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:

• 

  New Saturn VUE is a blast! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By KentWaller - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Very fun to drive! Nice contemporary leather interior and powerful enough to get us up to our mountain home. The steering system seems great to me - in fact the first thing I noticed was how easy it was to steer. Very easy and pleasant to drive overall.

• 

  Great Car! - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Suz - May 6 - 10:16 am

  I bought this in April 2008 to replace my 1998 SW2 which had 120K+ (I gave the old one to a friend, still running strong!). My Astra is a delight - still wish it had a center armrest. My MPG has improved to well over 32 MPG hwy. I LOVE my Astra, and wish I had a chance to drive it more (but, since I only live a mile from work, Im not complaining). Have made a couple of trips from NW Chgo suburbs to a friend in rural Winamac IN, and the Astra is a champ. I NEVER get tired of driving it! Oh, and did I mention: I *love* my Astra!! Rock On!

• 

  Poor remote start - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By rfrieden - May 3 - 7:00 pm

  Weve had the Outlook for less than one month. I love driving it! (I traded in a minivan.) I had to have brake and windshield wiper fluid added already but I think it is because the levels werent checked when I bought the SUV. It is fun to zip around in and feels so much sportier than my minivan. No longer a minivan driver, forever a soccer mom!

• 

  Enjoying My Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By VueAWDv6 - May 1 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been fun to drive and made snow not a worry. I found that this car handles great in all weather and with the V6 it has the power that I wouldnÂ’t expect out of an SUV. The options that where standard on the V6 made this and easy purchase and I didnÂ’t walk away feeling I had any regrets. I would recommend this car to all those people looking for a little of everything.

• 

  I love my ION-3 - 2004 Saturn ION
  By joe - April 27 - 10:40 pm

  The new ION rocks! I already have 6500 miles in a month and a half. No problems. Handles well in rain, ice, and snow. Great gas mileage. I didnt think Id like the center instrument cluster, but now I dont know how I did without that for so long.

• 

  Redline Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Sleepe64 - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Unbelivable power, acclerates like a sports car! great road feel but alittle harsh on bumpy roads. Nice size and works well for my wifes needs, as a kid hauler. Interior materials are kinda cheesy. Exterior stlye is like nothing else, period. Honda produced 250hp 3.5 V6 and 5speed auto tranny are smooth, GM needs to pay attenion here. By and large their front driver sixs are junk.

• 

  2004 Redline VUE - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Peabo - April 27 - 10:00 am

  We searched many months for the perfect, loaded, and new SUV under $26000 and we found it Saturn VUE Redline. The Redline VUE is really a head turner. Its like having a smooth riding sports cars that is quick, handles great, and gets good gas milage. At the same time it seats 5 people comfortably and has plenty of cargo room. We get tons of compliments on the styling and the ~$1800 upgrade for the Redline is well worth it. If you buy the Redline, get ready the the attention it draws.

• 

  saturn ion - 2004 Saturn ION
  By lenjun - April 27 - 10:00 am

  for an inexpensive car, the ion has expensive features such as traction control, abs brakes,and a lot of space in the car itself and the trunk. It handles well at all speeds, has been extremely reliable(no repairs or adjustments required)and is a very good bad weather car-far better than my camry which is terrible in snow and slippery conditions. The one negative- the front seats are just o.k.

• 

  Great - 2006 Saturn Relay
  By Joe - April 21 - 12:50 am

  I have found that the Relay is a great vehicle to drive and the gas mileage on our Relay has been fantastic. The included DVD player has been a lifesaver. I also love the electrical outlet that allows you to plug in regular electric products like a PS 2 game system.

• 

  Unbeatable quality and style - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Sheila Ward - April 20 - 7:30 am

  Styling of my 2008 onyx VUE turns head. The after purchase leather package for the interior makes it even more stunning! I love the OnStar and XM radio. My VUE is a joy to drive in town and on the highway. I make long trips each month and have been thrilled with the smooth ride, handling and max gas mileage. I get max mileage driving in town. Dash panel is easy to see, access and operate while driving. On steering wheel dials make it even easier. The reasons I purchased the VUE - quality craftsmanship, safety, gas mileage, cargo space and styling have been proven as I own and drive the car. Experience with my Saturn dealership has been excellent. I recommend the VUE to all!