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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  Excellent small SUV - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By nmlobo - November 29 - 11:23 am

  Ive owned this vehicle for only seven weeks but I love it. It is peppy, quiet, well designed. This is my second Saturn, it wont be my last.

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  Fantastic Surprise - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Neil - November 24 - 3:20 am

  Excellent vehicle. Have a baby on the way. Had to get rid of my Wrangler and my wife had to get rid of her VW Beetle. But we are so pleased with the Outlook that is has made life a little easier. Didnt want a minivan and we found this. Nice ride, extremely comfortable, and feels sturdy.

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  Surprising results - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By tutcity - November 24 - 3:13 am

  The first Astra I saw was in London and I loved it. I always wondered why American car companies sold "better" designed cars abroad and why we didnt get a chance to own them. Finally, they are listening. When I bought my Astra, gas prices wasnt as big of a concern as it is now. I bought the car for its overall design, its handling and practical features (love hatchbacks). I used to own a Mazda3 and this really blows that car out of water. Back to mileage, it is rated 24-34, but I consistently get higher mileage on the highway. A trip from Denver to Vail and back averaged over 37 mpg. Only once did I need to shift into 4th gear. The engine has great torque.

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  Honda Power with Tennessee Ingenuity - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Rudge Harwick - November 23 - 2:00 am

  This truck is a dream with good looks, awesome power and great handling. I have had no issues with this vehicle in six months. It is much smoother than my wifes 3 Series BMW.

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  carefully thought out purchase - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By marcybob - November 18 - 10:00 am

  The decision to buy my AWD V6 Vue was laborous for me. I originally had my heart set on a Toyota Highlander Limited. Thanks to my research I learned that the Vue with its Honda engine and great crash scores was a better deal. Going for the Saturn- loaded with all the trimmings and an extended warranty was such a smart move. My only coplaint is yes, the interior is not as plush and does lack refinement. Handles beautifully and I love it.

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  My ION 3 Sedan - 2003 Saturn ION
  By abfabchevygrl - November 18 - 3:46 am

  I love it! I have owned Chevys and Hondas and I have never been happier! It was the best purchase I have ever made. I feel safe in the car and is great for hauling around kids seeing as I am a nanny and the parents LOVE it.

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  Great car, not many gripes - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Damn straight!! - November 16 - 6:00 am

  I bought this car after much research, and I am not disappointed. I get 40 MPG HWY and 24 city with the AC on! The rear legroom needs work, but otherwise the car is above par for the class, you have to think, youre buying a compact. Overall its a big little car, you can fit 2 bikes inside with the rear seats folded down. Some people complain about engine noise being too loud, but for a 5 speed, Id like to hear the car every now and then. Somethings I wish I had are the options that come standard in the 3 with the performance package.

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  Best SUV - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Soozyq - November 15 - 1:46 pm

  This is my 4 th Saturn. I love the height I sit at. Its less tiring when night driving as the headlights coming at me do not shine directly in my eyes. Thats what I love the best. The rear seat can be tilted slightly so passengers are not uncomfortable. I like the height of the armrests both right and left arm. The grocery bag feature built into the rear is a nice feature keeping the groceries from spilling out all over. Saturns no fuss buying is still appealing when buying a car. I do not like car salesmen. The Saturn service is great and the hours it is open works around my full time schedule.

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  Could not be much better for the money. - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Skylar Mazzola - November 14 - 10:40 am

  I love the car. The car is fast. The seats are wonderful and the engine is pretty much a work of art. The only thing that I can complain about is the rev limiter stops the fun. Also the tach is about 500-800 revs behind the engine which hurts performance. Other than that I love it.

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  SATURN VUE RULES!!! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By LeaseLeMay - November 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my 6-cylinder view. I can go anywhere and get right on the highway. The 250 horsepower (Honda Pilot engine) on the L-Series Chassis provides more than enough power for anywhere I want to go.