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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  Super convenient vehicle - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Frank Udell - November 17 - 10:50 am

  This vehicle is a pleasure to drive. It is easy to get into, and to egress. (very important for older individuals) I have heard that the Saturn Vue has mushy steering. I personaly find the steering to be as good as, if not better than, many vehicles I have tried. Acceleration is great (V6), and more than adequate for cross country traveling, and getting out of tight situations. The VUE feels good to drive and is comfortable. I would really recommend the VUE for the more mature set.

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  Some, but not enough - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Jynxie - November 16 - 2:33 pm

  I bought an ION after owning a 92 Saturn SC and being so pleased with it. I was VERY disappointed with the ION. It rattled, parts came off all the time, brakes werent that good. I definitely got my moneys worth out of that warranty. Good for a first car, but after having had high quality, I cant go back to Saturn.

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  100% satisfied like a Snickers bar! - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By 100%SATISFIED - November 16 - 1:10 pm

  I just purchased the Vue(redline) I must admit Saturn was the last on my list. Now I have my foot in my mouth. I saved a lot of money, fell in love with the interior and all the additional perks. Above all the drive-like butter. Spacious room for my 3 kids and we feel safe unlike other x-overs that have plastic side doors. Aerodynamic shape and airbags and sufficient leg room. Traction is excellent and I must say this car is underexposed!We give the Vue a shout out! If the kids can give this car props, I must say the Saturn Vue is a true winner! The truth sets you free and you definitely have a winner! Thank you!

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  Saturn Ion 3 - 2003 Saturn ION
  By joendsu - November 14 - 10:00 am

  The car has been really fun to drive. The turning radius is great. I have had some small problems with the cruise control, but Saturn was quick to fix. There is a lot of head room and leg room even in the back seat. The trunk is very large and the back seat also folds down to increase space for the trunk. The engine is a bit loud when accelerating, but is quiet when up to speed. The 4cl engine has great acceleration and pep, which I found lacking in other comparable cars.

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  taste of performance - 2003 Saturn ION
  By donny - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Just came back from a trip to Eastern Kentucky. The curves combined with hills can be down right scarry for those who are not used to it. The car had descent pickup but could not turn the corners as well as the Chevy Astro I was trying to follow. High roof line also does not help with mpg. Car has great bottem end torque in the standard but the automatic acts like it has a stall converter and is always in the 3 grand to 4 grand in rpm for just normal cruising.

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  Awesome vehicle - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Dbaldwin - November 14 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun vehicle to drive. I bought this vehicle for my wife to drive. I feel comfortable with my wife driving this vehicle.

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  Darn GOod - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Gary White - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Great, its reliable fun and looks good. It gets good gas mileage and is very reliable.

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  Not Bad, Not Great.. - 2005 Saturn ION
  By HeadAche - November 13 - 6:13 am

  Bought this car in the summer of 05, has been a really fun and good reliable car to drive until the winter of 07. Seemed like the whole car was falling apart at only 15,000 miles! Strut mounts went, but on most low end cars like the ion they go almost every year, but I got the extended warranty which covered it, or so I thought unit Saturn said that it would cost me 400 to replace the strut mount. Also the same year the car misfired and was running on 3 cylinders, cool though the ion sounded like a Subaru sti when I drove it. More to this whole thing which I cant fit in here so I just have to say Saturn has the worst customer service I have ever encountered. Getting rid of this car soon.

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  Ion 2 - 2005 Saturn ION
  By 87formula - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely a pleasure to drive and own. No problems to date, good efficiency. Center dash display takes getting used to, but works better than traditional design which gets blocked by stearing wheel.

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  Would buy this car again - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Leigh - November 11 - 10:26 pm

  I bought this car used in 2005 and have had absolutely no problems with it, Ive only had to replace the tires, brakes and oil. I have had none of the problems that have been explained here. The car was totaled about a month ago and I would have bought another one except for the fact that Saturn has gone out of business. This was my second Saturn and hate that I cannot buy another one.