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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  very very happy - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Lucy from Buffalo - April 20 - 3:30 pm

  After looking at and test driving several new vehicles I decided on the Saturn Aura 4 door XE. I am very, very happy with my choice. great ride, fuel economy and looks. no problems at all so far. I have put on 5,000 trouble free miles.

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  Perfect 10 at $4 per gallon for gas! - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By George Saturino - April 20 - 10:30 am

  I have been getting 35 to 38 mpg on every tank. I have gone 2,000 miles so far mostly in mixed city / highway driving. The 5 speed stick shift has a good feel to it and I am sure it is contributing to the outstanding gas mileage. I am amazed at all of the features on the Astra. The quality is outstanding as well. I love to hear the solid thunk when I close the door. All of the controls and levers have a quality feel and appearance. I have the upgraded sound system. I have a concert on wheels everywhere I go. The sound is superb! This car handles like a sports car. You get an incredible locked to the road feel. I look forward to the twisty roads!

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  Good Ride - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By dtroiter - April 19 - 11:43 am

  Great effort at large crossover vehicle. Good looking inside and out. Huge interior volume for carrying people and cargo. Good fuel economy for a vehicle this size. My wife averages 19mpg with almost all short city trips. Ive had vehicles half this size get 15-16mpg. People who say increase power, increase MPG. You definitely wont get both, especially at this price point. Direct Injection will help, and probably will several years in the future. It isnt GM advertising these numbers. These are EPA numbers, governed by the EPA testing process, not a GM supplied number. I have found them to be accurate based on moderate driving habits.

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  Excellent First New Car! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Dave - April 18 - 9:20 pm

  I am absolutley thrilled with my Aura. Last year at this time, I never would have imagined owning a Saturn, but after test driving the Nissan, Toyota, and Honda, It won hands down. For the price I could afford, the car looked the best and was the most fun to drive. I purchased the chrome wheelcovers after I brought it home and it even looks better. You cant even tell theyre not real rims! Overall I couldnt be happier and happy to see an American car company finally step up to the plate. Well done Saturn. Now if I can just get a picture with the car of the year trophy, it will be complete!

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  Very Nice - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By ROOMwithaVUE - April 17 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great SUV so far !!

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  Vue Lover - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By VUE Lover - April 14 - 8:16 pm

  Overall a great car. Love the design, very roomy and so much fun to drive. I Went up to Lake Tahoe and the car had no issues, not bad for a 4 cyclinder

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  Love my Saturns - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By SaturnLover - April 13 - 10:00 am

  The Vue was my 5th Saturn. I have enjoyed everyone of them. I dont think I will buy any other car, as long as GM doesnt destoy a good thing... The car is great, but the service is the icing on cake. Thank you Saturn!

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  excellent car for the price - 2004 Saturn ION
  By carrier - April 13 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is a better design than the s series. comfortable and roomy for a family of four, handling is awesome. tunk compartment is huge for a small compact car.

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  Vue - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Liza B - April 9 - 2:10 pm

  This is my fourth saturn. I turned in a 2003 ION as it was a terrible car. I am so happy with my VUE. Its what you expect from a new car, reliable, fun, and no headaches!

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By HPRET - April 8 - 10:00 am

  I have been a Saturn owner for a total of 4 years. This paricular Saturn was an exchange for the 4cyl model. I turned the CVT model in within the month exchange period due to bad press on the transmission. I ended up with the V6 Honda and it seems like a completely different vehicle. We took the car on a cross country trip. Climbing through the mountains is effortless.