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:

• 

  very reliable!!! - 2007 Saturn ION
  By suntan78 - March 27 - 9:36 pm

  2.4 has been a great car low maintenance other than the recalls with power steering and fuel pump the car has not had any problems. put gas in and go. owned it since new in 2007 regular maintenance. Only thing I dont have to worry about is my car it always starts and drive anywhere I need it be it a short trip or across Florida. I have the larger motor 2.4 average 24 city and 29 highway. No regrets buying this car most reliable car of my 20 cars Ive owned.

• 

  Great Car for the money - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Charlie - March 26 - 9:10 am

  We just love this car. On our trip to FL in Feb. we averaged 31 mpg at 75 to 80 mph on rt 95. In combined country driving in the winter we get around 28 mpg. The car has great power for a 4 cyl and is very quiet at 75 to 80 mph. We love it!

• 

  Finally - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By CHRISTINEL - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Looked at the 03 and wasnt as impressed with as I am the 04. The interior is much nicer better fit and finish. V6 Much quieter and the handling is great. Would tell anyone to look at the 04s. Huge improvements!!

• 

  you must have driven the wrong SUV - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By silk - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!!! LOOKS GREAT HANDLES GREAT LOVE IT! GOT ELECTRONIC POWER STEARING AND SPACIOUS AND ALOT OF EXTRAS. STEREO SYSTEM IS EXCELLENT...SO COMFORTABLE..CARGO AREA IS EXCELLENT...GREAT GAS MILEAGE...FUN TO DRIVE I LOVE MY SATURN VUE AND THE COMPANY..YOU HAD TO BE IN THE WRONG VEHICLE.

• 

  Excellent Vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By jnnziggy - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. My first car was a Saturn SL2. I needed a bigger car so I decided on the Vue. I love the way it looks.

• 

  The best pocket rocket out there - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Leo - March 21 - 4:16 pm

  My silver coupe with 5 speed has about 2000 mixed miles on it so far and all I can say is "wow". Better than 30 MPG overall, outstanding handling that brings a smile with every crooked road, and a quality feel and and comfort that you cant find on any other car costing thousands more. Its brought passion back to driving! Great everyday commuter, with honest room for four. On the open highway, its quiet and has plenty of punch for passing. On the twisty country roads it just doesn t seem to have a limit to grip and handling. Leather seats are wonderful--firm and confortable. Great looking car! Top it all with the wonderful no hassle Saturn dealer experience, and there is no competition

• 

  MY VUE - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Patricia Gray - March 19 - 2:00 am

  My Saturn VUE handles real well on the road in all weather conditions. It is a very comfortable ride. I love the feel of being in truck but yet still having the size of a car.

• 

  Personal Choice - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Prplagnl1964 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I am a third time saturn owner....prefer the saturn for its appearance. I really enjoyed my SL2...the body style was truly a racy look...but really like the room in my ION.

• 

  Excellence in Design - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Shawgod - March 19 - 2:00 am

  After purchasing this vehicle I have to say that this vehicle has all the things I could ask for out of a car. Now the center mounted gauges are something to get use to, but in all I have been really happy with the service from saturn, and think this is a well built car.

• 

  Silver Red Line 05 - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Bill - March 16 - 5:53 am

  I feel that this vehicle is a well built vehicle for a Saturn and is packed with performance that takes a lot of people by suprise, which is always fun to do.