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:

• 

  Saturn VUE AWD - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By T F Moran - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Overall a really good value and driving experience! Could improve on gas mileage, and make a larger gas tank!

• 

  My ION 2 - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Cathy Tetreault - October 31 - 12:06 pm

  I love the way my ION 2 handles. The steering is so easy but yet firm. It is comfortable to sit and drive or as a passenger. I have gotten 28-31 miles per gallon in town since I have had it.

• 

  A whole new VUE of things - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By New Vue - October 29 - 12:20 pm

  We were in the market for a small SUV but didnt really like many. We hadnt even considered the Saturn until we went on vacation and got one as a rental. We were impressed with the comfort, handling, mileage,plus easy access to all the controls. It was quick even though it was a 4 cyl. Well when we returned from vacation we became the new owners of a 6 cyl VUE ( wanted a little more umph ). We couldnt be more pleased. This is a nice vehicle that handles and rides like a car but the features of an SUV without all the expense. In our opinion a real winner!

• 

  Love it! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By tonyt - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I have a brand new Saturn Vue, 4 cylinder. I chose 4 cylinder, because I HATE to spend lots of money on gas, and Im not big on snow or mountains so why bother. It is roomy, especially for a midsize Suv that seats 5. I can have 2 carseats and an adult in the back seat. And the rear space is great. It drives very very well, with great handling. It has a very modern look to it, not trying to look like everyone else, but others (Chevy) has tried to copy it with their new SUV. It gets excellent gas mileage. I have not found my 4 cyl to be loud or noisy at all. It has great pickup on the highway and drives great around town.

• 

  I REALLY like my Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By RDsfolks - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I went from a Suburban to a Vue. I was looking for something smaller and easier to drive around town. The kids are grown so we dont need the capacity of a Suburban anymore. So this Vue fits me just fine

• 

  great car for the money!! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By jrod - October 27 - 10:00 am

  quick and responsive throttle, comfortable seating, a tuners dream with the ecotec power plant! great car for the money!

• 

  11000 Miles and Happy - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By R. H. Cole - October 27 - 8:00 am

  I have had this vehicle a little over a year and have driven in all types of weather (its a Minneasota car). I have told my wife that this is one of my favorite cars I have ever owned and having just turned 80, I have owned most of them. I am surprised to read the poor reviews this auto has recieved in "Consumers Reports". I have had absolutely now problems at all and have been quite happy with the dealership. Could some of the reported quality problems be a function of a particular assemby plant?

• 

  t6 - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By t6jb - October 25 - 10:00 am

  very loud ac sytem gave me a headache while running on high. loud engine noise

• 

  Dont Buy the 4cylinder if... - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By BummedInBoston - October 24 - 2:53 pm

  Dont buy the 4 cylinder model if you drive the highway. Local driving is fine. The car accelerates and handles fine, but on the highway it plays the little engine that could every 30 seconds. It cant handle any sort of incline & in the mountains its so bad that I have sought a trade in. And the gas mileage trade off is not stellar: I only get 22MPG. also dont buy with out factory installed roof rails. Without them you cant get an ofter market system. Period. I love the style of the car. If I could get the 6cylinder I would be happy.

• 

  One sporty Sedan - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Adam - October 22 - 1:40 pm

  Ive had this car for a month and it has been great. Its quick, and the manual transmission works great. I dont know what people are talking about when they say that the car is uncomfortable, I find very comfortable. The gas mileage so far hasnt been great, but other than that the car hasnt let me down. Also there is a group called Saturn Motorsports that offers a full line of aftermarket parts. I plan on getting in contact with them and getting a few things for my new ION. This car is a great car with lots of power for its size.