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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  I love this car! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Aimee - February 13 - 5:36 pm

  I went to the dealership originally to replace my 07 Pontiac G6 but I saw this car and I knew that was my new baby! It drives great, looks even better, has a ton of room and on top of that it gets great gas mileage. I get about 22 in town and 33 on the interstate. I love the power of the v6 too. The only flaw with it is that I have had to get my rotors turned twice already and the grey cloth seats stain very easily. Other than that, I really cant say enough about how much I love this car!

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  New Owner - Report - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Glen - February 12 - 4:06 pm

  After test driving Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Chrysler, Ford, Hyundai and Subaru. I choose the Aura XR. The Aura looks better and handles better than the other brands. By the time you compare the features or extras the Aura XRs price is the same or less then the other brands. Glad I made this choice and so far have no regrets.

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  Good buy - 2004 Saturn ION
  By grantboucher - February 12 - 4:23 am

  I like the plastic body no dent panels. This car looks brand new after 50,000 miles. Underated vehicle that offers good value for the dollar. This is my second Saturn with a very positive experience both times. Wake up America, buy American

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  New Car - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Jyl - February 11 - 11:40 pm

  I, like everyone else, awaited my arrival of my Sky and was extremely pleased. However, I had 2846 miles and noticed a leak in the differential. Saturn assistance and roadside were awesome and had my car towed. I chose to have it taken to a dealer closer to where I live than where I bought it. Mistake. Leak fixed, but picked up my unwashed car, and 2 wks later still waiting to hear about another part that was supposed to be ordered for my sideview mirror that works sometimes. Other than that a great, awesome car!

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  Great Ride! - 2009 Saturn Sky
  By Lonnie Cardinal - February 11 - 11:26 am

  We just got back from a 1500 mile road trip, absolutely no problems. I am six feet tall and there is ample room for me to drive in comfort. I also have a 63 Jaguar XKE roadster, and a 93 Miata, both of which are in very good condition, but the Sky will outperform either of them and do it in more comfort. The Sky attracts as much attention as either of the other two cars, and that says a lot ! Love the aceleration, and the car gets consistently better fuel mileage than the factory estimates. (30to 32 MPG) and handles like it is on rails. I am very satisfied with the automobile.

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  Karens yellow VUE - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By karenLT - February 11 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with my Saturn Vue, V6 AWD. I bought it in Florida, moved to Wisconsin and drove it in snow there, and liked the way it handled. Was easier and better to drive in the snow than my husbands Ford Truck. Very peppy, never have problems with it.

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  Saturn Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Lou T. - February 11 - 10:00 am

  after driving a Dodge Durango for many years I was skeptical about the vue, however it turns out that it is a very capable vehicle! I am 65" and have no trouble getting in or out of this vehicle,it is very comfortable,easy to drive/park/manuver,gets good milage and has a lot of nice features,I would recomend(and have)this vehicle to anyone who is looking for a good all- around suv.

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  THANKS SATURN - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Redline ION - February 11 - 10:00 am

  Never ever thought I would consider a saturn..I think im the only one with it in hawaii.. its fun how you blow celica gtss away and they paid 6 grand more that u did.

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  REDLINE INDEED - 2004 Saturn ION
  By ION - February 11 - 10:00 am

  I got the black REDLINE..all i can say is this car is great. It launches real quick. The seats are great.. i love the new steering wheel. thank god they didnt use the small tiny one. Its fun how people with civics, SE-Rs, Protoges try to cut you off at night thinking its a regular ol ion and get spanked. Its really easy to pass the redline

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  Outstanding SUV - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Harry - February 7 - 2:30 pm

  I purchased a 2008 Saturn Vue with the 3.5 V-6 AWD. I had looked at other SUVs but after test driving this vehicle, there was no question that I would purchase it. I was impressed with the V-6 Engine power and the overall construction of the vehicle. The interior design and comfort is incredible. The vehicle I purchased has the electric heated seats and heated exterior mirrors. They work flawlessly in the cold Minnesota weather. I was also impressed with the OnStar and hands free phone system. My opinion is that this is a great vehicle for the money and would recommend it to anyone looking for a great SUV.