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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  One Extremely Satisfied Customer - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Ms. Charliewax - February 2 - 11:06 pm

  I was a Jeep driver for years prior to owning my Vue and must admit that it is everything and more that my Jeep ever was. Great pick up, handles the road beautifully and has all the special little extras that make it a pleasure to drive. Last but not least, I cant say enough about how Saturn treats its customers. The service, in my opinion, is nothing short of outstanding. Ive never been so completely satisfied with a dealership. Thank you Saturn. I look to our future together.

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  Love my 1st Saturn - 2003 Saturn ION
  By migs40 - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive; Able to carry large items because of suicide doors

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  Great Car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By pauljb201 - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Tons of Space in the vehicle, and i love driving it. I traded my mercury mountaineer for it because the gas was killing me. Saturn gave me 1000 for down payment, then another 750 for being a college grad. I do love it, and it has some pep.

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  thats a whole lot of car for my value!!! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By stevek3476 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I dont know why but there is a lot of articles that put down the saturn cars. Call me crazy but unless you go and see the saturn difference and experience what it is like to buy a car and realy be in control and have fun, you have never bought a car. My experience was so awesome Im going to send all of my faimly to see my sales person and we are going to buy many more saturns from him.

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  Get the 4cyl 5sp Saturn Vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By elrheom - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I stopped by the local Saturn dealer to take a look at the Vue when it came out, not really expecting to purchase the vehicle since I expected lousy gas mileage. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I looked at the EPA estimate. We find the vehicle much better than the Honda or Toyota because of the road manners, carrying capability, turn radius,unique look and the hidden spare tire. We really dont like the spare tire on the tailgate for safety and security concerns. We live in Florida and basicly use the vehicle on paved roads our Vue handles the torential rain storms very well. The folks at the Dealer service center are EXXXXcelent!!!!

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  I love it - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Ms. MArce - January 26 - 12:16 am

  My car is a lease. I am about to finish it and I would like to buy it if I find a good price. Very comfortable, economic. I had had No problems with it. Only oil change or tire rotations. Some days I feel the AC is nor working properly usually at noon, but it could be the high temperatures here in Miami This is my third Saturn, The first one was a Demo Sedan.(beautiful). I have No complains for none of my Saturns.

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  saturn ion - 2003 Saturn ION
  By mihai - January 21 - 2:00 am

  great driving experience, very reliable and fun to drive car, offered at a very fair price, no hassle.

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  saturn vue review - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By alex callner - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE this car. I do not understand what you mean about the sloppy stearing? It handles well It is very fun and comfortable to drive. It is roomy and can handle all my packages and boxes I ship for my small home business. True it does not have a polished wood dash and all kinds of gagets. but I dont live in Los Angeles anymore I dont feel I need a car as a status symbol. Just one that is reliable and comfortable and gets the job done.

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  my little Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By mzthang - January 21 - 2:00 am

  i love it.. it cute and compact and easy to get in and out of..serves its purpose.

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  snowgoingbeast - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By boatmech - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I just drove my wifes awd vue in some of the worst snow conditions i have seen here near boston. it was like a sunday drive i was trying to get stuck cant believe how capable this vehicle is in snow.Overall we couldnt be happier with this car or saturn of medford.