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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  No Surprise - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Maine man - September 23 - 10:43 pm

  Saturn has come back! This is the best vehicle Saturn has ever offered. It has style comfort and class. It holds its own with anyone. The quality and ride is in par with larger SUVs. We love this vehicle our large teenagers fit in it with ease. Often we have to transport kids to and from sports and extra things. We have purchased a Saturn for the first time in 1991 and loved that car but we soon out grew it. Now that Saturn has come out with this true crossover it helped us to come back to the Saturn name. The engine has plenty of power for hauling kids and gear plus it can tow a small camper or a trailer for our snowmobiles. We are very pleased with our new Saturn Outlook and will enjoy.

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  brokeTX lady - 2006 Saturn ION
  By disappointed lady - September 23 - 9:40 pm

  The first year I owned the car was great but, since have had numerous problems from car ignition not turning off to drivers side car door not opening as well as drivers window not working. Im not impressed with the inside cloth interior either. It stains easily. The outside sound is loud when driving. I am however happy with the mileage I get which is one good thing I have enjoyed. This was the first new car I purchased. Im still paying new car payments as well as repairs since the warranty has expired. This has surely left a bad taste in my mouth. I have not recommended this brand to anyone I know.

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  Best SUV Ever! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By dawn143 - September 22 - 1:30 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned and its a Saturn! I just came out of a loaded 2006 Range Rover HSE and I would have never even thought about a Saturn Outlook XR AWD but after test driving it, I fell in love with everything about it. It is so roomy inside, the styling is very up to date and it drives with so little effort. It doesnt look big from the outside, the profile is very low but dont let that deceive you, inside is spacious with room for 7. Its a little sluggish off the line but if you downshift you make up for that. My only complaint are the doors, they tend to close on their own after opening them, tough with kids but you over look it. A must buy!

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  Best car i ever had - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By saturn08 - September 21 - 8:56 pm

  This is my second Saturn. I love this car. Rides nice, handles great. People cant believe it is a Saturn

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  Sleek exterior hides major safety flaws - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By incatnito - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Initial impression A+, good power V6 AWD, already used in snow. I have contd unresolved issues w/Dealer whos promised heat element for drivers seat since 06/04, its now 09/04. Wanted Redline model on floor, dealer told me it was "promised to someone. Now glad I didnt get it. Value has dropped from $25,000 to approx $19,200 trade value in 5 mos. Saturns recall is not a joke, but a potential serious accident waiting to happen. Inquired when extra support available for rear suspension (rear tires folded on safety test in fishhook maneuver), was told could be up to a 1yr. Over 200,000 vehicles recalled. Increased rollover risk w/suspension failure.

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  its under rated - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By sargon - September 20 - 10:00 am

  i like the car very much however, there is room for improvment as i will outline in the improvements to be made

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  The car to own for 2007 - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By James Smith - September 19 - 8:43 am

  I have always been interested in Saturns, but finally I took the plunge and am blown away at how sweet this car is. Deluxe luxury, fantastic performance and a European high quality finish and fit make this by far the swankest auto that I have ever owned. I have been a die-hard VW fan for years, but between this and the Jetta, this presents way better value and quality for my money. Based on the Aura, were definitely also replacing our next car with another Saturn product. These guys have turned their game on. Watch out competitors, Saturn is back in the game!

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  Bang for your buck! - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Rebecca - September 18 - 2:36 pm

  The ION 3 has had lots of improvements in the last few years and has a lot more pull to it than our 2004 ION 2. It handles beautifully and has a heavier feel to it, which makes driving it all the more fun. Less road noise, too.

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  Had for a week, then towed away. - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Bummed Out... - September 15 - 8:46 am

  I have been researching small SUVs for quite some time. I decided on a used 2008 Saturn VUE V6 AWD, then went for a beautiful XR with leather. After I drove it off the lot, the check engine light came on. Saturn serviced it and found a faulty electrical relay. A few days later, it was dead in my garage. A flatbed had to come take it to the Saturn dealership. They said my battery is testing fine, and dont know the problem...Im now back to driving my 96 Escort. I love the VUE, but am very disappointed. Thank God for the warranty.

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  Shoot the Ergonomics Engineers - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By TomNmd - September 15 - 8:13 am

  The remote mirror adjustment is in the wrong place -- cant sit in final position and adjust mirrors accordingly. Put the compass and temperature in lower left & right of rear-view mirror -- cant see past rear headrests anyway. Heat the thighs - not just center of seat. Cant see any info when manually shifting (the tap shifter is a joke anyway). Cant get to pass- side rear seat storage (why is it recessed?) Itsy bitsy cruise-control and radio buttons and no cruise-control pause. Mirror dimmer doesnt dim enough -- manual would be better. HARD seats very uncomfortable. Wish I hadnt bought this thing -- I hate every one of the 150 miles I travel each day! Feel like Im getting bed soars.