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 loved this van - 2006 Saturn Relay
  By LEW - April 15 - 2:53 pm

  This was the best van I ever owened. I had one problem with one of the doors, it wouldnt close sometimes. The gas mileage wasnt to good but other than that the kids and I loved it.

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  A fun SUV to drive - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Molly A - April 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought this SUV to tow behind my 36ft Motorhome. It was between the Vue and the Honda CRV. I wanted a car that I didnt need to modify the transmission to tow it It was a pleasent experience to deal with Saturn. There no hassel was a breath of fresh air. As I bought the Vue the end of July I had to take it from dealers stock. The one I wanted my dealer didnt have so they looked throughout the 6 sate reagon they found me mine in Maine. They went out of there way to make sure I was completly satified. This is the way all car buying should be and the rest of the car dealers could take a lesson from Saturn.

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  Smooth and Fun - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By starrdancerr512 - April 15 - 10:00 am

  I love my Vue! Surfing the net for my new car was the very rewarding. The Vue has a very smooth ride which is also enhanced by the CVT transmission. The electric steering is one of reliability and a great performer. My reason for choosing a Vue is the CVT transmission, the electric steering, the Hepa air filter, the polymer body, the excellent bridgestone tires. Plenty of room inside the vehicle. It is a very fun vehicle to drive in the sunroof, the tinted windows, It has a very classy yet rugged look to it. Its a must drive SUV.

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  Vue to a Tow - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By DrDave654 - April 15 - 10:00 am

  The Vue has the Honda 3.5 and Honda Transmission in it The engine is very powerful and not only has 250 hp and has great torque but is also rated as a ULEV ( Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) It gets good gas mileage even when towing a camping trailer. ( I do reccomend a Tramsmission cooler be installed) Very good driveability and steering. Tows the trailer without effort. visability is very good, and once you get use to the heated seats it is hard to do without them We have a 2003 Saturn L300 with the heated seats. Still have it as well. Compared it to several vehicles before buying. Saturn of Concord is fantastic to deal with.

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  Saturn ION3 Quad Coupe- fun and useable - 2004 Saturn ION
  By John from Denver - April 9 - 3:10 pm

  I like smaller Japanese vehicles such as Toyota, Honda, and Daihatsu (A Toyota subsidiary as is Scion). As an older single male, I concidered a Corvette or a new Mustang, but I like durability and features that give an owner more than the first impression might make. My quad coupe replaced a very nicely loaded and durable Honda Civic EX 4-dr sedan. The ION3 quad coupe has the sporty appearance of a 2-dr coupe, but gives me the advantages of a four door sedan. The rear access door on each side, without a door column, allows amazing room to carry items and install child seats. I keep vehicles a long time. My Toyota truck had 534,000 mi. before its end. Have fun in your ION 3 quad coupe!

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  Great car - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By rona - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Before I bought my car I looked at the reviews from about 20 other people and I have to tell you, I just love this car. It is so comfortable and I had Saturn put a moonroof in and it was the best thing I ever did. This car gets good gas mileage, is comfortable, and I love the OnStar. My whole buying experience was amazing and I could not be happier.

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  Best car I ever had - 2003 Saturn ION
  By kortkm - April 1 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car ever. I have gone through chevys and Fords and this is the first car that has ever been able to hadle my driving. I m so happy with this purchase and for the price you can not go wrong.

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  Love this car!!! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Joe vue now - April 1 - 10:00 am

  My 2001 honda civic only wishes it could be as nice as this vehicle. Its sooooo nice and fun to drive!!! My old room mate had a Honda C rv- Like this one better!

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  Worth the Price - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Heather - March 31 - 10:56 am

  I bought this car as a sixteen year-old, hoping to get it paid off by graduation(which I did) It was affordable and it was a great car to spend my first years of driving with. Even with a standard engine, it accelerated very fast, and the standard sound system is incredible. Its reliable and affordable.

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  Redline VUE is a Head Turner - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By 06vueredline - March 28 - 3:26 pm

  I recently traded my 2004 VUE V6, for the new and improved 2006 VUE V6. This time I opted for the Redline version. The 18-inch wheels, wide tires, and tuned sport suspension offer a huge improvement in handling to compliment the 250hp V6 under the hood. In addition, the much needed interior refinements, along with firm bolstered sport seats, and aggressive exterior styling make this vehicle unique, fun, and versatile.