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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  RIP - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Surferjoemn - November 17 - 4:00 am

  When I first purchased my Saturn the seat cushions came off on both front seats and the windows fell off the tracks. It would randomly go into break down mode while I was on the freeway. Imagine dropping to 20mph in the fast lane. The engine blew up at 124,000 cause yet unknown - may have been via the transmission.

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  Best car Ive owned - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By bdog86 - November 15 - 7:39 am

  Ive owned many cars, trucks and suvs. But the 3.5L version of the Aura rocks ! Lots of space, plenty of power for a luxury sedan which surprised me, and just the defined look of the Aura catches you off guard. My Aura has 106,000km on her now and the only thing replaced so far was the driver side strut which was a quick fix. Very reliable car and is high enough off the ground to go on gravel roads into the woods without sacrificing any comfort at all ! Handles turns, and bumps beautifully. Also if your worried about a V6 eating gas... Dont be worried. I get at least 500-550km in the city with full tank and over 700km on highway but thats going around 120+km/hr..

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  fun to drive - 2004 Saturn ION
  By danirae - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I feel that the car is cool to drive around in. Alot of people have stopped to ask me what it is... how the doors work(in quad coupe) and to generally comment on how much they like it.

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  **THIS 2004 ION ROCKS!!!***** - 2004 Saturn ION
  By AJ WOOD - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS CAR!!! I TEST DROVE THE CIVIC, CAVALIER, SUNFIRE, MAZDA 6, 3, AND MITSUBISHI LANCER... NONE OF THEM EVEN COMPARE WITH THIS ION, ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING THE PRICE!!! THIS 04 ION ROCKS! YOU WILL LOVE THIS CAR. I DONT UNDERSTAND THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS BY THE SO- CALLED "EXPERTS"... THE 04 ION WAS THE MOST COMFORTABLE, INNOVATIVE, MOST POWERFUL, APPEALING, AFFORDABLE, ROOMIEST CAR IN ITS CLASS... YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!

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  So Far So Good - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By gtimes2 - November 12 - 11:51 am

  Purchased a used 2008 Vue XR with 43K miles.Compared to all others out there, this was a really good buy! 1 owner Carfax with no history of any issues...hopefully that holds true.Love the look and the feel when driving. Rides better than the Hyundai Santa Fe we test drove. Rides a little harder when Im the passenger. Seats could be a little softer and the cloth does stain easily, leather was my preference, but not in my budget. Gas mileage on V6 not so great 16-18, but it has more get up and go than the slug 4 cylinder we drove. So far, I really enjoy this SUV, almost as much as I did my 1993 Rodeo!

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  Fantastic so far - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By MetroDetroitDJ - November 12 - 2:00 am

  After swearing to never again buy a GM car, researching several pre-owned Fords (Edge, MKZ, Fusion) and Toyotas (Avalon, Camry) I did the unthinkable for me: I bought a 2008 Saturn XR (V6) with a great Moroccan Brown interior. This fully loaded car has been great in the 3 weeks Ive owned it. 25 MPG (great V6 regular gas economy) in mixed driving. Handles well in MIs snowy weather and sometimes icy roads. Several people have commented on the cars beautiful interior. The audio system (w/XM subscription) is stellar. GM may has won me back- too bad about Saturns demise. I consider this car a near luxury mid-size with all of its amenities. I have no regrets- so far, LOL!

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  2005 Saturn Relay - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By saha - November 11 - 5:53 pm

  We bought the Relay after having two other Saturns. We will never buy another. Had nothing but problems. Had it in shop for flickering lights, rear parking sensors, both automatic door motors replaced, OnStar went out, tie rods, abs sensors, back windshield wiper motor, dvd player, doenst always start, idles crazy when air is on and needed new brakes and tires all of this after one year of ownership. In shop more than out.

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  Would Not Buy Another - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By bing1 - November 11 - 12:53 am

  Our 2nd & last Saturn. Pricing very high for type. Too many things optional vs. Asian models, esp. with fixed price. Terrible depreciation (>25% in 2 yrs). Really annoyed we could not use their 0% financing. Had to order one to get side airbags. 0% expired by time we got car. Very poor interior quality. Too much plastic. Hazard switch and visor mirror broke. Carpets thin like paper. Carpet and seat fabrics stain quickly & dont clean up well. Plastic is porous and holds crayon and other stains, unlike my 95 SUV that I sold with 135K. Noisy engine but very powerful for this size car. Terrible torque steer. Poor mileage for a 6 cyl. Several other SUVs that year would have been better bet.

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  Reliable SUV - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Good Buy - November 10 - 3:46 pm

  I purchased my VUE new in 6/2002 for my wife. It became mine later and it has been very reliable/ no major problems. I average 22-23 MPG (50/50 CITY/HWY). The only problem we had was the belt tensioner froze at 30K/ replaced at no charge w/ a new belt. Very good in the snow and handles like a sports car.

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  Man, its hot in here - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By NoMoreSaturns4me - November 10 - 6:10 am

  This is a very loud vehicle to drive. This is a very hot vehicle to drive. This is a very difficult vehicle to clean. The A/C doesnt get very cold. When drying the exterior after washing, it is very difficult to get the "spots" off of it. My husband is very particular about his cars, and this one has gotten the better of him. The power of this vehicle is lacking as well. Wish it took off a little quicker.