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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  Saturn Hybrid - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Richard - March 13 - 3:33 pm

  I have had my hybrid now for 1000 miles, no significant complaints. There is a blind spot and I am trying to get use to using the big mirrors to overcome it, but may have to buy small stick on mirrors to overcome the flaw. The low rolling resistance tires perform well on highway; the ride isnt as good on local streets or unimproved roads. Gas mileage has been excellent so far, my first tank was 26.3, second 26.5 and after a short road trip, I averaged over 28.7.Still modifying my habits to maximize mileage and keep the "econ light" on. Seats could me more comfortable, power seat on pass side should be an option. Lumbar support adjustment is very good.

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  $6000 in repairs, stay away. GM makes bad cars - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Fedup - March 12 - 3:57 pm

  Bought car with 20,000 miles. At 70,000, hybrid battery crapped out. At 90,000, engine needed to be replaced. At 107,000 transmission. At 110,000, fuel pump and now at 119,00, $1200 GM only alternator. Biggest headache and GM wont do a thing.

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  Given us Great Service - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By tizmeusee - March 11 - 3:18 am

  Owned it since new (June 02). It really has been quite reliable. Had a few accidents and it still handled great after the repairs. Honestly, you cant tell. Apart from normal wearables (tires, oil changes, tune ups, etc.), it has had a few expensive repairs over the years. Several faulty sensors had to be replaced to the tune of $500 a pop and the belt that MUST be done at 100K miles. Gas mileage was about 22 mpg in mixed city/hwy. We took a number of very long trips in it (family of four) and were quite comfortable.

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  New Old Review - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Mike F - March 10 - 10:00 pm

  Im currently in the market to replace my Vue. I wanted to write this review to say how there really isnt anything on the market now that is better than this vehicle. If you compare what is important to me, Power, MPG, & Cargo Capacity, the Vue still has the crossover market of 2010 beat. Im sure I can find something that is more comfortable and looks better, but the MPG/HP out there is terrible. And most dont have the cargo room. Ill keep looking, but I think Im still ahead of the game 3.5 years later.

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  Saturn = Chevy = Junk - 2006 Saturn ION
  By doc4bax - March 9 - 5:35 pm

  I used to have a older Saturn and it held up well. I figured I would find one for my son to drive back and forth to school. I found one, bought it and it had a host of issues. This vehicle is notorious for front end suspension failure. First to go are the front sway bar end links and the sway bar bushings. They are poorly made and wear out prematurely. You hear that clunking noise going over bumps? If so you have this problem. Another problem is the front control arm bushings which are known for failure. Another clunking noise under your feet? You might want to take a look. Another issue, the plastic fuel tank is known to crack at the top where the plastic lines enter the fuel pump (which is in the fuel tank). That wiff of fuel you smell at the back of the vehicle? That means get your wallet out. Fortunately for me, there was a special warranty that I qualified for and GM took care of it. I just made it under the time length (expires 8 years from manufacture date). This is not a cheap fix. They had to replace the tank, fuel pump and hoses plus labor. Also, their is a problem with the shifter. The shifter looses the ability to talk to the ignition switch. When you put the car in park the key will not release from the ignition switch. This leaves the ignition stuck in the accessory position and drains your battery if left there. Fortunately this was covered under recall and it wasnt a cheap fix. Another recall is the actual ignition switch which I had done. the rear shocks wear out prematurely. This car bounced like a clone car when I first got it. This a $50 fix if you do it yourself. Lastly, the electric actuator that recirculates the air from inside or outside the vehicle goes bad. The gears shear off that turn the recirculation door. This actuator is located way up inside the dash. Dealer estimates around $600 plus to replace it as the dash has to completely come off to get to it. I was able to do this myself with minimal dash removal but it was an absolute nightmare and took all day to do. Relatively cheap part but a lot in labor costs to install.

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  Pams Review - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Pamela E. Woodard - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I love my Saturn Vue. It is beautiful, fun to drive, reliable, and I get great service from Earvin and everyone at Saturn of Union City in Union City, Ga. My only complaint is that I would like better gas mileage, but speaking honestly 18 mpg in a city like aTlanta is not bad and I do get better than 25mpg on the highway. I was recently rear ended by a Tahoe, and the back of my Pumpkin (her name) looks so much better than the front of that Tahoe it is not funny. I plan for all my cars to be Saturns.

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  Orange- thats not orange! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Donna Gilbert - March 8 - 2:00 am

  We have the color(ORANGE). Who named this "orange"? Shouldnt it have been Cinnamon or something similar? Dont get us wrong, we love the color.Nobody we run into says its orange. Thankyou.

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  We love this car! - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By rognrose - March 7 - 1:33 am

  Weve driven Saturns for the last 5 years and have never had any problems. The VUE is definitely the best experience weve had with them. It is very spacious and comfortable. Its such a sharp looking car and drives so beautifully. It even takes speed bumps smoothly. The staff at the dealership was fantastic.

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  2005 Saturn Relay - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By 2005 Saturn Relay - March 7 - 1:13 am

  The new Saturn Relay is a great choice for those that still like the idea of an SUV, but finally realize that they need a van. For the price, the Relay is a great buy and has a smooth ride. Much quieter and smoother than the Ford Freestar and Kia Sedona, and the relay has more standard features that you would be paying extra for in the Caravan, Honda Van, or Toyota Sienna. This van offers plenty of storage space while not giving up any of its comfort. I work as a valet and have parked every van that is available, and I find that for the money and the buying experience at Saturn, the Relay is a Best Buy.

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  Love it other than gas mileage - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By kh fort myers - March 5 - 8:56 am

  I traded in a 2003 Isuzu Rodeo. I bought the XR with the leather trim, touring and audio package and also the dual sunroofs. Its a fun vehicle to drive, very smooth and is easy to handle. I get compliments on the looks and classiness of my Outlook all the time. I drive 50 miles back and forth to work each day of which 45 are highway miles. I am disappointed about the gas mileage, for all the highway miles I am lucky if get 16MPG and sometimes that stretching it. I bought this vehicle in hopes that I would actually get better mileage than my Rodeo but that has not been the case. I took it back into Saturn and I guess they tweaked the transmission but it has not helped the gas mileage.