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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  The Honda engine is great - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Jim - December 14 - 8:03 am

  I really like the way my VUE accelerates. The 250hp V6 Honda engine makes it by far the best Saturn Ive owned (the VUE is my third Saturn). Its exactly what I wanted: nice styling, great pick-up when you step on the gas, and a good value. Oh yeah, smooth ride too.

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  Great buy - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By LFK - December 13 - 8:43 pm

  Picked up our 2008 Saturn VUE XR AWD last week and are loving it! Great ride, toys, size, comfort, quiet ride. Engine pick up is quick but for this the gas mileage suffers a bit but its hard to find it all in one vehicle- power, economy and versatility. I would suggest the $595 convenience package as it provides a couple of nice additions- rain sensing wipers, heated washer nozzels and remote start system. I would have liked a back-up sensor or camera available like is offered in the Outlook. Overall very satisfied so far.

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  Amazing Car For Price - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By exm22psu - December 13 - 5:43 am

  I have found the Aura to be beyond the Camry, Accord, and Altima, even if they were at the same price, which they arent. I didnt like the Altima as much for steering, although the engine is at or beyond the Aura in some refinement aspects, and Camry for ride and road noise. The Aura is more quiet, has better steering feedback, and more tight suspension and seating. Only thing that needs attention is a rear center armrest, move high mounted stoplight to top of rear window, and improve quality of rear seat cupholder.

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  Review of my first real car - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By 20yrold - December 12 - 3:30 am

  I purchased my Saturn in 2008 and was a little worried from all the stories that I have heard. But to my relief none of them were true. I have had my car for almost a year and I have no no complaints. The only work that I have had to do was replace the front left wheel bearing, but i bought the car like that so I know what I was getting into. I love the way it rides and the way it feels like a small car when its not. My only complaint is that the dash is a little hard to dismantle when trying to put in a cd player, I lost 2 screws that I recovered and the hazard light button, and have no clue where it went, and no clue where to get another one.

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  I like it! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By August75 - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Vue for about a month now and Im really getting a feel for the car. Ive read the reviews that say the 4 cylinder is a little loud, but this is the quietest car Ive ever driven. I feel so safe with my new baby in this car! I also dont feel like I pass 50 Vues on the way to work each day like some of the other small SUVs I see. I definately think she stands out a little. Im happy with my purchase because I love to drive it as well as my husband who drives a truck. It fits both of our styles.

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  most troublesome car owned - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By yankeesnj - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Compared to any other car I have ever owned, this car has been the most troublesome, less reliable car. Required several repairs, each of which took multiple attempts before the dealer could fix the problem. Both major issues were blamed (by the dealer) as design problems. This car was traded in (after owning it for only 14 months) due to the fact that I did not trust taking across country when moving. Although it was a great car to drive when it was working, the lack of reliablity caused this to be the worst car experience I have had.

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  Love the Saturn Vue - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Kirsten Hughes - December 9 - 9:00 am

  I first drove a Saturn Vue rental in 2007 when I went on an unexpected road trip. I was impressed with the comfort and performance. My daughter and I felt safe and the vehicle handled so well. In addition, it is so easy to get in and out of the vehicle without having to struggle.

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  I love this car! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By miss_tarabull - December 8 - 7:43 pm

  This is the 2nd car Ive had, Im 17 and its totally perfect for me! Its so cute and fits me. The performance is great, I havent found any problems with it at all; even my mom likes to drive it. Its super fun to drive, and Im pretty protective of it. My last car (Ford Contour) was a dud but this car is awesome!

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  My big piece of junk! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Karen - December 8 - 7:46 am

  I bought a used 2003 with 86,000 miles not from a Saturn dealer in June07. After only 2,000 miles I needed a new transmission which cost $4,000 and they informed me than, that wasnt the original transmission so the one I put in was at least #3. Just the other day mine took another ride on a rollback because of transmission problems. I only put 4,933 on a brand new transmission.They gave me a 12 month 12,000 mile warranty so everything is covered. Now theyre trying to sell me a new one but will only give me $3000 toward a brand new one because they know mine is a big piece of junk! And its AWD and loaded. I wouldnt wish this piece of junk on my worse enemy.

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  Out - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Brad Willet - December 5 - 5:36 am

  After almost 3 months the car is almost perfect! No issues other than std. first year recalls. Wish I would have gotten memory seats, and Im not crazy about the tires in the touring package, but still love the vehicle. 67" and Im incredibly comfortable, with plenty of room for the two dogs and probably a child seat next year.