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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  Great car! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By John Deere - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I really like this car. I was really suprised to find that a Saturn was this good. The service at the dealership is wonderful, even at a different dealership than the one where it was purchased. I am very satisfied and will only buy Saturns from now on.

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  VUE just not ready for consumers - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By VTInightmare - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I got this vehicle in June 03. By the end of July it was back to the dealer for 2 different transmission problems and the rear differential had to be replaced on the third trip. The VTI transmission is terribly flawed with problems. Starting to make noise yet again and I dread going back to the dealer with more problems. Other than a bad transmission the vehicle is great but thats a huge flaw. The VTI transmission is not ready to be on the market in this vehicle.

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  Live the Saturn way - 2006 Saturn ION
  By John Stevens - December 25 - 12:03 pm

  When you make that first initial decision that its time for a new car, you always wonder whats next. Well from now on, its always going to be Saturns. I have had so much enjoyment so far with this vehicle. I have had the rest and now have the BEST!! Go and see for yourself. Its one of he best decisions I have ever made. I LOVE SATURN!!

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  Fun, Fast, and Fierce! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By MM - December 25 - 8:33 am

  Ive been test driving cars for months now and taking the wheel at many varities of autos. The Aura was by far my favorite, so I took the plunge the other night after seeing the massive rebates put out. I have a feeling I will not regret it. I have a grey/black leather combo with multiple add on features (including the Panoramic Roof) and have loved every mile. Its quiet, feels sturdy and tight on the road. The mileage is OK, but its a V6! The exterior is fierce with the alloys and leds. I love the interior lighting and read-ability and user friendliness of the panels. If youre going to do a midsized sedan, do it right and get an Aura fully loaded for less than a mediocre Camry/Accord.

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  MPG? No! GPM= Grins per Mile!!! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Catshreds - December 24 - 8:00 pm

  Park where you want, no shopping cart dings in these polymer doors. Move throgh traffic or on the open road with plenty of power to spare. Huge 4 wheel brakes will stop you NOW. Ive never owned a Saturn before, but one drive in the Redline, and I was sold. Looked at Scion Tc, WRX Sti, and Srt4. This car is the pefect marriage of performance and everday practicality; insurance was way cheaper than the others too!

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  I love my 06 ION 3 - 2006 Saturn ION
  By 06ion3 - December 21 - 8:40 pm

  I went from a 95 Ford Taurus to the 06 saturn ION 3 coupe. Theres such a big difference, a good difference though. Only thing I dont like about my new car is the seats. Theyre uncomfortable. Other than that I love it.

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  2006Saturn VUE 6cyl.awd - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By saturn customer jim - December 20 - 9:03 pm

  This is my 3rd Saturn and I think my last. Was disappointed that you get only a 16inch donut for a spare so if you are towing it and get a flat on the front you have to move the tire to the back and bring one of the rear tires to the front . Also to get a base plate for towing a piece has to be cut out of the bumper.

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  So far so good - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By dmzempr - December 19 - 7:13 am

  Just purchased this car used with low miles on it. Excited to see how it handles. So far I love the interior, the solidness of the build and the way it looks. Its really starting to shine. Ill be doing some good detailing on it since I am somewhat compulsive when it comes to cars. Replacing a 05 Ford Escape base model. I dont think even the 09 version of the Escape XLT matches this car.

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  Likes to spend your money - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By bsumorgan - December 17 - 2:00 am

  I got a redline, and it was a lot of fun, but every month I had it in the shop for some kind of maintenance or repair. To be fair, it probably has to do more with the previous owner than with the Saturn. Sold it after 10 months because you cant tow with the sport package. (no air flow to the transmission) Fuel economy was good, I averaged between 20 and 21 with the AWD v6. Interior is an odd combo of luxurious and cheap. Front end was noisy on rough surfaces. The AWD is not as good as ford/mercury awd. The back wheels only kick in a few moments after the front wheels lose traction. By then, it may be too late. It doesnt really do you any good on ice unless you intentionally break traction.

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  Fun & affordable - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By retired - December 17 - 1:36 am

  This is the second VUE that I have owned. I know Edmunds rates it a little above average for mileage. Comfort , looks, and service. I cant say enough about the service. Its 5 star. I took it on a trip to FL and averaged 27mpg. That 3.5 l v6 is great.