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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  dissapointed - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Millhouse - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Got ION3 auto May 1. Has MANY squeaks and rattles that dealer cannot seem to solve. Also 5sp auto often shifts harshly and in a confused manner. Very nice chassis tho, handles very well with 16" tires.

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  Okay Car!!!!!!!! - 2006 Saturn ION
  By PD - January 16 - 5:56 am

  I purcahsed a 2006 Saturn Ion3 brand new, and for about the first year the car is an absolute blast to drive. Then when the first year is over watch out because this will start having problems, clunks and rattles and the dealer will tell you "oh! we cant fix it" or "we cant duplicate the problem." I am now looking to trade this car and get something that is more reliable and better built. IF AT ALL POSSIBLE STEER CLEAR OF THIS CAR!!!!!!! And the worst part about these cars is that when you take it in for warranty work Saturn doesnt like to pay for warranty work or for recalls that are necessary and you will end up have to pick up the bill later.. I will never buy another Saturn........

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  2007 Saturn Outlook - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Gerald ZWick - January 15 - 12:03 am

  The belt line is very high on this car, and it is very difficult to see out the rear window. Overall the driver visability is poor. Gas mileage was not what was advertised.

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  Just Bought-- Phooey on the Editors! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By KyleKizr - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased my new Black, Ion 3. Honestly, its a car to like, not to love, but its a car to like a lot. Youre unlikely to name this car, or get a gooey feeling in the pit of your stomach when you see it, but it will get you from point a to point b, not break the bank, and be reasonably fun, too. The great financial incentives got me -- I was able to qualify for a student discount (including 90 day payment deferral), 0% financing for 60 months and $1000 "down payment assistance". Its a fun to drive, slightly unique looking, and good for people like me owning their first car.

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  Vue exceeds my expectations! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Danenjoyinthe vue - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the best vehicles I have ownwe. The service at the dealer is great and the car itself has been awesome. I thought I would own Hondas forever but, Saturn changed that. Compared to my old CRV the is 10xs better.

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  awesome...my 1st saturn but not last - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Diana L - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my 1st Saturn and definitely not my last....I love it

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  Its a great car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Paul alexander jr - January 13 - 9:26 am

  Its a great car for anyone looling for a small car that dont need too much under 6 feet tall

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  2008 Saturn VUE is fantastic - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Chy - January 12 - 9:23 pm

  My family had owned 2 Saturn SL1Â’s for 11 problem free years. We knew that the local Saturn dealership was fantastic so when my mother needed a new car we took her to check out the Astra. That is when my sister and I spied the 2008 VUE. We were both impressed with the build quality and materials used in the interior. We test drove both the 4 cylinder and the XR V6. Both drove well, but the 3.6 engine was the clear winner. By the end of the day,my family purchased 1 Astra (another fantastic car) and 2 VUEÂ’s. The 2008 Saturn VUE is just fantastic. It drives like a dream, has plenty of power, a comfortable interior, flexible cargo area and many thoughtful features. Definitely test drive it!

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  Excellent - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By compnurd - January 12 - 5:16 pm

  Car is wonderful. Gas mileage has increased wondefully as the car has climbed in mileage. Very quiet ride. Handles excellent. Way better build quality compared to older Saturns.

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  Good family ride - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Catrina - January 12 - 4:40 am

  I have only had my Outlook for a few months but love it already! We are a family of four and needed something roomy, but wanted to avoid a mini-van at all cost, we found the outlook and it is great, there is plenty of room for the kids, and the back seating is not to bad either. There is a lot of space and overall great for a family of four..or five! The only problem I have or dont like is getting to the third row seating, its a bit hard and I wish i would have opted for the captains chairs in the second row, but over all I love it!