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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  wow! What a value for the price - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By cheryl - January 3 - 11:53 am

  I recently bought a 2007 FWD black Vue. I did my research and the Honda engine was really a selling point for me. The features on the car on great and I feel I have a luxury car without the high price tag. It has good pick up even thought it isnt a V6. Dont know why Saturn isnt seen more often on the freeway, but it certainly has me sold on the brand!

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  Dont pass one up if you get the chance - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By dolorean36 - January 3 - 2:00 am

  My Astra XR 5dr has been great. So much fun to drive through the twisties. Fits all kinds of stuff, with or without kids. I drive it constantly for work and the A/C never quits, I consistantly get 30 mpg city and highway, drives well in snow and ice, and is very comfortably over vast distances. Its incredibly easy to change the oil and to change the spark plugs. The big sunroof works effortlessly.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Berry Jeb - January 1 - 10:00 am

  I was not considering this car until I drove it. It is wonderful. I have had it for 2 months and I have really enjoyed driving the car. It is priced reasonably and performs as well as anything else Id driven. Recently, while driving on the interstate at over 60 miles an hour, I hit a deer. It was a large deer. The front was very crunched, and we had to have it towed because there was damage to the fan, but three people walked away from that car. It is very safe. I know from experience. It is in the shop now getting a new front end, but I cant wait to have my car back for I know how great the car is after my accident.

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  2008 Saturn Aura XR 3.6 - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Adam - January 1 - 2:33 am

  After spending 8 years in Volkswagens, I decided to trade my 2005 Passat for the Aura. Overall, Im impressed with the Aura. Saturn sure has come a long way. Good power (although a little slow to react when you punch it). Little things I notice like some cheap plastics, and poorly fitting panels in the Aura. Especially the door panels, and door sills, which get scuffed very easily. Shouldnt have that at this price point. Seating is not as comfy as the Passat. Im a taller guy, and trying to get a comfortable driving position has been a challenge. Curious to see what long road trips will be like. If I could have the VW seats in the Aura, it would be perfect.

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  Awesome Aura - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By JWright24 - December 28 - 10:46 am

  Purchased the Saturn Aura about a month ago, and it is an amazing car. It is very smooth on the road and easy on the eye. It very easily blends in with all other luxury cars. It stands apart from other cars in its class including the Honda Accord, Pontiac G6 etc. If a Honda Accord or other car in the mid $20,000 range is something you are looking at, I would strongly consider the Aura.

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  Why arent more of these on the road? - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Kiyo - December 27 - 6:46 pm

  The lease on my Toyota Corolla was coming up in a few months and I started test driving Eco / Compact cars in the $14k to 22k price range. I drove the following; Honda Fit / Civic, Toyota Matrix / Yaris, VW Rabbit, Mazda 3 and Scion xD before coming across this little gem. I was leery at first because of the GM label but after a test drive this car beat out all the others I had driven in its class and quickly shot to the number one on my list. Its gas economy and surprising fit and feel are only out done by its amazingly fun sporty drive and sexy European look. I honestly have no idea why there arent way more of these on the road than the hand full Ive seen.

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  Great Car - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Nick Anderson - December 27 - 1:02 am

  Second Saturn I have owned . The first one wouldnt quit. I gave it to my step son with 250,000 miles and still ran strong. I bought my Saturn Ion Coupe new in 2007. Same reliable service and still own it in 2016. If you take care of a Saturn , it will take care of you. Most important, where can you get a small sporty car that has a fold down front seat? Cant tell you how many 8ft. boards I have hauled home.

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  Definitely a Fan - 2003 Saturn ION
  By kevinthenerd - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I was worried than an economy car wouldnt be quick. I was certainly wrong. Several times during the last week, for instance, I ACCIDENTLY chirped the tires coming off of traffic lights. Thats fantastic considering I drive the automatic. I can burn just about any Civic out there, and I still get amazing gas milage.

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  Much better car than they rated it as.. - 2003 Saturn ION
  By n3srj - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Not sure what edmunds was thinking when the reviewed this car but i disagree with 90% of what they say. This car is very inovated,extremely powerfull for its size, and just an extreme pleasure to drive. Handles and drives far better that what you pay for this auto. I rate it a 9.5 out of 10!!

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  Great Car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By jspence - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this car and I love it. Its fun to drive and looks great. Its a smooth ride and handles the road well. The dealership made the car buying experience easy. I will definitely buy another Saturn.