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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  Love the view from the VUE - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Sue - October 15 - 4:06 pm

  I have owned Hondas for the past 15 years, and thought I would purchase another. Drove the CR-V, but it felt cheap and sluggish. I had the VUE on my mind after having one as a rental while on vacation in October- there was nothing about that VUE that I hadnt liked- so after spending hours at Honda, I went to Saturn to drive the newly restyled VUE,and bought it as soon as I drove it. Im thrilled with my choice,and confused as to why critics say that its cheaply made. It feels very solid and looks great. Its a pleasure to drive, seats are comfortable and adjust easily- providing a great view of the road- and its easy to get in and out of. A wonderful vehicle and an excellent value.

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  I love this car - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By lisa - October 15 - 4:06 pm

  I test drove the Honda CRV and the Chevrolet Equinox and looked at the RAV4. Im so happy I purchased the Saturn Vue. It feels like a luxury vehicle and for all the features its priced very well. Has great acceleration, smoothe handling, smoothe ride, love the grey leather heated seats and really enjoy having XM radio and OnStar. I think the leather seats are worth the upgrade. I parked the other day by an owner of the 2007 Vue. She said she really liked her car, but said she wish she would have waited for the 2008 model. If you are looking for an AWD SUV Id highly recommend the XR model. Test drive it and youll be pleasantly surprised.

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  Saturn VUE - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By karatekid - October 13 - 9:06 pm

  This is a great vehicle. I talked to several SUV owners before buying this one, and all Saturn VUE owners were enthusiastic about their vehicles. Other SUV owners were not nearly so positive. Ive taken it on several long (600+ mile) drives and it rides great. Gas mileage is better than most, too.

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  Unbelievable Vue - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By llroe - October 12 - 5:13 pm

  This is the first Saturn I have owned. It is the best car I could have purchased. It comes standard with every little luxury available, power, heated seats, remote start, OnStar. The Vue handles so good, smooth ride, comfortable seating. I have the V6 and it really is got great horsepower. My Dad works for GM and I cant believe that I was in such a rut with the Ponitacs, and Chevys of the world. This is the best car I have ever owned, I look forward to driving it everyday. Great gas mileage too!

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  At 2 1/2 Saturn ION Still Fun to Drive - 2004 Saturn ION
  By njame - October 12 - 4:40 pm

  After 2 1/2 years of ownership and 51,000 miles, I still get a lot of enjoyment and satisfaction from driving my Saturn ION 3 Quad Coupe. Its body is still shiny, sleek, and beautiful, it still has great pick up, and it still gets around 30 mpg for me overall. Ive had no mechanical problems, and only regular maintenance such as oil and filter changes, wiper blades, and two new tires so far. I really like that it tells me when to change its oil.

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  2004 Saturn vue redline - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By johnny4 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  The red line is very good looking compared to the standard vue. The gas mileage is excellent for the power you recieved. The honda powerplant is excellent.

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  Right Car for me - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By rocket ron - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I have had my new VUE for over a month and have been very happy with it. I think the car is a great deal for the money. It has all the features (V6,AWD, 5A) that foriegn car makers are charging 10K more for. I had a problem with the exhaust that was fixed quickly by the dealer with no complaints. Would be happy to recommend the car to anyone interested. Much better than RAV4, CRV, Liberty, Escape.

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  just purchased - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By jpferg - October 7 - 10:00 am

  dont understand negative reviews on the 2004 v6 awd vue. looked at the chevy sister version without honda engine and has no comparison as to performance and style. never looked at 2003 version so maybe someone is confused on comparison. i traded in a buick rendevous with the underpowered 3.4 v6 as used in the chevy equanox suv and cannot beleave some one would puchase after driving the 3.5 honda engine in the vue. wake up you professional test drivers.

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  Saturn 2006 Relay 3 - 2006 Saturn Relay
  By Lady Anne - September 28 - 5:10 am

  The Relay 3 was the perfect minivan for us. As a disabled veteran a wheelchair, so we needed something with a lot of room but did not want a full sized van. The interior is very roomy, it comes standard with a DVD player and a 120 outlet in the back. Ours had the entertainment package & came with 2 wireless headphones as well. The center & backrow seats and toy box, lift out very easily, and there is tons of storage. Driving the Relay has been refreshing as well. It handles extremely well and has fantastic pickup. I highly recommend the Relay to everyone looking for an affordable minivan with lots of room, tons of standard features, and is fun to drive.

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  So far so good! - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Buggs - September 22 - 3:03 pm

  I purchased the saturn after my FIL rented a 08 vue and hit a Large Buck in WI. He an 2 others WALKED away from the accident. I had driven a Lexus before and loved it, but did not want to part with 40K for a 330 this time. 6+ months later I still and very happy, I dorve the Honda CRV (2009 made and shipped from Japan...NOT an option) and looked at plenty of other options, but went with the Vue due to my FIL. The price was great and I know my kids and myself are safe. I am a small girl so interior space is not a problem. All and all I am happy, any problems have been addressed by my local dealer....Nothing major, just minor things.