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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  Perfect for the family - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Trudy - December 6 - 12:56 am

  I am very happy I chose the VUE. Comfortable, reliable, and quiet running. It has everything I need. Very spacious and great room in the back. Absolutely no regrets.

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  Avoid 2003 model of Saturn VUE - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Paul - December 3 - 10:13 am

  I have a 2003 Saturn VUE with 87,000 miles on it. Below are parts that had to be replaced: * water pump at 42,000 miles * rear differential at 48,000 and 84,000 miles * heater motor * rear wiper motor *steering pinions Additionally, the leather seats have cracked on a side despite bi-weekly conditioning. I do not plan to purchase another GM product.

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  VUE = FUN - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By MeSue - December 2 - 10:00 am

  Have had this car for 3 months and have nothing but fun in it, drive it in the city and through fields and enjoy the handling and control. Plus its dent resistant! :)

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  Vue Review - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By powerbar - December 2 - 10:00 am

  This car is not made for back road driving. Its appeal may be for young drivers but this car is made for family transportation. I live in the country and the suspension has not held up. In addition, the antilock brakes strangely work against an agressive driver. I have had my wheel bearings replaced numerous times and have only had my vehicle for a year and 1/2. In addition my front coil spring broke in two!? To sum this up the suspension and quality in this car have not lived up to the making of an SUV (AKA Sport Utility Vehicle).

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  Cmon GM - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Skaggz - December 1 - 4:00 pm

  No wonder saturn has been cut from GM, my saturn needs more work than it is worth. My ignition was unable to be turned off for the second time today as well as problems with the transmission. It was but a year and a half ago I had my ignition fixed to where it would actually turn off. My steering column had to be replaced in February because the power steering went out.

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  Will it last in the long run? - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By CindyinSacTown - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Like the car, but the transmission is never confident. Have had problems since day 1 and have heard every excuse. Hope this one lasts as long as my last 2 Saturns. Loved the 92 and 94 SL1s. 92 saved our lives in a rollover.

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  I like my car - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Carolyn Manning - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Its fun to drive. Great price. Large enough for the family.

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  Great!!! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By theodore76 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Saturn, My first an 1995 SL1, my 2nd a 2002 SC1 and now my 2004 Vue. I couldnt be happier. I love Saturn vehicles, well rounded reliable. Next car definatly a Saturn.

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  Quad Coupe - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Quad - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought a 2003 Ion Quad Coupe 3 in July of 03 and have grown to love it. Came out of a Toyota Pickup and hope the Ion can match the reliabilty of the truck. So far it has been great. Fast enough for me, 30 miles to the gallon in the city, and the burnt orange color gets a lot of looks. Have never owned an automatic and this stick is smooth and easy to get used to.

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  4 time owner - 2004 Saturn ION
  By april2you - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th car my newest one this year, my 3rd lease. I am very happy with the dealership as the sales people have been there many years, several 10 plus and when I go in there they know me and help me. Its a relaible car, I have never had any trouble with mine. I love the dent resistant doors it keeps the car looking great when those who have no value in morals, hit you and just leave.