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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  Great SUV for the price - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By ynotps - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV for the price, especially with Honda V6 engine and 5 speed transmission.

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  Love my VUE - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By designsbyshain - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I have never before driven a Saturn and decided to check out the Vue as I was in the market for a SUV. I immediately fell in love with this car. The dealership treats you like royalty and a member of the Family.

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  Vue review - nine months later - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By NC traveler - February 20 - 9:03 pm

  We purchased the Vue in March 2004 and have had no problems thus far. My wife loves the vehicle. She lets me drive on road trips only. The Honda engine is a must. Plenty of power and good gas mileage compared to the bigger SUVs. We get 26 mpg on interstate trips. The car came with On Star and XM radio. My wife was in a minor auto accident and used the On Star when the local 911 would not answer a cell call. The XM is great for long trips. We would recommend this one over the Honda CR-V (I have owned five Hondas) or Jeep Liberty. And it is American assembled!

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  GMs best-kept secret - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Judeatb - February 17 - 9:46 pm

  My Astra XE is a comfortable, practical, spacious, and fun-to-drive compact. I paid less than $15k for it (with a/c), and am, so far, extremely satisfied. The car accelerates well, handles crisply, and gets exactly the mileage the EPA specifies from the get- go. My driving cycle is getting me 29- 30mpg combined. Everything, from the sound the doors make when closed, to the way the handbrake feels, to the materials used on the interior make this car feel like a solidly-built, quality product. Everyone loves the way it looks

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  excellent deal for your money! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By hopperdoc - February 16 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent car! I love it and you will too! I searched and searched before buying, and found this to be the best deal AND quality for your money. The sticker price is the price you pay at Saturn, there is no haggling, which is nice...you know right away what you are paying. Its a great car, period!

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  Saturn Ion 3 Review - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Michael Sico - February 16 - 10:00 am

  great car, drives well, not had 1 problem with the car so far unlike the mini cooper which I had for 3 months and was given my money back under lemon law. only suggestion would to make larger seats and more comfortable.

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  08 vue - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By andy - February 12 - 1:43 am

  I recently traded in my 06 vue for an 08 vue xr due to an extremly good deal on the 08. Wasnt really sure how well i would like the 08 but i have to say it is a big improvement over the plastic vues. being all steel now the 08 weighs more and that gives it a better ride and better road feel.Drove both v-6s and the 3.6 is so much better than the 3.5.The interior is much improved as well,with less cheap feeling plastic parts. Only have a couple of complaints -1 being the fuel economy.its about 5-6 mpg less than my Honda powered 06. im sure part is due to the extra weight (500#)but also to the fact the the engine is now GM built.and 2,the torque steer is worse than my 06.but overall better

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  Saturn Customer Service Rules - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By JSHOULTA - February 8 - 10:00 am

  My first Saturn and I am impressed with the feel of the drive.

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  Have it almost a year, still love it - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Jeff N - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Had our VUE almost a year and still very satisfied. No rattles or squeaks in interior and no problems at all with build quality. 4 cyl./5 speed combo offers plenty of zip but would go for 6 next time for its extra towing capacity. Rear seat is low but I dont sit there, the kids do, and they dont mind. Split rear folding seat + front passenger folding seat very nice.

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  Love My Saturn - 2003 Saturn ION
  By wvmediamogul - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my ION. It handles very well. The steering is extremely responsive. Also, the engine doesnt drive like your average 4 cylinder. It feels like it has much more power. The ION is also a lot more roomy than the old S-series. I used to own a 99 SL and at times I felt like a contortionist getting into and out of it. Granted, I am 63" and 280lbs. I have no problem getting into and out of the ION. I even have legroom to spare. Even though Saturn was about 5 years late for a re-design; it was well worth the wait.