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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  One year - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By George - December 19 - 10:06 am

  If it wasnt for the great service this would of been gone. Windows that would not go up or done, front end replaced, moon roof that leaks so bad we had over an inch of water inside. Transmission that wont shift right, rear wiper would not stop. The ride is great but its hard to find a comfotable driving position. The steering wheel blocks the MPH, that should be swap for the tach. MPG is 15/22 city/hwy.

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  Looks can be deceiving - 2003 Saturn ION
  By toecutter - December 19 - 2:00 am

  The ION reminds me of that girl you dated that was gorgeous but had absolutely no brains or personality. I was swayed by the look of the ION, inside and out this is a sharp looking car. Mechanically, this car is trash. Notice many of the good reviews are from people who have just purchased their car. Id like to hear what they think in 6 months. List of repairs @ 10,000 miles. New right wheel strut Grinding noise from steering wheel. Hood cable Brake realignment Also shifts poorly & makes a nasty sound when downshifting at low speeds. I will be getting rid of this car soon! Stay away at all costs, look to a Honda Civic or Acura RSX.

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  Would not buy another Saturn - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Kathy - December 9 - 2:10 pm

  The car only got about 17 MPG in town. Hwy mpg was what it was supposed to be. At 40,000 miles, the car would not start after filling up with gas. After a couple tries, had to push on gas pedal to start. Also, at 45,000 miles, ignition went completely out and had to replace! Looking to trade car asap.

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  Beware: Horrible Car!!! - 2006 Saturn ION
  By gibbys1 - December 8 - 12:55 pm

  My 2006 Saturn Ion has been nothing but a money pit. Sure the first couple years were great...no problems. Then, the issues started. My car now has 59,000 miles on it and I have had to replace the track in the drivers door because my window actually fell down into the door and wouldnt come back up. It has no A/C because no one can figure out whats wrong with it. I have also had to replace the brakes numerous times, replaced sensors because the lights would stay on (the car thought the doors werent shut) and now I have an issue where the car doesnt want to start on cold mornings. This car just is not worth it anymore. Im frustrated, poor and just cant take much more!!!

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  Problems with Saturn - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Window125 - December 5 - 2:00 am

  We purchased a Saturn Ion 3 on New Years eve. The car has been OK to drive with adequate power and a smooth ride. The first day we drove the car home we had electric problems with the dash. First the hands(which are lighted)of the dial started flashing, next the power steering light and air bag lights came on as well as the ABS light. We were first told that the voltage regulator was bad but it ended up being the dash computer. After 3 trips we decided enough was enough and sent it back under Saturns 30 day satisfaction warranty. I think this car will be a good model but that maybe a while away after more testing.

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  Good Value - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Breech - November 20 - 5:10 am

  Good performance for the price. Could be faster but poor transmission gearing and low rev limiter hold it back. Not a great car to tune or run at the strip. More of a jack of all trades, master of none type. Typical poor interior quality from GM. Handling and ride quality are good, not too harsh for a daily driver but not totally peformance oriented either. Have had some electrical gremlins and check engine light illuminates from use of aftermarket K&N air intake. Brakes are excellent although the stock rotors warp easily. Overall a decent little car with good perfomance, safety, and the ability to be used as a family car in everyday life. Not disappointed but not sure if Id buy again.

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  If I only could do it over again.... - 2004 Saturn ION
  By KCGuy76 - November 3 - 10:53 pm

  Many people wonder why others purchase foreign compact cars. Enter the Saturn Ion. This is my third brand new car; my first, and last Saturn. While I have received numerous compliments on the exterior of the vehicle (Electric Lime with tinted glass and Car Bra), the praise from others can not dismiss the problems with regard to fit, finish, RATTLES and shoddy engineering. After 10 trips to the dealership (recalls, rattles, loose suspension parts, cruise control problems, horn problems, brake pedal linkage issues...etc), I have decided 14 months and 12,000 miles later its time for this car to belong to someone who appreciates a noisy 4 cylinder and enjoys spending time at the dealership.

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  Another unsatisfied owner - 2005 Saturn ION
  By stranded in Il. - October 16 - 6:56 pm

  Bought car new in 2005 because it was relatively inexpensive compared to other makes and I put high miles annually so the new car warranty is desired. Soon found a significant problem, the ignition switch failure in cold weather within a year. Makes vehicle act as if battery is drained. Saturn replaced ignition once under warranty, but it is doing it again. They are well aware of the defective part by their own admission. This will be twice in a bit over three years and they claim "it is not a faulty part". I will never consider another Saturn after dealing with this poor design and manufacture denial. Beware.

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  Transmission bad - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Alan - September 23 - 8:06 pm

  This car was clean! Bought it used and 6 days later the CVT transmission went out. The dealership took it back because it was too costly for them to repair and they said the mechanics would not stand behind it if they did. The CVT transmission is junk!

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  not so happy vue owner - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By deehvue08 - September 22 - 6:57 am

  we have a 2008 vue-xe and its giving me headache lately. problems: wont start, key stucked in the ignition, no lights, battery dead, OnStar off... just sucks! hoping for a good suggestion from anyone who got the same issues as mine.