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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  Dissappointed - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Dawn Pike - November 9 - 12:26 pm

  I thought I had a dud, however it seems I have the same view as everyone else. Labor day weekend 2008 I spent 4hours at the dealership while they replaced sway bar (8 months pregnant with a two year old) never once offered a loaner to get to our cabin. Ive had it in 7 times for the noise and it has never been fixed. Driving on the highway you need earplugs! We have had wheel bearings replaced,breaks every 6 months, and the customer service is terrible. I am a mother of 2, the car is driving responsibly. It is at the dealership now as I pulled out of the parking lot from work yesterday, and it lost complete power and would not take her gas. Every light on the dash was glowing. Im frustrated!

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  My friends want one !! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Mantha - November 8 - 5:50 am

  We bought this for the room. We are always hauling lots of kids. I have hauled trees in it from Lowes with the seats folded down. Has all the extras.No sunroof which Im glad since that is a major complaint that it leaks. Cant complain about 20 mpg for an SUV this size. Had 2004 Tahoe that was a lemon before this (had electrical issues and the tie rod just broke one day while I was driving which could have killed me had I been going faster). Anyway the saturn outlook beats the tahoe hands down. Had it 2 years now and no problems except for interior lights quit working when you open the door. This is annoying in the dark. My husband checked the fuse. Nothing. But I can still manually turn on

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  Reliable and inexpensive - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By drayton_cross - November 7 - 8:33 pm

  Vehicle was purchased new. AWD has been very beneficial due to living in a hilly area prone to ice. Have had no mechanical issues (only oil changes and routine maintenance so far). XM radio and MP3 compatible disc player is great for long trips. While not a sports car, it has good acceleration. Would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a crossover SUV.

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  Fine ergonomics - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Sax - November 7 - 10:00 am

  The engine and trans work smoothly and all the switchgear is easily located for a right hander. I have first hand knowledge of the benefits of the exterior plastic skin, which again, was very appealing. But the extensive use of cheap looking materials on the interior, turned me off all together, so I didnt buy this product.

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  what about mileage? - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By woodinhills - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I traded a gas-sucking GMC all-wheel drive van for the saturn when gas hit $2/gal. So then, I purchased a lower- end Saturn ue- the 4 cyl/5 spd front wheel drive. Bottom of the line. Loaded with good stuff, tho- snrf, base stereo is great, heated seats, power drivers seat is great, etc. Drives nicely. However- onm the interstate in a headwinbd or ANY wind, this car struggles. I am getting UNDER 20 MPG on the freeway, driving very normally. I have had a tank @ 22 mpg, 24 mpg and thought I even had one @ 26 MPG. Overall, I get UNDER 20 MPG in this 2.2 liter/5spd car. BUY THE 6 CYL!

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  Didnt think I would like it...... - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By K-Town SdAj - November 7 - 10:00 am

  My wife wanted me to take a look at the Saturn, we where in the market to down size. We had a child last year and she quit work so we were looking to get out of the high priced car arena that I had got us into... Late models of BMW, Audi & Lexus I never thought I could see myself buying a GM product based on their history of poor design and problems they have had. All I can say is give this car a chance, I was very pleased and have enjoyed the car very much the past few months with no problems.....

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  Saturn Coupe - 2006 Saturn ION
  By jen - November 7 - 3:06 am

  I love this car. I bought it for my daughter for her first car. We love the satellite radio and ipod hookup. Great stereo system. Room in the back seats. Great car for a teenager.

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  AURA XR-4 - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By JDB - November 6 - 8:16 pm

  Purchased a Saturn Aura XR-4 after coming off a Lincoln Zephyr lease. I was looking for better mileage without sacrificing comfort. So far I am happy with the Auras performance. Ok its not a Lincoln, but the drive is comfortable and the 2.4 four cylinder gives me enough power and speed thanks to the 6 speed tranny. The interior is a little cheap and I agree the buttons on the steering wheels are small but I new this going in. This car has just about everything, bluetooth, moon, remote start, leather, Onstar, XM. It actually has more feature than my Zepher had. The price was very attractive. The exterior is eye catching. If your looking for an affordable midsize give the Aura a look.

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  So far so good - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Traci - November 5 - 6:50 am

  This is my second Saturn, but my first truck. I love the way the VUE looks, however I feel its cheap inside. I find it dumb that there is no switch for the rear passenger to roll down the window! So if they want the window down they have to ask me. What was the point of window locks? The steering also has a lot of play in it, but overall I like it and would suggest it. My truck is still so new so I havent found anything wrong except my wheel bearing went already.The gas mileage for some reason doesnt seem so efficient but that could be with all trucks.

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  Smart Car !! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Ashoper - November 3 - 10:00 am

  This thing is about the smartest vehicle on the market. The lightweight, plexifiberglas automobile feels just great to drive. It has a dentfree body and the car is pretty fuelefficient. Great, great, great !! And -- its not a box !! The quality is the same than any other car built somewhere around the world. Any car can be made on any assemblyline anywhere anyway. Saturn ION 3 Coupe = Smart car !!