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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  Love my Ion - 2003 Saturn ION
  By savannahlady - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Well, I have had my ION3 going on two months now and I absolutly love it! I did alot of research on several vehicles before making my decision and I am pretty proud of myself for going to saturn. I got used to the center IP in a few hours and I love the smaller steering wheel.

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  I love this SUV!! - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By Sheena - August 23 - 10:40 pm

  I researched and evaluated lots of different vehicles before settling on the VUE. I was deciding in between a pre-owned Lexus or Mercedes when I saw a Red Line VUE drive close to my home. I couldnt believe it was a Saturn! It had the looks of an European vehicle. I went the next day and test drove a VUE and was hooked. Put this vehicle on the list! Plus with O% APR for 60 months-- an easy choice.

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  Loves It! - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Sara - August 21 - 7:23 pm

  I love my Astra! I replaced my 92 Honda Civic with the Astra and I am very pleased with my decision. It is extremely fun to drive and the handling is responsive. I enjoy the speed-proportional steering; I find that it makes driving in the city effortless. The ride on the highway is smooth. The brakes are great. The acceleration is more than I expected. It really has some get up and go! This car feels very solid and well-made.

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  A Perfect Fit - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Loving Saturn - August 18 - 4:16 am

  My husband and I cannot be more pleased with out 2007 Saturn Outlook XR. Leaving my previous vehicle, a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan, I knew that my family needed the versatility of a minivan however, I wanted something fun to drive as well as functional. The Outlook is perfect in size, practicality, good looks, performance, and fuel economy. The fold flat third row seats are a treat when loading groceries. The smart slide allows easy access to the third row, and the ability to move the second row forward or backward allows everyone to sit comfortably in their seating configurations. I could not be more impressed with GM and Saturn!

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  my view of vue - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By mario p - August 18 - 2:00 am

  5 speed 4 cyl very good milage also great in snow quick and alot of power

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  Fun for all - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By evie - August 15 - 9:46 pm

  This is my first SUV, and Im having a great time. It is a V6 and it does have power. Im coming from a Toyota Corrola to the VUE. It only took a few hours to get the feel for this. Dont know if going back to a car will ever be in the future. The sun roof and XM radio are also a bonus. But the biggest bonus to the vehicle if the OnStar. The ride and handling of this vehicle is just like a car. Have had a new car kink, but the dealerships service department isnt too kind. I am surpised the dealership isnt kinder since Saturn prides themselves on customer service.

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  Compare with Lexus ES-350 - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Ed - August 13 - 12:53 pm

  We parked our red Saturn Aura XR next to a red Lexus ES-350 and could not tell them apart except for some minor trim! Consider saving $7,000 off Invoice with Saturn Aura XR. After 2 months of ownership, we love this car. Nice design overall. Saturn has renewed my faith in American designed and built cars.

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  I love it - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By jamadel - August 13 - 6:20 am

  I absoulutly love this car. I have had if for 3 1/2 months and have over 11,000 miles on the car and not a single problem. I went from a small car with 300,000 and was looking for something a bit bigger and more comfortable to drive in traffic and I found it in the VUE. We shopped for 6 months test driving all the cars in its class, and for comfort, fun to drive and price the VUE was the only choice. We have 5 cars in our household and the VUE is the car of choice for all to drive. We love it!

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  love our new Saturn VUE - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Kewlmom44 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  We already had a Saturn SL2, so when it came time to buy an SUV we knew right away that the VUE was the one to get. We have only had it for 1 month, but we love it. The people at the dealership are extremely friendly and helpful. The VUE handles extremely well.

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  Great buy for the money - 2004 Saturn ION
  By vivo4441 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  My ION is a fun, sporty and great looking car. I am very happy with it. Being brand new just 500 miles on it I cannot bring forth any troubles yet. And hopefully it will be as dependable as my last Saturn. It meets all my needs and thensome. Great auto, and the dealership is awesome. I would recommend this auto to anyone who asks.