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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  New VUE outperforms the competition - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Vueowner06 - May 3 - 1:23 am

  Although I have owned my VUE for only two weeks I am nothing but pleased. Before buying the VUE I test drove an Escape, a Mariner, a Liberty, a Tribute, and an Equinox. Performance, price, and style wise the Vue won hands down. The 250 hp Honda engine gives it plenty of power. The new wood accents make it feel very upscale. I certainly would go for the leather package, chrome package, 17 in wheels, and xm radio upgrade. If you choose these options you have one great ride. Seats are very comfortable. Sunroof is huge. Doesnt feel tipsy like the Escape, Tribute, and Mariner did. Nice addition is the dent free doors. Contrary what the ads say there is some room for negotiation. I got 750 off.

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  Great overall package! - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Phil - April 27 - 5:10 am

  A great combination of utility and economy for the price. Excellent interior layout--very classy and comfortable. Engine is quiet and responsive, though not neck-snapping. Very transparent hybrid system--easy to forget youre driving a hybrid. We get right on the EPA average--27 in town and 32 minimum on the highway. Truly an economical and capable vehicle--and one of the few hybrids likely to yield a return on your investment. No problems to date. Check it out!

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  Dynamic and Smart - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By AJI - April 25 - 2:00 pm

  Easy and convenient to drive. Responsive and quick acceleration.

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  Excellent Car with Top Up or Down - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By John - April 22 - 5:06 pm

  Whenever I drive this car it always great. It loves corners like the magna traction racing cars I drove as a kid on the slot tracks, but this is the real thing that I can get into and drive and still have moeny left for gas. Yes the only minor gripe is the limited space in the trunk when the top down is down, but it is a sports car and a good looking one at that. Some people say what do you think about the manual top? and I say it is easy and quick to put it up and down, simple open the doors, move the latch, pop the trunk and shut it, done. I never have to worry about an electric roof motor braking. I have drove a lot of cars and I waited a year to get this one and it has been worth it.

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  Good, cheap car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By bobwill - April 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car at the end of December, so far everyone whos seen it has liked the looks, and everyone whos ridden in it likes the performance and ride. I got it with ABS/traction control, A/C, and CD-Player. I have to say, its quiet, responsive, gets decent mileage, and has plenty of room. Reviewers have complained about uncomfortable seats, but I have to say I find them more comfortable than most car seats. I think this has to do with my 63" frame, and sitting in a seat that is molded to fit a 59" person like a glove does not work with my back.

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  Switched from the Camry - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Mr. Camry - April 20 - 8:23 am

  I was pleasantly suprised when I found myself at a Saturn dealership as a Camry man. My neighbor convinced me to come in and I was glad I did. The value you get in this car is like no other that I test drove. The Aura is beautiful, powerful, quiet, and hugs the road like a BMW in my opinion. Best of all was what you get for the price.

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  Great vehicle! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Thomas Coulter - April 13 - 11:40 pm

  I really like my Saturn Outlook. I replaced a Toyota 4runner that had multiple problems over the two year lease I had. The Outlook kills the Toyota in every way. Build quality and quietness is way better than the Toyota. I would buy another saturn in a mnute. I will never buy another Toyota

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  Really? Thats a Saturn? - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By sailbretthd - April 13 - 7:06 am

  Bought this to replace a Nissan Armada that was totalled in a head-on collision. Chose this over another Armada based on comfort, price and gas mileage and have not been disappointed. In 4K miles including a 2K mile road trip towing a pop-up camper we have found the vehicle to be an excellent choice for a family of five (3 kids in booster/child seats) that needs AWD and towing capacity. Looks great inside and out and many people are surprised to see the Saturn badge on such a nice looking vehicle. Bigger inside than you would guess from exterior, handles 8-12 inches of snow easily. I consider myself a car guy and never thought Saturn would build something I like- they did.

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  Saturn Aura 2009 - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By DeMarco522 - April 11 - 3:46 pm

  Saturn Aura is a great car. Handles really well and moves well on the highway. Very quiet when going very fast. Interior leather looks great.

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  Worth the money - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Fishhead - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I heard many mixed reviews about the VUE before I bought it. Some good, some bad. All I can say is, its well worth the money and I would buy another VUE. This is my first time with a Saturn product and I love it. Plenty of room inside and decent MPG. The ride is nice and it performs well off the line and in passing too. Take one for a ride, if you dont want or need a typical SUV, the VUE may be for you.