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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  This Saturn is to rival over any imports - 2006 Saturn ION
  By shane - March 18 - 7:53 am

  This is my first Saturn experience. Ive bought three new cars in the past and there is nothing like going into a Saturn dealer and being treated like a friend and not a dollar sign.. I bought a Saturn ION 3 Sedan with leather, 2.4 performance package with Saturn Advanced sound system. This advanced sound system package is definitely worth to opt for. The fuel mileage is well over 30mpg. I compared the Honda Civic, Toyota, and Chevy Cobalt.l The Saturn ION has better handling, more power, and good fuel economy to beat any import you put up to it. Especially for price, quality, and dealership experience.

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  Head Turner - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Sky Rocket - March 17 - 4:53 pm

  Bought this roadster for my wifes 25th wedding annivesary and simply blew her away. We both love the ride and looks of this beautiful ride. For the money, why buy any other 2 seater. It doesnt matter about the storage! Its a sports car. Beautiful lines, wheels, chrome in the right places make this a standout. Much more attractive than the Solstice. Have I mentioned the power this sleeper produces? Quick, very quick. Makes you laugh when the turbo kicks in. Better be ready when you get on it. I drove from Roswell, Ga. to Burlington, NC on 9.5 gallons. That 33 MPG at 75 to 80 MPH with the air on. What other sports car can make that claim. Saturn has hit the grand slam with this one!

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  Worst nightmare possible - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Gary Moroz - March 17 - 8:26 am

  Our problems began after 4 months and less than 3000 miles when a p.s. hose burst on Jan 21/08. Dealer said it was probably water in the p.s. hose that froze and burst the line! No hoses available in N.A. so dealer finally stripped a new vehicle to get us going after a week. Second p.s. hose burst Feb. 13 causing smoke and fumes to enter our vehicle while driving! P.S. hose replaced again. Feb 21, 3rd hose ruptures, radiator is leaking antifreeze, transmission leaking oil and various electrical problems occurring. Still waiting on parts and without the use of our Vue for almost 2 months . Dealer does not know what is causing the problems. We are very very disappointed with this vehicle.

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  Great Car - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By haysja - March 17 - 3:33 am

  I bought my 2008 Aura XR in Feb 2009. I now have 31,000+ miles on it and it has been great. Great road car. Very comfy to drive on the highway. Took many interstate trips during the past year and the Aura was great to drive. I have had people stop and ask me what kind of car I had and they could not believe it was a Saturn. My two sisters went out and bought Auras after seeing mine. I bought a preowned 2007 for my son last night. I love my Saturn. My family now has four Auras.

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  One of my favorites - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Phil Badome - March 17 - 12:56 am

  Saturn has come along way for sure. This is only one of their great line, but I chose the ION for the sport of driving. Manual shift for total control of this Ion-3 2.4 175HP. Totally functional, plenty of room, the doors for the rear are cool too. All in all, this car is fun. It moves when I ask it to, and I hate being on highways when Im in overdrive, because theres no shifting necessary. At the same time, the cruise control works perfectly with the manual shift overdrive. Before I get home though, I take a few trips around the block to keep the shifting going. Of course, if you prefer less work, you get the same fun out of this car. This car ranks up there with my favorite cars

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  My dragonfly - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By megan - March 17 - 12:46 am

  This vehicle has been superb. Easy handling, comfortable. Easy to get into and out of vehicle. I like everything about this car. This is my first SUV, so I am still adjusting to the differences between my 2002 Saturn Car and this 2005 Vue.

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  Cool new VUE! - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Nic - March 16 - 9:16 am

  I just got a V6 auto VUE and I love it! I had a small European car, and although it does not have a lot of the neat features of my old car, I still like the VUE. Great gas mileage, fun to drive, roomy, dealership is customer friendly! I was looking for a small afordable SUV as I convert over from a sedan to an SUV and this is perfect. I would recommend it for non-SUV drivers. My husband, who has a huge SUV, says its just "OK" and not much to it, but for me its great! Just enough! My good friend has an 06 and has not had one problem. She and her family (dog & kids) all enjoy the car. My dog, likes the space in the back where I can store her water for long trips!

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  About Hyundai - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Els - March 14 - 10:00 am

  We went to the Hyundai dealer and it was the worst eperience ever. They were the agressive old fashioned sales guys. They wanted us to sign a paper before we even had decided if we wanted the car. Also they wanted to charge us $225.- processing fees, Saturn charges $85.-. Also I would like to know where I can buy a Elantra with moonroof, leather and ABS for less then what we paid for the ION. We love the way it drives, chairs are comfortable, a lot better then the Ford Escort and the trunk is huge.

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  A New Vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Cathy 77 - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed by Vue. The dealership was great. It made buying a new vehile an enjoyable experience

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  First and Last - 2006 Saturn ION
  By jnelson - March 14 - 9:36 am

  These cars are real junk. I just finished replacing the brake rotors that Saturn had turned down supposedly three times. Terrible service. Definitely my one and only GM purchase.