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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  what can I say, I love it, period - 2003 Saturn ION
  By tiger34 - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I have nothing more to I love everything

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  vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By mlb72801 - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoyed driving this truck. The only bad thing I would say is that when I was going 70 mph on the highway and had to apply the brakes, the steering wheel shook uncontrollably. If you can overcome that, I thought it was a great vehicle. I was able to sit in the back seat with the front seat down, to elevate my legs, due to pregancy swelling!

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  2006 ION 2 - 2006 Saturn ION
  By michael k - July 19 - 12:00 pm

  The first 4 months it had been back to the dealership multiple times for multiple problems. The drivers seat has been repaired 3 times and has to go back to be replaced again. This is our 6th Saturn, and our 2nd ION. We were assured that all the issues we had with our 03 ION had been rectified. We were lied to. After 6 Saturns we have decided not to purchase any more GM products. We are very dissapointed with our ION and hope that others think twice before making the same mistake we did. The first week we had the car, the drivers front window motor stopped working. The car was on its way back to the dealership for front end problems at the time. We tried to opt out of the car but GM said no

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  Good Bang For The Buck - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Courtney - July 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car with 130,000 on it. It now has 150,000 and no problems at all. I was not fond of this car at all but after driving it for a year it really grew on me. granted its no jewel but 20 bucks to fill the tank, 20 bucks for an oil change and virtually maintenance free, how could you complain? The fact that the car is basically dent proof is another plus, i was in two accidents with this car and there is literally not a scratch on it. its slow compared to other cars but gives you NO problems. Although i am getting a new car i must say that i will miss this car and hope that i have as much good luck with my ion as i do my altima. Might not be the best but you wont regret it. honestly.

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  Like it - our first VUE - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Doris - July 18 - 5:56 am

  We really like our new Vue. Ride is very comfortable. Easy to handle. Very smooth ride. Like the crossover. Lots of favorable comments on it from people when we are out and about.

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  Saturn never disappoints - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By Jessica - July 17 - 2:00 pm

  This is my third Saturn and first SUV. I test drove 10 or more SUVs and came back to trusty Saturn, (this is my third one!) I love my dealer and drove over 70 miles to buy from them. I saw reports that the interior stains easily and I dont keep cars nice and I have no problems with the interior. My dealer gave me some of the stain fighter they use! The steering feels like a car, very manueverable, the seats are wide and comfy. I can fit alot of junk in it! Love the XM and free Onstar. All of my Saturns have had great maintenance records. Love Love Love my VUE! Join our Club, if you want a great vehicle and super dealer staff!

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  Hybrid saves money - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By TXPioneer - July 17 - 7:10 am

  I loved my Saturn VUE004 v6 but I wanted a hybrid so I traded. I lost a bit of the zoom that the vs had but the gas mileage has been great. Around 26 in the city and 30-33 on the highway. I even got one tank at 36 MPG!

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  Dead Soldier - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By boyinblue - July 15 - 10:43 am

  Bought a Saturn 2002 VUE (V6) with about 100K on it for under $10K from a local dealership. The original owner put every bell and whistle on it. No issues for the first 2 years and then the parade of issues started. I understand the SUV had 100K on it but what started happening should not necessarily be expected The engine is horrible. It is my understanding that Saturn opted for a SAAB motor. I believe they has those engines until 2005. Nothing but issues. Leaking oil, burning oil, had gaskets replaced. Recently the 6th cylinder quit. We have sunk about $3500 to keep this car on the road. We should have dumped it within the first 3 years after purchase.

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  A great choice. - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By ron ahlhorn - July 14 - 7:50 am

  I looked at SUVs for over a year and then attended the Houston Auto Show. Looked at every SUV in the house and kept coming back to the new Outlook. A great choice. The gas mileage is as advertised and the overall styling is sharp. Most impressive is the interior room and styling. Only drawback I have found is the view out of the rear window is restricted when vehicles are close.

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  2004 Saturn Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By VUEBYU - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Honda motor and transmission is smooth as silk. I purchased my first Saturn in 1992 and it has 230,000 miles. Saturn Vue is a pleasure to drive. Added head and side airbags and xm satellite radio. Look forward to driving. Vehicle cruises at 80 mph with Rpm at 2000...unbelievable. On first long trip of a little over a thousand miles, averaged 26 miles per gallon. Glove compartment is el cheapo...overall, so far, so good with just under 3000 miles driven.