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 my Aura - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Debbie - February 27 - 5:00 pm

  I have had my Saturn Aura XE now for 1 month. I cannot say enough about it. It is beautiful to look at, fun to drive and well worth the value for the price. No one can believe that its a Saturn. Everybody that looks at it says "Thats a Saturn? Saturn sure has come a long way." I dont understand that because I previously owned an Ion and loved it as well.

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  Totally Impressed - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Trainer - February 27 - 1:36 pm

  "hey got everything right on the Aura. Although I have only had the car several weeks it continues to impress me. Without a doubt it is the quietest car I have ever owned. Smooth acceleration, quiet precise shifting and a very enjoyable ride. The leather seats are some of the most comfortable I have experienced.The climate control system keeps the cabin very comfortable even during a long drive on a 97 degree day. The 18" alloy wheels and Goodyear Eagle Touring tires provide exceptional handling and a quiet smooth ride. Fit and finish is taken to a new level. The Auras Euro influenced design and smooth lines create a real head turner.

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  Saturn VUE - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By gail - February 27 - 3:23 am

  This is a good all around vehicle. Good gas mileage, comfort and style. Good family car. Not real fancy but very practical.

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  We love our Relay - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Deb - February 26 - 2:30 pm

  We have had our Relay for 6 months. We love it. Very comfortable, all kinds of extras. Best all around deal on the market. It is our 4th Saturn vehicle. We have had issue with the sound cutting out but it is such a small thing that is easily fixed. The wonderful vehicle far out weighs a little issue like that.

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  Not Happy - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Pete - February 26 - 10:23 am

  I have had the car for two weeks and I already have had two problems with it. First, a tire blew out ten minutes after leaving the lot. Then, I had to take it back because the rotors had to be re-surfaced. The car had only 392 miles on it. Now, the steering is bouncy when I drive over 60. If I hit a bump, the steering wheel turns in a different direction and I have to grab the wheel with both hands to keep the car from getting away. This cant be normal, can it?

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  Another Excellent Creation - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Rachelle White - February 26 - 2:46 am

  It is truly a pleasure driving such a well built SUV. I got so much more for my money especially in added ammenities. The customer service department at Saturn is well trained to answer any questions that I have about the VUE.

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  A Clear Winner!!! - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Stan Schmitt - February 26 - 2:43 am

  This model represents a real leap forward from my 02 - in design, quiet, finish, and new features. Mounting th the dials in the drivers normal line of sight is soething that should have been done decades ago! Now I dont have to take my eyes off the road! Use of sound-deadening steel makes a real difference in ambient noise. New A/C outlets are finally completely adjustable due to a simple change. Car is still only 3 months old, and not many miles on it, so gas mileage is not at the peak yet. 2.2 L engine is peppy.

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  It brightens your Outlook on life - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Rudge - February 24 - 11:00 pm

  This vehicle is phenemonal. Great handling, power and comfort. Everybody loves the looks and are surprised that GM/Saturn could build a vehicle that is superior to a Toyota in every way. I am happy to say that this vehicle can stand up to the Lexuses, Acuras and BMWs of the world for $15,000 less. I love the attention that this vehicle brings.

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  Great on gas not on corky issues - 2006 Saturn ION
  By saccity - February 24 - 1:53 am

  I have owned my 2006 ION for 2 years now & I have loved the gas mileage and how it handles while driving to Tahoe ( fun drive) but I have always had a knocking in my car. It sounds like someone is in the truck, just a simple 3 tap noise, and it happens usually every morning during the first 10-20 miles. But now I have a big complaint my key got locked in the ignition after driving home from work one evening, the car was still running, it wouldnt turn off. I disconnected the battery & pulled a fuse out to get it turned off. I have read online several complaints about this issue And I hope Saturn will fix it today, with no money out of my pocket.

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  2004 Saturn Review - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Pache Hodges - February 19 - 2:26 pm

  I enjoy driving and riding in my Saturn. It is dependable, fun to drive. It is my favorite vehicle I have ever owned. And, I have owned Blazers, Lincoln Town Cars, Cadilacs, Lexus.