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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  My only problem is the transmission - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Jay - May 20 - 1:53 am

  I bought this car with every option in the book. It is very comfortable and spacious. The cargo space, even with the third row seat up is very good. The only problem I have ancountered, and it is not a small one, is the sluggish transmission. Once youve passed take off, the thing will stay on gear forever before shifting to the next speed. This usually happens at or around the 40 mph mark. Its like its stuck on that gear and wont move up unless you put the pedal to the floor. If they could do some sort of software update on the throttle/gear ratio the car would be perfect.

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  Not so sure - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By kdizzy - May 20 - 12:43 am

  After seeing the 2007 Aura won the "North American Car of the Year" award I thought "How can I go wrong". I traded in my 2003 Chevy Impala and in a year have had the car in for service 5 times. The second day I had the car I ended up having it towed into the service center because the transmission was missing and speedometor was bouncing around. Ended up being a speed sensor switch had to be replaced.

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  Nice Sporty Car for over 50 crowd - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Don - May 18 - 10:49 pm

  Was looking for a Stick Shift car as I was getting tired of my 95 Prizm with 3 spd automatic (great car, but boring!). Found this on car site, price was right, had under 89K on the clock and was a 5 speed (!). Only a few cosmetic blemishes (crack in upper front fender, small hole in side of drivers seat, but ran strong. Over the next 15 months, have replaced; A/C Unit (bought car in winter, was unable to test, Compressor was broken, replaced under warranty), new rear shocks ($50 from RA, did myself), upgraded front brakes (drilled and slotted units from RA for $105, did myself), new front wheel bearings ($75 total from RA, did myself) lower control arms ($105 total from RA, again, did myself). Not all cars are perfect, but this one has been the most fun to drive since my 1978 Firebird I had in 1982. It has the gumption to get up and go on the highway AND, you can do the Supercharger upgrade from the Redline OR Cobal SS without doing anything special as the 2.2 will handle the extra power without strengthening the valve train or crankshaft. Looking forward to having fun with this car, and...love the back suicide doors! Everyone gets a kick out of them!

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  2nd Car; 2nd Saturn; Great VUE! - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Coty - May 17 - 6:06 pm

  After owning my very first car, a 2003 Saturn ION, I decided to go back to a new Saturn, the VUE. The powerful 250- hp Honda supplied V6 sounds rich and accelerates fast always ready. Gas mileage is respectable for an SUV but better that most espeically with a V6. I got the chrome package in black and it gets a lot of attention. OnStar is also a great feature along with Hands- free phone and XM Radio. Friendly service before, during, and after the sale have been excellent in the past with my Ion and that still remains as a Saturn Policy. Looks and Feels like a $30K vehicle but got all my options under $25,000. Just go drive one and trust me youll want to take one home!

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  Alternative to a Usd Car - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Riverman - May 15 - 10:00 am

  Big Rebates put a new VUE in the same price range as many used cars. The Saturn Vehicle Exchange Program works. My first Saturn Vue (manual transmission)would fly out of third gear on hills. I asked for a new Saturn and took my choice. This is a fine option to a Compact Station Wagon. Very practical. The type of people who like "sensable shoes" buy Saturn.

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  Best SUV overall for the money - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Gayle - May 13 - 2:36 pm

  Love how the VUE handles in town and on the road. The gas mileage is great. Interior is roomy and very comfortable. Especially like the color of mine, Storm Gray. The price is very reasonable. I would definitely buy another VUE.

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  Done WIth Cadillac Hello Saturn - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By NJ Saturn Outlook - May 12 - 5:33 pm

  All my cars have been premium luxury cars (Cadillac, Corvette etc) and until now I would have never looked at a Saturn. Until now! This 2008 Outlook has changed my life in so many ways. I fit better than any other car or SUV on the market 9Escalade, Lexus RX, GX, Ford Edge, Explorer, Audi, porsche Cayenne etc) I can go on but no others compare. The Outlook overall is just an amazing tour de force of engineering, comfort, ergonomics, class and quality. The main reason I like this car is because it rides like an enlarged car not a modified pickup truck like most other sport utes out there. A V8 would be nice but not required.

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  Unsatisfied - 2005 Saturn ION
  By danielle89 - May 8 - 6:52 pm

  I bought this car as a last resort after I totaled my previous vehicle. First I had problems with the wheels and had to replace all four wheels and tires. Then I started to have a problem starting the car in the cold. The only thing I have found to work is heating the key with a lighter, sticking it in the ignition and moving it up and down a few times to warm up the pins which are frozen by the grease apparently and then start. This is pathetic and white trash. I have heard MANY people have had this problem. Also heard one guy took it in to Saturn, spent thousands of dollars and they couldnt even figure it out. Saturn needs to obviously due a recall, this is pathetic.

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  I am in love with my Outlook - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Bar10Jen - May 8 - 8:46 am

  I love everything about my XR. It is sweet to look at, it is even sweeter to drive. The sunroof and moonroof combination are a dream. Navigation system rocks. The auto-start is great with the heated seats being fired up when it is cold and the a/c being blasted when it is hot. Remote opening of the back hatch is very handy, pop it then pick up what you are loading and load it with ease. Captain seats in the 2nd row is a great idea, I tote a lot of stuff and people. I have put over 10,000 miles on it since October and I love road trips in it. I have tried out every channel on my XM and I love the fact that the radio downloads local radio stations so I dont have to search the airways.

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  From BMW to Saturn--with pleasure - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By usaroxs - May 6 - 2:10 pm

  I have driven BMWs since 1992 and I thought I would never buy an American car. I saw an Aura at a picnic, parked along the side of the road and I thought it looked liked an Lexus. I couldnt believe it was a Saturn. I drove down to the dealership on Sunday and owned my new 3.6L XR, fully loaded Aura on Monday. I continue to hear from people that they cant believe that a BMW enthusiast could switch to Saturn--but it only takes one ride and a price difference of over 20,000 between the two cars to convince everyone that this was a wise choice. Im impressed with the comfort, quiet ride and accessories. There are more accessories available than I could get in a BMW 5 series.