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 4th Saturn... and the best so far - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By smakahead - July 12 - 11:46 am

  My 2007 Outlook is my 4th new Saturn vehicle, and were very impressed! Mostly we love the interior - very roomy and comfortable, the fit and finish is much above the previous Saturns weve owned. The leather seats are comfortable and durable. We have the captains chairs option, so our Outlook seats 7, but there is plenty of room in the third row (my wife sits back there alot for more room to relax). The performance is very commendable - the V6 engine (shared with some Caddy models) shifts nicely and has plenty of top-end if you need to gun it. Mileage is a bit low right now (~18 mpg). It handles like a car so its easy to drive. The best part - people ask about our Outlook all the time!

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  I LOVE MY NEW CAR! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By TammyR - July 11 - 10:00 am

  To tell the truth, Im not much of a car person. I cant ramble off specs, but what I can tell you is that this car is fantastic! Its peppy without being jerky and the ride is smooth. My last car was an Eclipse with a bangin sound system. If I can go from that to this...and love it, you will too!

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  Way to Go Saturn - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Flynch - July 11 - 10:00 am

  This is Saturn number 7 in our family. We have long expected good things from this branch of GM and have always found it. This is our first SUV in the family and we couldnt be happier. This SUV runs with the best of them, gives great milage for an SUV and to top it all off its fun to drive. I use this a my daily commuter and I always receive great raves about how great the car looks. If Saturn can keep up the good work on these cars they will always have my business.

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  Still going strong - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Janice Barrow - July 7 - 9:09 am

  Bought the Vue at 3 years old with 19k miles on it. It replaced a 10-year-old 2000 SL2 that was passed on to my husband. Six years later, only preventative maintenance thus far. Getting ready for the timing belt/water pump and other 100k maintenance (a little early mileage-wise at 84k, but at 9 years of age, dont feel as though its worth it to delay replacing this rubber component on an interference engine). Been reading a lot regarding subframe rust issues, and due to living in the "Salt Belt" Im a little nervous about seeing it up on the lift. The Honda 3.5 L V6 is a nice engine (I keep it humming along with fully synthetic oil), and Im hoping the transmission will fare well after changing the fluid (so far, so good).

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  A very seductive SUV - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Andy Zaplatynsky - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased my 2003 4 cylinder, FWD, Saturn VUE and I have never had a car that so so much fun to drive. I am amazed at the pep of the 4 cylinder engine, I am doing 70 mph on the interstate and have to keep an eye on the speedometer to not go 80 ... it is that smooth. I dont understand the complaints about "fit and finnish", I am very impressed. The Silver is a beautiful color!!!

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  Great Car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By A/G - June 29 - 7:26 pm

  This is one great car. Easy to drive, fun, and looks sharp. Great fuel mileage. Great in the winter and summer. Just an all around nice car. I recommend it for a first car, or if you need a daily drive that gets good gas mileage but want to stay American.

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  A whole lot for the price - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Ken Sabo - June 27 - 7:06 pm

  I consider this Saturn XR to be an outstanding vehicle. After pricing other comparable SUVs, you realize that you are getting a lot for your money. It is big, roomy, very comfortable and quiet. I love the styling that GM gave this SUV. I feel the interior is well thoughtout and made extremely well. When optioned out the Saturn XR is $10,000 to $12,00 less than a Ford Expedition. The 3.6 liter engine with the 6 speed automatic transmission has plenty of power to get this big guy moving up to speed easily. GM has definitely got a winner with this one.

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  Redline Sky, What a blast! - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Landscape - June 26 - 10:30 pm

  I considered several models when I decided to get my first "roadster". I decided on the Saturn Sky based on several factors, the power, performance suspension, and looks are what sealed the deal. This car is an absolutely great way to spend the day, or evening for that matter. The Sky hugs the road like velcro and the turbo kicks it to the next level. The only real drawbacks are the window switches should be more forward on the doors, and the seat should have more lumbar support. The visibility with the top up is a bit restricted, but you dont buy this car to drive with the top up very often. The Sky Red Line boasts that it is quicker than the Boxster, I believe it. What a blast.

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  Cute Barbie Car - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Diana - June 25 - 9:03 pm

  I ordered the Sky in Mar 05 and I got my car in July 06. People wave at me and scream "great car". It really is an attention grabber. I love driving it and it really grabs the road. Wish it had more storage room in the trunk. Shopping habits need to change. Luggage doesnt fit! The car is really safe and beautiful. I love my Sky!

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  second saturn - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By fhiefone - June 23 - 2:00 am

  we purchased the VUE because of the style and comfort. it is our second saturn and we are very pleased with the service we recieve from saturn.