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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  Saturn = Chevy = Junk - 2006 Saturn ION
  By doc4bax - March 9 - 5:35 pm

  I used to have a older Saturn and it held up well. I figured I would find one for my son to drive back and forth to school. I found one, bought it and it had a host of issues. This vehicle is notorious for front end suspension failure. First to go are the front sway bar end links and the sway bar bushings. They are poorly made and wear out prematurely. You hear that clunking noise going over bumps? If so you have this problem. Another problem is the front control arm bushings which are known for failure. Another clunking noise under your feet? You might want to take a look. Another issue, the plastic fuel tank is known to crack at the top where the plastic lines enter the fuel pump (which is in the fuel tank). That wiff of fuel you smell at the back of the vehicle? That means get your wallet out. Fortunately for me, there was a special warranty that I qualified for and GM took care of it. I just made it under the time length (expires 8 years from manufacture date). This is not a cheap fix. They had to replace the tank, fuel pump and hoses plus labor. Also, their is a problem with the shifter. The shifter looses the ability to talk to the ignition switch. When you put the car in park the key will not release from the ignition switch. This leaves the ignition stuck in the accessory position and drains your battery if left there. Fortunately this was covered under recall and it wasnt a cheap fix. Another recall is the actual ignition switch which I had done. the rear shocks wear out prematurely. This car bounced like a clone car when I first got it. This a $50 fix if you do it yourself. Lastly, the electric actuator that recirculates the air from inside or outside the vehicle goes bad. The gears shear off that turn the recirculation door. This actuator is located way up inside the dash. Dealer estimates around $600 plus to replace it as the dash has to completely come off to get to it. I was able to do this myself with minimal dash removal but it was an absolute nightmare and took all day to do. Relatively cheap part but a lot in labor costs to install.

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  Not a Good First Impression - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By nothappy - February 15 - 11:16 pm

  I have owned my Vue for less than a month and am not very happy. The first day we bought the Vue we went to activate the OnStar and the button pushed into the ceiling and had to be replaced. It took them 3 weeks to fix it because they could not get the part. Finally after my third visit they took the part off another Vue I hate the door handle on the passenger door it sticks if pulled from the side. The dealer told us it is made that way and that we just need to pull the handle straight out and not from the side to avoid it from sticking (great design there). There is no storage I have to leave my childs stroller at home if I want to carry any other items. I miss my Honda.

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  02 Saturn Vue - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By dqpryor - January 23 - 2:16 pm

  Certainly had some first year bugs (windshield not set correctly, computer had glitches, etc.) but its been a very functional vehicle. We got a lot of utility out of it.

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  Dont be fooled by GM Marketing Dept. - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By pCow10 - January 7 - 2:23 pm

  This is a large, very comfortable SUV. But, we purchased this vehicle over competitors based on advertised fuel economy of 10/26. Those number are a comlete lie - our Saturn averages about 12 mpg in town and 17 mpg highway. If you need a truck this size, its good, but be warned - you will get traditional SUV mileage - dont believe GMs lies about its efficiency.

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  Im Done - 2003 Saturn ION
  By jewelz - January 2 - 11:13 pm

  Door lock collapsed into the door, daylight running lights went out 3 times, lowest fan speed squeaks, everything stains the seats (even water), interior plastic doesnt line up/panels fell off on the inside, you have to get used to using your mirrors b/c you cant see out the back, hard/flat seats, cd player skips, the horn is hard to press, not enough ground clearance, gear shift obstructs cupholders, grinding noise from steering wheel, bad smell comes from AC, key got stuck in the ignition. I saved the worst for last- The transmission slips and the car jerks forward and the service guys dont believe you because they cant replicate the problem, fun times!

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  Never Again! - 2009 Saturn Outlook
  By nileteacher - December 15 - 7:06 am

  I realize that this vehicle is no longer being made, but I warn you not to buy an old used model either! We have had nothing but problems since we bought this vehicle at the end of 2009. A loose airbag connection, replaced radio, rebooted computer/software issue, replaced 2 coil packs at different times, a leaking strut, a leaking water pump, a rebuilt transmission and a malfunctioning rear hatch door. It has only 60,000 miles on it, and most of this has been since it hit 40,000. Worst, most unreliable car Ive ever owned! Back to Mazda for me! Will never purchase a GM product again!

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  Cmon GM - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Skaggz - December 1 - 4:00 pm

  No wonder saturn has been cut from GM, my saturn needs more work than it is worth. My ignition was unable to be turned off for the second time today as well as problems with the transmission. It was but a year and a half ago I had my ignition fixed to where it would actually turn off. My steering column had to be replaced in February because the power steering went out.

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  Will it last in the long run? - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By CindyinSacTown - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Like the car, but the transmission is never confident. Have had problems since day 1 and have heard every excuse. Hope this one lasts as long as my last 2 Saturns. Loved the 92 and 94 SL1s. 92 saved our lives in a rollover.

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  The Vue from here - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By FRB - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Overall I think its a good value. The interior is no big deal but I guess thats why it under 25K. I find the steering a bit treacherous in emergency handling. I dread the winter because of this. Perhaps the AWD model would have been a better choice. I do however love the way it looks. Simple and very clean lines.

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  Sorry Saturn - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By SARASOTA Saturn - November 20 - 6:06 am

  Can not judge a book by its cover. Sad to say the dealership was equally glad to see that I traded the car so they would not have to have it in their shop all the time. One month after I purchased the car I had ongoing problems with the vehicle. Nothing major just things like dead battery, passenger seat belt light remained on, vapor leak in rear light, remote start quit, keyless entry needed pads replaced, and rotors warped and still needed repair. The service is great but the senseless problems were beyond the norm for a new car.