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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  Hidden Gem - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By San Costantino - March 27 - 5:16 pm

  There is no accounting for taste. The American public really missed out not making the Astra a huge hit. This car handles like a sports car and is built like a high end European luxury car. The car exudes quality throughout. Knock on wood for over tow years it has been trouble free. It looks better than anything it competes against. Too bad we can not get the 2011 model, I would go out and acquire one tomorrow. This is one great car that is going to be a rare classic in the future.

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  Great car for a great price! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By ChoirRae - March 26 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Satrun Ive owned. I upgraded to the VUE V6 from a 2001 L200 Wagon. I was thrilled with my last car and due to the GREAT financing incentives I got the VUE. It has a great ride, LOTS of power, is easy to get in and out of, has a good sound system and is fun to drive!

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  Saturn VUE Satisfaction - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Louis Landry - March 26 - 10:00 am

  Has very good power from improved engine and drive train. Honda 3.5 Ltr. engine. Nearly 30 miles from a vehicle of comfortable size. Good engine layout. Adequate package space and restraints in rear. Seating is comfortable in front and back seats. Very good lighting inside and out. Workmanship quality is very good, and many unique construction methods not commonly seen in new vehicles today. Very satisfied owner/Driver.

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  Best SUV out there - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Shah - March 25 - 3:46 am

  I love this SUV. I test drove MDX, Highlander, Pilot. This beast outperforms all of them in all fronts. I am very particular about every thing. This things gets good score on every thing. Interior is clean, easy, functional. Door paneling is excellent. Seat design and comfort is top notch. Better than MDX. Body fit and finish is great. Ride quality is great. Perfect balance of handling vs ride quality. Noise must be around 72 decibel at 70 miles. Curious if it gets even better with top quality tires. Back of the seat liners need better upholstery. Cup holders should have slots for mug handles, head rest position should be adjustable like BMW.

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  I love my Ion - 2006 Saturn ION
  By mattg24 - March 24 - 4:56 pm

  This is my fist car. I have owned it for about a week now and have driven it about 800 miles. Everything about it is cool. It gets good gas mileage, good acceleration, and a well thought out interior. I have the level 3 coupe .. This is my first car and I am 18 and in love with her. I plan to take very good care of her. As I have her longer I will update this...

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  I am Sky high! - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By Moosebreath - March 24 - 12:28 pm

  Wanted one since 07. Only took 10 years for things to come together. Worth the wait. An 08 with 44,500 so there were a few issues. Front tires, alignment etc. To be expected but again, well worth it. This car is so much fun to drive. I feel almost like its part of me when I drive. No turbo, just the bass but plenty fast and quick. Im not a speedster but it is a mover and handles absolutely wonderful. Very responsive and will go where you point it, right now. Hugs the road like glue however the tires can and do break loose at a wet intersection with too much pedal in a 90° turn. Just lite in the rear. The only cons I have come up against is, being 6" and 230 a couple more inches of legroom and an inch more headroom would be nice but its not uncomfortable. The looks of the car is beyond killer. I get looks, and "Wow! What is that?" Or "Nice car" a lot. More than any other car I have owned. They only made like 35,000 Skys so if you want fun in your driving, turn heads and have something VERY few people have (but many wish they did) and have a Permagrin, Saturn Sky, baby! This car gets 5 out of 5 with me.

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  You must be an owner to review this car. - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By davtam - March 22 - 5:06 pm

  Often those who these cars have very little knowledge of what they are really like. Ask someone who owns one what they think. The top is not an issue if you can spare 15 seconds. Trunk space is limited, but hello it;s a sports car! The performance and gas mileage is much better than listed. If cup holders, trunk space and an automatic top are what your looking for, go someplace else. This is a sports car people!

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  The Saturn Experience - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By KatVN - March 21 - 10:00 am

  My Vue has been very dependable, comfortable and fun to drive. The service department at the dealership is wonderful. Everyone is so helpful and friendly. The Saturn experience in general has been great and I do recommend Saturn to others.

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  Love my Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By darbo - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I love the comfort of my Vue. The seats are a good height for easy entry into and exit from vehicle. Dont have to step up or slide down into it. I really like the white gauges and the easy alignment of them. It rides more like a car than a truck. It has great pick up power that makes getting onto the highway so much easier. I think overall it handles good and offers a comfortable ride.

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  New to Saturn - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Happy2be - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I love my Vue, its perfect for what I need a car/suv for. Im in the homehealth field, put a lot of miles on a vehicle and travel in desert areas. The Vue seats me high enough for the dirt roads, handles well, gets great mileage, has plenty of space for my supplies and perfect for taking the kids to soccer practice, grocery shopping, ect. I feel very safe in my car.