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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  What a ride - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By eseg438 - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I ordered this car back in May of 2006 and finally got it in January of 2007. Was it worth the wait? Oh yeah. Power, road gripping, and lots of fun. Now has added power seats and power door locks

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  sets up higher - 2004 Saturn ION
  By ks4750 - January 18 - 2:00 am

  the last saturn that i had i felt like i was on the ground but in my ion i am setting up higher.

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  ECONOMICAL - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By jojo - January 13 - 10:00 am

  the vue is certainly ergonomic on gas, especially with gas prices increasing. there is plenty of room for 5 good sized adults. the folding rear seats come in handy for the larger items. the front wheel drive i would find would do better in areas where it is less inclined to be on snow. the front end handling feels to be loose at times, especially with take. Noticeable shift to the left or right in steering is also noted upon take off. Overall, its a decent family starter suv with plenty of room and safety features.

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  Piece of Crap - 2003 Saturn ION
  By NotVeryHappyJulie - January 13 - 10:00 am

  ItÂ’s been in the shop more times than months I have owned it. The cigarette plug has come out of the console, the back one window works sporadically and one of our heated leather seats has quit working for the 7th time!!! We had a complete electrical circuit meltdown which involved the cruise control malfunctioning and our brake light not shutting off. The car ended up locking us out and we were unable to drive it. Had to be towed and was in service for over a week. Other problems include the transmission, interior parts just falling off including the dashboard (the first week). This is literally a piece of crap!

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  My VUE - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By HiFlier - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Really like the vehicle. Only 2,500 miles so far, so will reserve final opinions until about 10,000 miles.

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  Great Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Beagle - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I owned 3 Ford Explorers before the Vue. The last Explorer was totaled in an accident when I was broad sided. I cant downplay the Ford, but dollar for dollar, I really like the Vue. It has been fun to drive, reliable, and 4 people I know have now bought Saturns because of my opinion of the Vue. The latest bought a 2004 Vue and they Love it. By the way.... we bought a Saturn Ion Coupe at the same time. Great vehicles ! ! ! ! !

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  Very Pleased - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Ms_agape - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I very pleased with the vehicle. Gas mileage is great for a SUV.

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  Not worth the trouble - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By mdgirlcheryl - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2003 Automatic V6 after test driving and going on Saturns reputation. Big Mistake. After the sensor being replaced in the gas tank, the side mirror cracking for no reason, the faulty console latch and transmission leak, now Im dealing with the noise that sounds like the frame is falling off of the axle. I would not recommend the VUE to anyone, unless you like spending alot of time at the dealership. Just hope all of this stops before the warranty is up!

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  this car is great! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By jerzgirl610 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  i love my new saturn, its so great to drive!!

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  Reliable Fun Car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Devon - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I recently bought a 2004 Ion and i absolutly love it. It is bigger then economy class cars i have driven in the past. It has a lot of power and is very easy to handle. I paid a little extra and got an upgraded interior that looks great. I carry a lot of sporting equipment with me and love that i have a big trunk to fit it all in. Couldnt be happier with my Saturn Ion Experience