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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  Always been a GM buyer - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Slpmom4 - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I have always been a GM buyer, but the prices on Chevy and Pontiacs were a shock! I had heard about Saturns but didnt never looked at them. One Sunday I managed to get my husband to drive on to a Saturn lot and we were suprised at all the features you could get at an up front price. When we went into the showroom we couldnt believe it when they handed us a price sheet and we could basically build our own car! All the prices were in front of you! When we picked up the car it was an expirence never before felt with any other car purchase. I have 4 kids and their first cars will all be Saturns!

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  Happy Satun Owner - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Saturn Guy - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I recomend this car. Got the coupe in silver and love the style and design of the out side with the rear spoiler. The quad coupe was a great idea. Gives you the sporty look of a coupe with the practicality of a four door. Like the simplicity of the design inside. The dealers low presure aproach to sales and good customer service is great. Fun car to drive.

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  So Far, So Good - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Kansas City Driver - June 21 - 10:00 am

  The Saturn VUE with 4 cy., 5 speed is an excellent vehicle, looks great and makes you feel good driving it. Steering is sharp and precise and the suspension gives you good road feel with no shakes or pounding. Four cyl. has adequate power. Little slow in first and reverse, but good surge in second and third. Had not really planned on buying one, but saw it and when the salesman explained the special offer with options could not say no. Right at $17K loaded. Few minor distractions, but no big deal. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a small SUV. Best looking one out there.

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  In Love - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By keylime1602 - June 20 - 11:30 am

  When I first saw the Saturn Sky in late 2005, I knew that I wanted it. Now in 2007, I finally have my dream car and it has exceeded my expectations. Its exceptionally fun to drive and its appearance has a classy sex appeal without appearing too feminine/girlie. The performance is precise with some tricks up its sleeve. Its my first manual car and its been so easy to drive. The cloth top is easy to handle whether going up or down. Do splurge on the leather interior as it adds to the class and overall appearance of the car. Definitely a head turner. Everytime I see a Solstice, Mustang or BMW or insert lux brand name here, I think, "Mine is so much better" and smile.

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  My first GMC product is a hoot to drive - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By John - June 19 - 3:50 pm

  Last new car was my wifes 2005 Honda Odyssey Touring which is still a great vehicle for its age. For a second vehicle we wanted a more compact yet versatile suv and first considered the new Honda CRV, then others before coming accross the new Saturn VUE. Never buying a GMC product before I wasnt expecting too much when we took a new V6 fwd for a demo. Its handling and ride on both local and interstate roads was so impressive especially for such a small suv I immediately began seriously considering it. I looked at several in stock and all of their fit and finishes were flawless, their safety features were state of the art and their styling was very appealing. Still happy after four months

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  Great car, basic but fun - 2005 Saturn ION
  By L Crew - June 18 - 12:43 pm

  Weve got almost 3K on the car now and it runs great. Great gas mileage and fun to drive the sporty 5 spd. This redesigned car provides a smooth, stable, ride with 15" wheels, and a quiet interior. We can actually carry on a quiet conversation at 70 MPH. Turning radius is also very good for parking and turnarounds. Only problem Ive encountered was a sticky door handle and squeaky clutch pedal which were both repaired satisfactorily at the dealer. Overall a really neat, fun car to drive.

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  Love my VUE - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Scout77 - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I love my VUE. Love it. And working with Saturn was very easy, no hassles whatsoever.

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  Great car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Jman - June 15 - 8:23 am

  I have owned this car over two years and have not had any mechanical problems. I got a great deal at the model year end sale, including leather interior. It has a nice sound system, is fun to drive, and highway gas mileage averages about 30 mpg.

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  Love my new Ion! - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Julie - June 15 - 5:46 am

  I love driving my ION Quad Coupe. I had a Saturn S-series sedan for 5 years, which was also a great car. The ION is fun, but still practical. The rear flip-out doors allow passengers to get in easily, but from the outside the car maintains its sporty look. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a car that is safe and reliable, but still fun to drive.

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  Cute, spunky, inexpensive - 2004 Saturn ION
  By putt putt - June 10 - 2:36 pm

  As an older person, Ive had many different types of cars. Before buying, I test drove different minivans, full size vehicles, 2 door cars, 4door cars, midsize, full size, trucks, etc. I found the ION to have spunk. It feels like it wants to get up and go. Handles well, with very good mileage. It gets 36mpg on the highway. The leather seats are a bit stiff, but thats better for my back problem. Even my husband loves to drive it. Any time you can get him to give up his new 3/4 ton black Avalanche with the biggest motor and Suburban-like ride to drive an electric lime ION, you have to have a fun, cool car. Front opening rear doors make getting in and out of the back seat and getting stuff out so much easier