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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  Sky turbo is a roadster worth the wait - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Michael Cochran - June 27 - 3:13 am

  I have owned several, what could be called, sexy cars over the last 38 years starting with a 68 Mustang I bought new after high school. Ive owned a 68 Vette, two Spitfires (despite the electrical systems), another 68 Mustang, only this one is a GT convertible, and I can honestly say that the Sky Turbo is more fun to drive than all of them. The power feels that its on a par with the Mustangs and even the Corvette (I know Vette owners arent buying that). For the price, I cant imagine a better vehicle for pure fun. Let me say that you must have something else in the garage for the Sky is the most impractical car I have ever owned, but who cares! Its that much fun. Buy and enjoy!

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  Thoughtfully Designed Interior - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Jenny H. - June 26 - 7:43 pm

  This is the most thoughtfully designed car Ive ever driven. Every nook & cranny makes sense to me, such as door pockets that hold a magazine or letter- size file folder, & console pockets that are perfect for a couple of CDs. A 9V outlet hidden deep inside the center stack lets you plug in your cell phone, then the phone cord snakes up through a hole in the bottom of the removable cup holder. Best of all for me this winter are the optional heated seats and fast compartment heater, making my frigid a.m. drive to work a joy. My VUEs ladylike 4-cyl engine is responsive enough, is not a gas hog & is fun to drive!

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  3.5 L. Saturn VUE - Great Vehicle - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By jamfp - June 26 - 12:00 am

  This is a fun to drive vehicle with lots of power and storage room. The Saturn buying experience and service have been nice compared with experiences Ive had in the past. I have had previous vehicles ranging from a sports car to a station wagon. This one is my favorite.

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  Good economy car - 2005 Saturn ION
  By J&T in Indiana - June 25 - 10:20 pm

  We are very happy overall with the 2005 Saturn Ion 1. We wanted a low end, inexpensive vehicle with good gas mileage. The Saturn gave us all we wanted with about 32 MPG on average. Because of this MPG our other vehicles have set idle more lately. We are disappointed in the seating quality. We have seen the ION 2 & 3 as well and apparently they all got the shaft on quality seating. Many times you get what you pay for but in this case, the Saturn does deliver more for your money. With the awesome centered guages, MPG, and low insurance cost, it is a great deal.

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  A Very Fun Ride - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Salina - June 24 - 1:30 am

  I like many of you had condisered other cars; my first favorite was a Nissan-any Nissan. But one day we had to rent a car and we got the 2008 Vue. I was sold. When I went to the dealership they had the Black Onyx Red Line. This car is sporty upon spory. Right down to its red trimmed leather and suede seats. I have received so many compliments about this car but the outside is only half the story. It is fun to drive and it has great saftey features. Especially the OnStar. It has a quiet interior ride with loads of storage space. Includeing the one under the passenger seat. It is roomy on the inside plus it has great cargo space.

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  SATURN VUE - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By J DEWITT - June 21 - 9:26 pm

  Its great. I love the plastic panels that make up the exterior doors and quarter panel - they dont ding nor rust. As far as performance and fuel econmy, youll be hard pressed to find anything else. The Chevy Equinox uses the same platform, but does not handle or perform like the VUE. 250 HP MOTOR.

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  Best buy for the money - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Chris1111 - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I had my choice of any vehicle out there. For the money there isnt a better value. Obviously you cant expect German engineering for under 20,000 but what you can expect is American quality and reliability with paramount service. Very fun to drive and the looks are both unique and stylish. I love it. And put snow tires on it and it cant be stopped.

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  My Baby - 2009 Saturn Sky
  By Magee74 - June 17 - 11:23 pm

  I have wanted a Saturn Sky since they first were placed on the showroom floor. Once I was on my own with no need for the SUV, I gave in and purchased one. Silver pearl with the premium package, convertible. It certainly turns heads and is fun to drive. I love the car. My only complaint is that there is very little trunk space. The top is manual but not difficult to put up and down by yourself.

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  Vue Just OK - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By HeatherD - June 16 - 10:00 am

  We bought the Vue in December of 2002- wanted a small SUV, one that wasnt too costly. 2 weeks after we bought it, we had trouble with the VTI transmission and had to take it back for a "software upgrade." 4 months after wed had it, it was leaking something, (no the air conditioner was not on) and was told if I have my DEFROST on it leaks, too- I have NEVER had any vehicle do that! All in all- not too impressed with the VUE

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  A good car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By AJ - June 14 - 7:56 pm

  My dad bought the car new in 2004. And the two of us have put over 70,000 miles on it sense with very few problems. The greatest one being the starter, a factory problem, that we have had changed out twice (its a $30 part, with labor being at least 3 times the cost of the part). Other than that simply doing the basics, oil change, alignments etc. One notable experience was when i drove through 1 mile of flooded road over a foot of water and i made it through, no stalling or problems after exiting the water.