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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  Wait for the VUE - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By John in AZ - July 14 - 4:00 am

  Check this vehicle out. If the dealership doesnt have one, order yours its worth the wait.

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  Rattle Rattle Thunder Clattle Boom Boom - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Matt K - July 14 - 12:40 am

  I have a love-hate relationship with my Ion. In the year Ive owned it, Im averaging 28.63MPG with a heavy city driving bias. Driving the car is lots of fun, it accelerates, brakes, and corners well. My only complaint about the handling is that the stock Firestone Affinity tires have horrible rain traction and squeal far too easily. From a build quality perspective, I have had mixed feelings. In terms of critical mechanical reliability, this car has been excellent. The only critical item that failed was the DRL / Blinkers in the front of the car, which was subject to a recall anyhow. However, from a squeaks and rattles perspective, this car is horrible.

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  First American Car In 18 Years - 2004 Saturn ION
  By kicooke - July 11 - 2:00 am

  My first impression, I like it. The car feels sturdier than the little Japanese econoboxes I was used to driving (Ford Festivas, Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla). I am wary of the CVT but thats why I have a 6 year 100,000 mile warranty. The acceleration is OK, not as good as my Nissan Sentra (5 sp) or Corolla (5 sp), but is sure is nice having an automatic in bumper to bumper traffic. Reviewers knocked the seats but I dont mind them. I drive 2.5 to 3 hours a day commuting to and from work and have no complaints. Still not used to electric power steering but it seems to work OK.

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  Fun to drive - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By pm1975 - July 10 - 7:23 pm

  Purchased a Salsa Red Astra XR w/ auto and stabilitrak and am loving it. The handling is sharp but not uncomfortable over broken pavement on my commute to work. The Saturn car buying experience also made it so easy to purchase. The interior is extremely pleasing with the data information center and high quality materials throughout. I considered buying a Mazda 3 as well but I felt the Astras interior beat it while being just as fun to drive. The main improvements I would suggest would be a little more power and more storage inside. I would have never considered a Saturn before the Astra but Im glad I gave it a chance.

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  No more American Mades - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By trh1013 - July 9 - 1:20 pm

  I took a leap of faith and decided to purchase an Outlook in Jul 07. Definitely a transmission problem with this vehicle. After I had the update transmission got worst. In Jan 08, I was driving along one day and I started to hear this loud noise coming from the back that sounded like an airplane. Took in for service they said that the wheel bearings had gone bad. On the day I had the wheel bearings replaced, while I was driving home my steering wheel became really tight like it had no power steering took it back the pump in the steering wheel needed to be replaced. I have been in for service way too much. I havent even had my first oil change. Heading to import dealer real soon.

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  Good Car - Great Price - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Patrick - July 8 - 9:06 am

  In my opinion, any lack of performance has more to do with the class of car (i.e., 4cyl, econonmy). This is my second Saturn and the best way to descibe it is a B+ car with A+ service and price. I know with the "Global Economy" it might not matter (I am impressed with Hondas and Toyotas), but I just cant even walk into their dealerships. I surely dont think American cars are perfect, but based on whats written on-line and in magazines, I must be the only person who knows of a fair amount of people with problems with Toyotas and Hondas etc. My only point being, are Japanese cars better in general, probably. That much better? Maybe Im lucky.

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  Awesome car at a low price - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By stan of chattown - July 7 - 9:23 pm

  Me and my wife are proud to be owners of such a fine car. It has great power and a lot of options such as OnStar, hands- free phone, heated seats, and much, much more. Saturn has reached the top. It should lead a lot of people back to buying American cars. Saturn has something to show off and its a blessing too me and my family. People are looking at it like its the 10th wonder of the world. I suggest everybody to buy this car. Its awesome

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  New 2007 VUE - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By MarvC - July 6 - 12:13 pm

  My wifes 99 Honda Passport finally died. She really wanted to stay with the smaller SUV. We ended up test driving the Honda Pilot (a little pricey), Rav4 (bumpy short wheelbase not a lot of cargo space). We almost gave up in finding an SUV, friend recommended the VUE. Sales staff were great, the car fit our budget. We added leather, V6, enhanced stereo, alloy 17" wheels, spolier and DVD system. The ride is very smooth, a little more road noise form the 17" wheels. Acceleration is outstanding! Cargo room more than enough for us. We have the Polar White and get many comments on the look of the SUV from others, espically at the car wash.. The car looks like a much higher priced unit!

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  Really A Great Surprise - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By bailranch - July 6 - 10:00 am

  It is a great vehicle! I was shocked to see that I could get in and out with contorting my limbs! Also, when my wife drives, I can stretch my legs out straight in the passenger side (Iam 6ft 2in and a BIG guy) Ive taken 4 road trips already and it averages the 25/mpg and is a treat to drive. The sport package makes it a great car!

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  why doesnt everyone own a Saturn!! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By David Gabriel - July 6 - 10:00 am

  this is the second Saturn i have owned and this current one is the equal of the first or even better. fun to drive. fast, economical, good looking, comfortable. i couldnt say more for this car. my only question is, "why doent everyone own a Saturn!!!!!!!