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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  My seventh Saturn! - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Dorothy Triplett - October 18 - 10:23 am

  Im crazy about Saturns! I especially like the no haggle buying experience and can-do attitude of both sales and service -- Ive been a Saturn owner since 1992, and this is my seventh Saturn. I was able to get my preferred combination: power locks and manual windows. However, they no longer offer remote locking system with this combo, so had to have it installed. I like the new dash design, and the visibility is improved overall. Much quieter - very little road noise.

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  Fun to drive - 2006 Saturn ION
  By ed - October 14 - 11:16 pm

  Its great on gas, fun to drive,and fast. Looks good. is very safe if you have side air bags. CD standerd, OnStar is cool

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  My first Saturn - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Smilin2 - October 14 - 5:30 pm

  What can I say. I went from a Honda civic to a Saturn for more room. I bought the Vue for the V6 and decent gas mileage. I was a little freaked out at first because of the mileage. But it is starting to break in and I just got 25mpg. I also must admit that I drive like a bat outta hell, so this is excellent for my drive style. Anyone else would probably get 28 or 29. You dont realize you are going so fast. It has great pick up.

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  Good Value - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By saturday - October 13 - 10:00 am

  The Vue is roomy and surprisingly zippy. The Vue has plenty of room for my family of four. Plus With the split back seat the cargo area is great for hauling all kinds of stuff. The four cylinder is zippy enough for around town driving and passing. In fact one needs to keep an eye on your speed. Generally it is good Value.

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  happy happy - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By leahfaye - October 13 - 10:00 am

  really good value for my dollar, I like the space frame construction and feel very stable because of it when cornering at high speeds. I love all the neat design features like the grocery and milk holders in the rear, and the front seat laying fully forward to allow me to take long boards home for my home projects.

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  own 2 2003 vues - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By larry dunn - October 13 - 10:00 am

  bought 2 vues last december at 0%. we love everything about them. Great ride/mileage..27-28 mph. looks great. we get many compliments..no mech problems.

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  Affordable and luxurious! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Ellen - October 13 - 2:36 am

  Ive had my Aura XE for two months now and I love it just as much today as the day I drove off the dealer parking lot. The ride is smooth and quiet and it has great pickup. The leather seats are the most comfortable I have ever had in a car. I looked at the comparable midsize cars, but with all features the same, none of them could touch the affordability of the Aura.

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  Fun and comfortable - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Wisconsin Driver - October 12 - 5:26 pm

  Black with brown leather looks sharp. 18" machined wheels and low profile tires make it look like a European sport sedan, with a hint of true American muscle. Handling is superb - suspension is stiff, yet very comfortable (feels like a 5 series beemer). XEs engine provides plenty of power for a family car driver, who does not mind get around slower traffic on the highway. Much better value than Camry or Accord, and a whole lot more fun. First 500 miles I am averaging ~30 MPG on the highway and ~25 MPG in mixed 70% highway/30% city driving. Overall, one great car.

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  My 08 VUE XR - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Adam - October 12 - 6:56 am

  Ive been in the market for a compact SUV for a while and I narrowed it down to either the CR-V or RAV4. I have been waiting for the 08 VUE just to check it out, but didnt have high expectations. I saw an XE 6Cyl sitting in the grass of a local Saturn store on my way to a Honda dealership and decided to walk in and ask to take it for a spin. First time inside the cabin and I was really impressed with the quality of the materials and the seats were super comfy and supportive. It had standard XM satellite and one year free OnStar which was a plus. I drove it on back road and the freeway and was blown away. No windrush and the ride and handling had european characteristics. I was sold!

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  Very happy owner - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By mulebrand - October 11 - 2:16 pm

  Buying from Saturn was a pleasure. I drove several other import sedans as well as small SUVs before buying the Saturn. We got one with most of the extras and dont regret it. The 3.6 V6 is quick (zippy) and quiet. The vehicle looks and feels high quality. Im hooked on the standard satellite radio and the great sound system. Roomy enough for four adults (or three adults and our other daughter the lab). Front seat cushion a little short for tall folks, but still comfortable enough. The cargo net and divider for the cargo area are really handy and easy to use.