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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  Our 3rd Saturn since 2000 - we love them - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Sarge-E5-USMC - September 15 - 4:36 am

  Best car I have ever owned. Saturn (sorry to see them go) makes one hell of a quality car. We have had a 2000 L300 which we sold after 1 year only because my wife has a lead foot and thought she was "Mustang Sally", a 2004 VUE and now a 2008 Outlook XE w AWD C. There is really nothing bad I can say about them. We do/did not put more than 2,500 to 3,000 miles on these cars because we have another car that we use for tooling around town and use the Outlook and past Saturns for road trips. We have two dogs that require cages when we travel and there is plenty of room in the car for them and all of our luggage. Best investment I have made was buying Saturns & especially the Outlook. Great car!!

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  Saturn Vue Lemon - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Never again - September 14 - 12:06 pm

  I bought my used 2002 Saturn Vue AWD in 2007 from a Saturn dealer in Downers Grove. It had 53,000 miles on it. From the start it had problems--a loud whining noise which was the vacuum. Then the ABS light went on, along with a fluid leak under the engine The service engine soon light went on with loss of power. I took it to a Saturn dealer in Savoy. They put in a new water pump/wheel speed sensors/hub assembly. That took care of some problems. I took it in seven times to get the service engine soon light and hesitation/loss of power problem solved. It never was solved and my engine ended up ruined with metal shavings in it. I need a new engine-big bucks. I will never buy a Saturn again.

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  Another VUE - of another Winner - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Arthur Mueller - September 13 - 10:33 am

  This is my second VUE, the prior an orange 02 that had <62K and was still going strong. As my fourth Saturn I am a firm believer in Saturns drive for quality in their products. My new VUE is by far and away the sharpest best designed and appointed vehicle yet. From the heated leather power seats, exterior and interior chrome and wood appointments and attention to detail, craftsmanship is state-of-the-art. Ride is as perfect and my prior VUE, while the Honda engine provides more power at lower RPM on the highways giving much better than average fuel economy. The V6, AWD and side curtain air bags provide me with a feeling of security and safety no matter what the road conditions. Its great.

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  Saturn ION rocks - 2003 Saturn ION
  By zeldapliff - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I love my Saturn

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  Nice looking but rides like a buckboard. - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Lexington KY - September 11 - 2:53 pm

  I look the style and looks of my Aura. However it rides like a buckboard at around 55 mph. Had it back to the dealer when I frist got it over and over. They were never able to resolve the issue. And the left compartment will not stay closed they also worked on it over and over. I just dont use it. I drive a lot of highway miles 40,000 a year so most times I am over the 55 mphs were the bumpy ride is. Dealership has been a disappointment. I was also a little shocked to see how much value the car had lost in one year.

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  Quality Poor - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By St. Louis - September 11 - 3:03 am

  The 2007 Saturn VUE handling is acceptable. Engine noise through the cabin is noticable. Mileage on recent 2000 mile trip averaged 23 on hwy. Car was delivered new with a large crack in the roof frame allowing water into the cargo area. Robots were asleep when assembly took place. Saturn North America says they will weld defect but not warranty it.

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  Nice and useful car - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Pavel Gonzalez - September 10 - 11:30 am

  I have driven my VUE for 8000 miles, and so far so good, except an ignition switch problem (it didnÂ’t go all the times) repaired by the dealer. Gas consumption was very close to the spec: 22 mpg city, 26 expressways. It is very easy and pleasant to drive. Dimensions are OK for me, big enough to haul a small family around town (including baby stuffs) and roomier like other thirstier and more expensive SUVs. The front seats can be better; they have an uncomfortable haunch at the back. The new interior design is very good with a lot of standards. The power is adequate for a 2.2 L; donÂ’t expect a great performance at high speed. DonÂ’t forget the backup of the Saturn family.

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  I love My Vue! - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Lee Lee - September 9 - 10:53 am

  Due to various job shifts within the auto industry I have owned two Ford Explorers, a Mercury Milan, a Lincoln MKZ, and a Grand Prix (GT) in the last 4 years. Prior to my Explorers I owned a GMC Jimmy and Mazda 626. None of the cars, not even the MKZ compared in styling, handling, and enjoyment in driving as my VUE. I cant imagine Saturn making any further improvements (except making the front seats a little longer). Its a wonderful vehicle and I highly recommend it to everyone!

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  View of the VUE - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Traveling Man - September 7 - 1:23 am

  The 2005 VUE is a pleasure to drive. It is balanced, and has the power to stay on the road with the biggest SUVs out there. The Saturn Vue it is also very economical too! I drive with my family becasue we do not prefer to fly. We have been to Natchez Mississippi, Denver, and Little Rock. We have driven to San Francisco several times and the Vue handles like a dream. My next family car will be a Saturn. By the way, my wife drives a Saturn SL2.

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  Saturn - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Arnie Mjelde - September 6 - 7:03 pm

  Great vehicle. Trouble free, very comfortable. Is used as a "Toad" for my motorhome. Tows very well. Great value for the money. We also generally drive with 4 people, and all are comfortable. Lots of room for my 63" frame. I have "sold" many to my RV-ing friends.