonus is the ease of manuevering and parking such a small car.

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  Great European cummuter car - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By TortoiseMe - March 8 - 4:13 pm

  I traded in my Ford Escape V6 for this car when gas prices spiked. I also checked out the Mazda3 sport and Hyundai Elantra, but the Astra was the most fun to drive and best built by far. I opted for the automatic - which is well matched to the engine but like all GMs it really, really should be 5 or even 6 speed like many competitors. I have commuted in it for a month now and taken it on 2 long road trips and it has been great! - Comfortable, economical, stylish, what more could you ask for?

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  My Last Saturn - 2003 Saturn ION
  By EW - March 8 - 4:03 pm

  At the time I got this car - the "college grad" deal made it the most affordable car around. Now all I want to do is get rid of it. It is not a sporty car. It is an economy coupe, and that is it.

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  2004 sautrn vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By jbk - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The response, while not high performance, is exceptional in the 6 cylinder motor. Gas mileage is surprisingly as promised at the dealership (24 town, 26 highway). Steering response is acceptable, while not oversensitive.

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  A seat with a Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By yhensley - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I really have enjoyed by Vue. I have had many people stop me and ask about my experience with my Vue. They also comment on its sporty look. I must agree.

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  do not buy this car - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By tm51 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  under powered plastic piece of junk poor gas milage 12mpg at best vti auto very noisy with tons of hesitation. interior noise every item squeaks from dash to doors. Unfortunatly i love exterior of car!!!!!! do not buy. also i own this car 5mons and msrp 23,400 car now worth 14,000 trade in wow never buy this car stay away

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  Love It - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Amee - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun to drive around. It is a small car, but when you drive it, you forget you are in a small car. Nothing can compare to the costumer service you get when you go to a Saturn dealership too. The best part is no haggling. While this if my first Saturn, in all liklihood it will not be my last.