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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  I love this van - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By christina - September 7 - 12:33 am

  I love this van. I did lots of research before getting this. But it just has so much to like. We had already owned two Saturns before this so I knew what to expect. It drives great handles the road so well. Has plenty off room even in the back and doesnt have the small seats in it like the Dodge Caravan. My hubby is 63 and can sit in the back and be comfortable.

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  Why Buy the Other Nameplates? - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By warrenj - September 6 - 3:40 pm

  We looked high and low to replace our Honda Pilot this time last year. I saw the Outlook in a magazine and went to see it for myself. My wife wanted another Pilot. I wanted a larger Tahoe/SUV. (Glad we didnt go there now!) After the first year we can honestly say, it is the best automobile we have ever owned! But why would you want to pay more for the GMC/Buick sibling when they are made side by side in the same plant but are thousands more because of the name plate? I have suggested this SUV to many friends and all have six have purchased and all have great things to say.

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  2007 Saturn Vue 5-speed Manual - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By kwakkerhead - September 5 - 9:32 am

  I bought this vehicle new. I have had few problems with it. Ignition coil and (as a result) catalytic converter went out at about 90,000 miles. A/C developed leak at about 100k miles. No other problems. This has been a comfortable and reliable vehicle that I never hesitate to take on long trips. Cargo space is excellent. Comfort for driver and passengers is excellent. Styling is acceptable. Handling is good for a small SUV. Gas mileage is excellent, as I average about 26-27 miles per gallon. Has 125,000 miles and has shown no signs of wear on 4-cyl engine, which is very adequate mated to the 5-speed manual transmission. All things considered, this has been an overall excellent vehicle.

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  Another Vue Lemon - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By LemonVue2002 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  This Vue("LEMON")has been problems since the 1st day. Fuel gauge not reading correctly, struts replace 2xs, rotors replaced to "TRY" to correct thumping and stearing wheel shaking 3xs, Seat cover strings pop off foam showing 3xs,water leak on floor 5xs, loud engine vibration 4xs. Saturn dearler still did not fix any of the problems. After many attempts to fix problems their answer: ITS THE CHARACTERISTIC of the Vue. I DONT THINK SO.I will never by a GM product agian!!!!! Ive learned my lesson once again!!!!!bye bye SATURN. Never Again.

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  Saturn ION - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Ryantupac - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I think it is an all around good car.

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  Great Drivetrain, So So Everything Else! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By D Buck - September 4 - 5:03 am

  We came for the Honda V6 and no haggle pricing. We got a decent CUV for $19,700 out the door and headed straight to the shop for a GPS and leather seats. A/C died 3 times until they finally replaced the leaky compressor. Brake rotors rusted on the inboard side. Ignition switch is shot. Keys falls out. Suspension squeaks when it shouldnt. I work on cars for a hobby/profession so well keep her around but be prepared for those unexpected trim and other weak systems like the suspension design to chase your nickels and dimes. Id still buy the car all over again! All cars have their issues!

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  Is on Opel feel and drive superb! - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Claudio Guadagno - August 31 - 1:20 am

  I just got a 2008 Saturn Astra XR trading down from a 2006 Chevy TrailBlazer. Gas prices and fuel consumption were factors in getting this car. I am from Venezuela where Opels are sold so I know about the built quality. This car is sweet. It is not very fast 0-60 but once it hits 60 it all changes. It handles like a 318ti my friend has. Sweet.

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  Solid Commuter - 2006 Saturn ION
  By berne1 - August 29 - 8:23 am

  I bought this car strictly on price. Got a 24 mo lease w/17K miles per year for $222. I was expecting to be underwhelmed, but I found this vehicle to be a pleasant surprise. I got the 5- speed because I prefer a stick, and got an addl $250 rebate. This car would not be fun with an automatic. The engine pulls strong in the powerband. The interior is quieter than I expected. It only took a few days to get used to the center-mounted gauges. I dont know that Id put them there, but they work just fine. The only time it seems weird is at night, when there is no light from the gauges directly in front of you.

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  Cant Be Beat for $25K - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By HomeBase - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Coming from a Toyota Seinna and after looking at many cars and reading about them on Edmunds, the VUE was a "dark horse". But with the updated interior and 250HP V6 for 2004, it became clear that this vehicle is really fun to drive and easy on the pocket book. With comfy leather seats, moonroof, MP3 player, great gas mileage (so far 26MPG),great reliability for this drivetrain and excellent safety ratings, this makes for a GREAT vehicle.

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  driving my Saturn - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Donna M Poulin - August 29 - 2:00 am

  The problems with my saturn are the steering pulls to one side or the other.It is to sensitive to the crown in the road,if the road is alittle lower on the left it pulls to the left. (to sensitive)Its a fight to drive the car. The transmission shifts late or at to high an RPM. Dirt, and road sand,and salt get between the rear door and the rear quarter pannels almost inside the car. I see a rust problem ahead.