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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  Turbo"nized" Toenail Trimming - 2009 Saturn Sky
  By DocB - May 17 - 7:16 pm

  We reviewed several kinds of two seat roadsters before deciding on the slick looking, turbo charged Saturn Redline Sky. SHARP! Coupled with a new IPod and some appropriate ZOOM ZOOM music, we have thoroughly enjoyed evening cruises. With GREAT gas milage too! While not our main source of enjoyment - you cant help but notice (and HEAR) the repeated ongoing attentions of others - some mistake it for a Corvette due to front end styling - but for 20,000 grand less? Why not? Its a great, fun car.

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  Satisfied - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By phrank - May 15 - 5:00 am

  The V6 suits me to to a tee. Lots of power when you need it and yet maintains a decent mileage figure. The AWD is great in unpredictable New England road surfaces.

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  Large SUV that we really needed - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Vigla - May 14 - 4:40 am

  I have to say I was upset that GM gave up on minivans. Their latest batch were pathetically ugly and I was looking forward to them replacing them. Then we were told no more minivans from GM. They were being replaced by the Outlook, Acadia, and Enclave. Not only that, but the price on these goes up 5K over the price of a minivan! Reluctantly, I went to check out the Outlook and Acadia and I was plesantly surprised by the quality and design. My wife liked them very much too. Since we have 3 kids under 4 years old we needed the room, so I bit the bullet and bought the Outlook XE. I dont regret my decision at all.

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  Dreammaker - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By SKYZIG - May 13 - 12:03 pm

  I have always dreamed of owning a real sports car. Ive looked at them all. I picked the Saturn Sky based on appearance, standard equipment, performance and Saturns reputation for quality, not to mention the affordable price. I have not been disappointed in any aspect. I can only apologize for those accidents that may have happened by other drivers attention being drawn away from their driving. I have never been approached by so many strangers in my life. My wife and I take turns driving it and we both not only feel but act younger than our years now. Driving in the Rocky Mountains has taken on a whole new experience. I first drove the 2.4 liter. I bought the Red Line. Indescribable!

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  A different point of VUE - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Lori K - May 11 - 10:00 am

  We have had our VUE for about 6 months and we are very pleased with it. The engine has a lot of power for its size and is very responsive. We drive a lot of hours and the seats are very comfortable. Gas mileage is great too, we dont see a big difference between or VUE and the Civic that we used to drive. Plus, its just so darn cute! However, this is not an off-road vehicle;if you need off road capabilities, look elsewhere.

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  Skys the Limit - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By George Smith - May 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is just plain fun to drive. The double takes that I get are fun too. The other day I came up along side a beautiful red Ferrari. The driver looked over at me, and did a double take, then smiled and nodded. Quite satisfying.

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  2007 Saturn ION - 2007 Saturn ION
  By mannagift - May 5 - 9:00 am

  We absolutely love this car. No, it doesnt drive or ride as well as our Cadilac, but itt sure gets a lot better mileage. 44MPG on the road. and 35 around town. Good comfortable car for the money. And we can tow it behind the motorhome. My wife drives it to and from her work for pennies a day. We love It!

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  The Sky is The Limit - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By Mike7642 - May 4 - 10:53 pm

  Saturn has built one fine little roadster. It doesnt just look awesome, but handles like a true sports car. The Sky handles turns with amazing performance and powers out of them with ease. Its big wide tires stick to pavement like glue. Once in the cockpit, you cant help but smile. One drawback, there is no luggage space for a really good road trip.

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  Blue Sky in Petersburg - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By donna phipps - May 2 - 1:33 am

  I love my Sky although I never imagined myself in a small car as a mother of 3 and 5ft 9. It is fun to drive although sometimes after a large trip to the store I forget I am not driving my SUV. Ooops. Whatever, we can always save on groceries and I am loving my long drives now. Refreshingchange of pace for a reasonable price.

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  Love it - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By helena - May 1 - 5:03 am

  I was very willing to buy a car but then looking at the VUE I loved everything about it. I love the OnStar that you get and also the leather seats and the seat warmers.... The best car to drive