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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  Not a Happy Camper - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Lake Dude - July 31 - 2:33 pm

  I bought a Saturn xe 4cyl, Power is not enough for a 3800 # car. Electric P/S gets harder to turn the faster you go, At 70mph a small correction requires quite a wheel movment and that makes you wander from side to side .(Not fun to drive at 60+) Cruise shifts down at a slight grade so much so that i cant stand it and dont use it. The 4 speed whines in 2nd and 3rd before in shifts. I pulled a very very small lown mower trailer got so tired of the whine i used the manual shift button. Up side 22+ mph overall,Looks good in side and out rides firm but nice. Give the 4cyl a good test ride at 65mph+ 1/2 and you can see what I mean. Then buy the 6cyl, it has regular P/S and cruise works.

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  Not recommended - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By kevin137 - July 30 - 12:43 pm

  My truck has given me problems from the 45th day I brought it (brand new in 2007) through today 5/21/2011. I actually had to sue Saturn because of how many times its been in a shop (over 50). My transmission has failed WHILE I was driving, which almost caused an accident, my transmission is about to fail again because of a powertrain malfunction according to OnStar. This has been the worst vehicle Ive ever owned and cant wait until I purchase a new, safer car. I do not recommend.

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  Keeps getting better - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By PhaetonDriver - July 27 - 2:03 pm

  The Aura handles the mountain roads like a good sportscar, comfort is up there with a BMW and better than a Lexus 3 series. Performance is unbelievable for a 3.6 L V6 as I am getting 0-60 at 6.0 sec. and 60-100 in under 8 sec. Mileage has continued to improve with the miles (over 14000 now). My last road trip was 910 miles on 30.08 Gal which is 30.25 MPG. Great ride, great handling and great fuel economy. Oh The onboard computer is putting my required oil changes every 6000+ miles which is great too. With remote start, Lots of HP, A 6-speed with paddle shifters, sound absorbing glass and steel, heated seats, 18 inch alloy wheels and low profile Goodyears, and under $25K you cant miss.

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  Best value - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By jimbo - July 26 - 2:16 am

  Awesome vehicle... This is my 4th Saturn, and this is the best of all. Great ride, lots of room, 28MPG with the 4 cylinder manual. Great deal with the sport II package. Cost the same as my 2000 SL2, but is a much bigger, better car. Great service from the dealer.

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  Still in love six months later - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Michael W - July 25 - 8:46 am

  My Astra experience really started about a year ago when I read on various blogs that the Opel Astra was being brought to the US. The car was stunning in photos, the second best selling in Europe, and has legendary reliability. So by the time a salesman from Saturn let me know it was in, I was rabid about it! Now Ive owned it for six months and there is no squeaking that belies a cheap interior, the car drives solidly, and the 17 inch wheels with Hankook tires kept me really gripped on the road when I spent a week in the Colorado Rockies. The car really could use more power, but the Ecotec engine porpels the car through curves nicely and this car has totally lived up to the hype.

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  Still doing great - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By rperich - July 24 - 3:10 pm

  Ive had the car for none months now. The mileage is getting better as the car wears in. We started off getting around 17 MPG, but were now averaging around 20. We have the FWD, so that makes a difference. I still think this is a great vehicle and Id recommend it.

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  Will buy again ! - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Phil - July 22 - 12:23 pm

  I havent had any problems with this car since I bought it new. I get 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the freeway at 75 to 80 mph. Its real easy to change the oil and filter. In the winter this car really handles the snow, up to 10 inches no problem. Has lots of power for a small car, stomp on it from a dead start and it will break the tires loose.

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  Dont Buy a Saturn Vue! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Susanscarb - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I wish I had looked at owner reviews before I bought mine. The engine knocks and rattles and Saturn continues to try and fix it. After the last time the dealership looked at it... something major happened. Saturn tells me its the crankshaft! The car is 1 and half years old with 54,000 miles. (I do highway traveling)Saturn says I have to pay for the Crankshaft... at a price of $2,500! The car is less than 2 years old. Corporate Saturn wont help... and says Im over the 36,000 mile mark. But every mechanic I talk to says... crankshafts dont go out! Please do your research before buying this horribly made car. Every review I read is poor!

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  Vues Good to Me - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Pokesusie - July 22 - 10:00 am

  The interior may not have leather but the functionality of it is perfect. I have yet to experience the vague steering. The AWD VUE handles well in snow and rain. I enjoy the 6 cylinders going up hills in the mountains without having to floor the pedal. My gas mileage is right where the sticker said. In fact Ive been getting 20 in the city. The hidden cargo baskets in the back are perfect! Saturn built this SUV for individuals. My 65" nephews fit comfortably in the back seat. My 6 year old twin nephews like the fact they can see out the window. My elderly mother enjoys being up in traffic without needing a step stool to get in.

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  Not too happy with my Saturn right now - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Kim - July 20 - 2:56 pm

  I purchased a 2006 Saturn Ion 2 after the transmission went out in my Cavalier. My car only has 44,000 miles on it and the electrical power steering unit went out in it already. It is going to cost me about $1500 to get it fixed. The warranty conveniently ran out so I have to pay for this out of my pocket. I was told that since 2004 when they started using these units they have had nothing but problems with them. I checked with Saturn there have been no recalls issued on the units either.