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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  It is what it is - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By ndblais - March 9 - 1:46 pm

  The VUE is what it is. If you are looking for a fuel efficient small to mid-size SUV, then this is the way to go. It is roomy and comfortable, but can tend to be a little noisy when accelerating. This can be expected with a 4 cyl. Other than that, I love it!

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  Best Yet - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Don - March 8 - 11:16 am

  Of all the 6 Saturns we have owned this one is by far the best. We thought the 2003 VUE was great, but the 2006 has it beat hands down for comfort, power in the mountians and of course for older people, fatigue free long driving and ease of handling.

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  Lovin It! - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Momof2 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  We waited FOREVER to get this car. We needed a larger vehicle than our Saturn SL2 (also great!) for toting both car seats. We ordered ours and were extremely pleased with it. We have had no problems and nothing but positive things to say. It is obvious that much thought was put into the design of this vehicle, inside and out...from the organizer basket in the cargo area to the handy fuse placements... I love this car!!!

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  Great low-cost hybrid - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Rick - March 3 - 11:03 am

  Ive had my Green Line for about a year. Its been completely reliable and has never been in the shop for anything but periodic maintenance. I drive on largely short trips, which is not where the Green Lines hybrid system shines. Ive seen highway trips with mileage close to 35 MPG, but my overall mileage right now is at 26.1 MPG. Thats better than some "full" hybrid SUVs. Generally, the GL beats the highway mileage but fails to meet city mileage rating, especially in stop-and-go traffic. If thats what youre looking for, the GL will dissapoint. For me, theres enough suburban and highway to make it a success mileage-wise. Im very happy with the choice.

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  It took me two years - 2003 Saturn ION
  By R - March 1 - 5:30 pm

  I had worked for a Saturn dealer for a little over 2 years when I decided to buy my ION 3 Sedan. I had been driving them all the time for the past two years and new it was exactly what I needed. I love my ION. It is peppy and fun to drive. The seating is comfortable even after a 5 hour drive across state and then another 5 hours back. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a safe, reliable, fun to drive car that gets great gas mileage (30-35_ on mine - because I dont drive 95 mph like the people who only get 20-25 on theirs). Or to any other college student who needs a deal on car insurance like I do!

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  Gotta get ya one! - 2005 Saturn ION
  By kristinsue57 - February 28 - 12:36 pm

  After driving full-size pickups my whole life I was a bit worried about the safety of a car. The ION is one of the safest cars on the road today and it fits so well into my life! I work for my home and car and on my last trip I got as good as 36 mpg - way better than any truck! Its also fun to drive and handles great. We are getting ready to start a family and this is the perfect size vehicle for that young, cool mom!

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  "Poor Mans Lexus -- Great Buy!" - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Ron - February 28 - 12:00 pm

  Have about 1500 miles on vehicle now & is the most comfortable car Ive ever owned over a 35 year period!

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  All around great car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By hickenb - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I am a retired new car dealer,the Saturn ION is the most car for the money out there today.I test drove the Mazda 3 the honda and the toyta. The quality was equal or better and the price much better.

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  Best car for the money, hands down. - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Getch - February 26 - 4:06 pm

  Built in America, built by Americas, and reliable. The Honda Civic doesnt even compare in my mind in terms of price and quality.

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  Saturn Aura - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Rene - February 24 - 2:43 pm

  This is an excellent car and its so quiet. It has the feel of a much heavier car. It handles and drives like a $60,000 luxury car