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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  Really Good American Car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By JPB - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive had two GM cars, including the ION and have been very satisfied. My last GM car a 1992 Buick Regal had almost 200000 miles when I turned it in.

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  Love My Saturns - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Repeat buyer - August 4 - 11:53 pm

  I leased my first Saturn in 2001. That was such a wonderful experience that, when my lease was up, I decided to just get a new Saturn. I picked the 2004 ION 2. Once again, it was a winner. Never had a problem. Sadly, my car was declared a loss during hurricane Katrina, when it was flooded. I am now returning to Saturn to lease a 2006 ION 2. I have looked at and driven other vehicles, but for my money, nothing beats a Saturn in reliability, standard features or performance in the price range.Last , but not least, their support personnel is outstanding.I must also mention that, neither one of my Saturns ever needed a repair.

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  america can do it - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By a herman - August 2 - 10:00 am

  Still wanted to purchase an American car ... even thought it has a Honda engine. Car rides very well and the fit and finish are superb. Performance for a six is spectacular and the gas economy is good ... if not great. It reaaly is fun to drive. My only complaint is simple. GM should have spent some more money on the interior. The arm rests are to small and the car lacks overhead handles. It is a shame. These small cheapies ruin a perfect score

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  Love my Red Line - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Gary - July 29 - 6:03 am

  I am feeling like a kid again. This car is fun to drive. It sticks to the road like glue and accelerates like a rocket. For two passengers it is comfortable and I have quite a bit of trunk space. I have a spoiler that looks great but it does block your vision in the rearview mirror. That may bug some people however it helps block alot of headlight glare from the cars behind me. I dont have alot of miles on her yet so I am somewhat biased but I cant seem to get this silly grin off my face!

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  V6 VUE ... affair to remember - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By gehe - July 24 - 2:00 am

  -Thoroughly researched a new vehicle and never considered a Saturn. Now I am a Saturn fan and VUE fan. (Even toured the factory in Spring Hill, TN) -It has been everything I thought it would be and more. Each trip feels like a treat. -The V6 is smooth and powerful. The AWD should read AWESOME DRIVE. -The step in height is "butt" perfect. You just slide in side ways. No ups and downs. The tinted windows look crystal clear viewed from within. The Cruise Control is intelligent and allows for acceleration and braking without resetting. -The electric steering is the best. Heavier at high speeds and finger light at low. -Go buy one !!

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  My 1st Saturn - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By mecorbett54 - July 23 - 9:13 am

  My husband has owned Saturns since 1993 & I have always bought Buick. I finally bought a 2008 Vue XR V6 and couldnt be happier, except for 1 thing - no sunroof. I cant believe the get-up & go this SUV has compared to the SUV I traded.

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  Gotta Luv Saturns Best Kept Secret - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Darkvette - July 21 - 8:16 am

  Great overall car. Most people are surprised when I say its a Saturn. Also surprised when I say its exactly the same as the Chevy Cobalt SS. A very unique, rare and special car. There were only about 530 Redlines produced for 2007. Fuel efficient, fun to drive, and great acceleration on the highway.

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  Two thumbs up - Best of the Best! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Virago9677 - July 15 - 10:10 pm

  Well folks I was thinking if I could just get my wife to try another bland midsize car she would give in and let me get the Jeep. So off to the Saturn dealership we go and pick out an XR for road test. My wife drives and after a couple of miles I see a smile..she says your turn to drive. We switch and I quickly realize just how great this car really is. I can tell you with complete honesty that the XR is without a doubt the complete package. If youre looking for a no compromise sedan this is it.

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  Saturn Lover - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Guillermo j. rivera - July 14 - 9:00 am

  Although an amazing ride, the steering is somewhat rough at times. Fuel economy is among the best I have seen. It is indeed an extremely comfortable ride for a car in its class. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone interested in purchasing a safe, fuel efficient SUV.

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  Saturn VUE: Low price, great value - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Ken - July 14 - 3:00 am

  I paid just $16,700 for my VUE. And for that very low price I got a reliable, fun to drive, comfortable and safe small SUV with plenty of extras. Like included electric sunroof, power windows and locks, keyless entry, cruise, tach, temp guage, AC, rear defrost, power mirrors, compass and outside temp, premium sound with CD and MP3, full fold-down seats, rear wiper and washer, 17" alloys wheels with BR Goodrich tires, no rust and no dent side panels and lots more I cant even remember. I get 30 mpg or more on the highway! You cant beat the combination in this car. If you want cheap, stylish, fun, good and safe look at a VUE.