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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  What a nice VUE - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By John Marshall - August 18 - 1:26 pm

  This little SUV has been great for getting around town and hauling people. The 4 cyl engine gets really good mileage and the stick shift helps me keep the little engine in the power curve above 3000 rpm. Low end torque is limited. Have not had a good experience however with sales and service people at Saturn dealers in Northern New Jersey that is why I bought it in Connecticut.

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  Best Car Ever!! - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Dave Hardman - August 15 - 1:06 am

  I love this car. It gets great gas mileage, is very quiet and comfortable. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a cute ute. It outperforms, is bigger, and is less expensive then anything else in the market. Go Saturn!

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  Saturn Aura XR Homerun! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By b52ew19 - August 12 - 6:43 pm

  I shopped around, looked at the Accord, Camry, Madza 6, VW GTI, Acura TSX, Lexus, and Mercedes. Nice cars, but the Aura XR was the winner! The Camry came in second, but the price was too high. The Aura drives like a champ, hugs the road like a sports car. OnStar is outstanding, well worth the money, especially the phone option.

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  cbs review - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By sniper - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful vehicle. Smart looking fun to drive and good gas miliage..25mph..for a SUV. Rock solid in snow and sleet. Butt warmers in the leather seats. Did I say fun to drive?

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  In love with my saturn - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By kbnth - August 11 - 2:00 am

  The saturn vue is an extra value packed suv. Its got great looks great handling durabilaty low cost of ownership a great price and best of all dealer experience.

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  Excellent Value - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Marilyn - August 7 - 6:50 pm

  In the mid-size sedan class I was torn I have owned a Honda Accord and a Toyota Camry. After driving the Saturn Aura and experiencing to "Saturn Sales Experience", I knew that I was set to purchase the Aura! The five star safety rating was important to me in making my decision as was the trim level for the price. My car is equipped with leather, a sunroof, remote vehicle start and six air bags. A comparable Luxury brand would have cost me a lot more money. I have the 3.6 liter V6 which makes me feels like Im driving a Cadillac or Corvette!

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  Great SUV for the price, Powerful V6 - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By eric - August 6 - 11:26 am

  So far have 2000 miles and loving it. Great mini SUV with lots of power, good gas mileage, and all around great driver. Nice inside and out. Definitely test drive one if youre in the market.

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  Finally - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Freddiet - August 6 - 11:23 am

  In the last fifteen years or so I have had some less than favorable experiences with American vehicles. GMC, Chevy, Ford, Dodge. I hated to buy non American products, but due to the kind of crap we were building the Japanese lines seemed the better choice. I would prefer to buy U.S.and keep my next door neighbor working than a stranger 6000 mi. away. If the Saturn Aura is an example of what we are finally willing to build to get back into the real world auto market, look out imports the U.S is ready to take back control of what we started. Pound for pound, dollar for dollar the best auto value in that market category. KUDOS Saturn,(G.M.)

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  Gret Car - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Jeff - August 5 - 5:06 pm

  I was looking at a variety of vehicles as I come from an SUV history. This meets all my expectations and was cheaper than its cousin the Buick Enclave. I am totally satisfied with my choice

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  Fantastic SUV - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By Ryan Z. - August 2 - 10:36 pm

  I waited a long time to buy this car, but Im glad I did. Everything you could want in an SUV you get with the Saturn Vue. I bought the XR V-6 with a couple of options, but nothing fancy. I love the way it drives, handles, and the way you feel like your a part of the car when you sitting in the drivers seat. The interior is set up beautifully. The V- 6 engine is strong and gives the car plenty of power. Everyone that sees this car cant believe its a Saturn. Bravo Saturn.