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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  A mixed bag, mostly OK - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By JD - December 17 - 11:26 pm

  Nice looking outside, OK inside. Seats stain very easily, and are a bit narrow. The seat back cushion feels like a large lump for support. The electronic temp gauges taking a while to change from cold to hot & vice versa. Lights in console and dial gauges a strange yellow color, not pleasing to the eyes. Additionally the console gauges seem to be tipped upwards a bit, so if you sit low and back they are not straight on. Plastic around ateering wheel column rubs when turning wheel. Not enough legroom up front. I am 510", and could not stretch out legs on long drive.

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  Problems, problems, problems..... - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Just Me. - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Had my VUE for about 8 months now and have hard a lot of problems with it considering it’s new. To start with there is this constant “MATALLIC SOUND” that comes from the engine after you drive it for 15 min or more. Sounds like a chain rubbing on something. Then the dealership in Delray Beach, FL had to rebuild the transmission about ‘2’ weeks ago because it just went. That should not happen with such a new car!!!! I think the VTI transmissions are JUNK and Saturn has no idea how to fix it. I’ve heard of other people having problems with them too!

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  Not overly impressed - 2006 Saturn Relay
  By Ruth - November 17 - 12:06 pm

  I went against one of my basic rules and bought a first year model vehicle. GM continues to use inferior materials and parts. The brake pads wore out after only 8,000 miles and some exterior molding came loose soon after purchase. It handles well and has ok perfomance,but a couple of little details drag it down.

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  2005 Saturn Relay - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By saha - November 11 - 5:53 pm

  We bought the Relay after having two other Saturns. We will never buy another. Had nothing but problems. Had it in shop for flickering lights, rear parking sensors, both automatic door motors replaced, OnStar went out, tie rods, abs sensors, back windshield wiper motor, dvd player, doenst always start, idles crazy when air is on and needed new brakes and tires all of this after one year of ownership. In shop more than out.

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  Sleek exterior hides major safety flaws - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By incatnito - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Initial impression A+, good power V6 AWD, already used in snow. I have contd unresolved issues w/Dealer whos promised heat element for drivers seat since 06/04, its now 09/04. Wanted Redline model on floor, dealer told me it was "promised to someone. Now glad I didnt get it. Value has dropped from $25,000 to approx $19,200 trade value in 5 mos. Saturns recall is not a joke, but a potential serious accident waiting to happen. Inquired when extra support available for rear suspension (rear tires folded on safety test in fishhook maneuver), was told could be up to a 1yr. Over 200,000 vehicles recalled. Increased rollover risk w/suspension failure.

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  Looks better than what it is - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By upset in R.I. - August 24 - 5:40 pm

  This was my dream vehicle. As to date, I have had to change the rotors 3 times and resurfaced 1 time. The pads have also be changed a few times. The selonoid gauge in the gas tank bangs really load and that is said to be normal. You hear more squeeks than children in the back seat. I also had to replace the strutt assembly because of noise. This car seems to have fallen apart after its first year of life. What a lemon I got!

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  Dead Soldier - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By boyinblue - July 15 - 10:43 am

  Bought a Saturn 2002 VUE (V6) with about 100K on it for under $10K from a local dealership. The original owner put every bell and whistle on it. No issues for the first 2 years and then the parade of issues started. I understand the SUV had 100K on it but what started happening should not necessarily be expected The engine is horrible. It is my understanding that Saturn opted for a SAAB motor. I believe they has those engines until 2005. Nothing but issues. Leaking oil, burning oil, had gaskets replaced. Recently the 6th cylinder quit. We have sunk about $3500 to keep this car on the road. We should have dumped it within the first 3 years after purchase.

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  Not Impressed - 2007 Saturn ION
  By tazette - July 5 - 12:26 am

  I typically buy foreign cars. In selecting Saturn, I reviewed the fuel efficient and its environmental impact. I wanted to buy an American car again, but I have had problems in the past. Anyway, I bought the ION brand new in 2007. I have been put in a rental car for a total of two weeks over the past year due to problems with my vehicle: I was driving on the highway and my vehicle started decelerating while I had my foot on the gas. It took them three go arounds to fix that. Right now, my passenger window will not roll up. My seatbelt light indicating that something is wrong with it goes on intermittently. Cheap interior. The mileage is good though all around - not impressed!

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  Dont get one - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Vermont mom - July 3 - 10:00 am

  My 23 month old Vue already has over $2500 in repairs. A front wheel bearing went, and recently, I had to have the engine rebuilt and the sway bar replaced. The oil vent got condensate, froze and forced all the oil out my dipstick, oil light never came on, and it ruined my engine. Sway bar? never heard of THAT breaking.

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  This car is "meh" - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Heather - June 15 - 1:50 pm

  Bought this car used with 38K miles. The car sounds like it is breaking in half during turns/bumps. Wind Noise. Axle went out & had to be replaced. Too many repairs to list. Battery died when car was only 1 yr old. Struts went out. Entire engine replaced at 60K miles. Radio went out, & Saturn will replace for $500! Expensive! Without the warranty, I wouldve paid more in repairs than I even paid for the car ($10K). I am getting rid of this and going with a Toyota Camry instead.