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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  Worst Car Ever - 2004 Saturn ION
  By cc - September 4 - 10:56 pm

  This car is the major reasons GM should go out of business. Within a month of driving the car off the lot I began having problems. I had to take the car back to the dealership every month that I owned the car for the first year. Every month was a different problem, and since it was not the same problem twice I was unable to file lemon law on the car. Problems include but are not limited to the electric steering failing, central computer glitches, anti-theft device would lock car ignition upon inserting key in ignition during cold weather and so on. Not only were there endless problems with this car but the dealers were even worse to deal with.

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  2004 White Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By CarGal - September 1 - 10:00 am

  The Vue is fun to drive, it handles great. The front seats are comfortable and there is lots of room inside. It could have a little less plastic inside but it is laid out good. Would also like to see a strap to pull down the rear door with. I would buy the vue again based on this experience.

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  Fast fuel efficient SUV - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By dogtruck - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Reliability and performance from the Acura/MDX sourced 3.5 liter engine. Space for 5 and a dog in the rear. Somewhat sparse and functional interior and less than supportive seats. Cargo hatch has no key lock and can only be opened with the remote. Cargo hatch has no separate partition/opening for glass section of hatch door. Novel Saturn dealership experience with serenading salesman welcoming the couple in front of us to the Saturn fold with a company song. Saturnfans forum (Saturn ownerÂ’s forum) might be a good resource to see what if any official and unofficial rebates are available.

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  Best bang for the buck - 2004 Saturn ION
  By x98mirage - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive been shopping around for the past 6 months. I gave myself a budget of $20k. I was comparing this car to the Accord, Celica, Eclipse, and Jetta... For the price, I got the ION 3, fully loaded with all the extras and cannot believe what I took home! This car drives with the smoothness of a Towncar, has an AC that freezes me on a 95 degree summer day, and looks great at the same time. This car has class, practicality, and sportiness all at an incredible price! One of the few American cars made in America, Id recommend this car to anyone in the market... AT LEAST TEST DRIVE IT!

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  Saturn Vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Richard Wayne - August 30 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle attracted my attention because of the combination of its load capacity, daylight running lights, and fold down passanger seat. With the option of ABS it dressed out nicely. Good power for size and reasonable MPG. After test driving two other vehicles in this class I settled on the Vue. This is a fun vehicle to drive.

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  Disappointments Keep Coming - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By naneely - August 29 - 11:23 am

  The problems started from the day I got it home just 1 week ago. The roof racks make a terrible noise above 50 MPH (verified and acknowledged by service at Saturn Dealer) and no one makes an aftermarket rack for the VUE. I thought I was buying a trailer hitch for a 2006 but found they dont have one and the 2005 hitch requires the dealer to cut out the lower panel on the bumper. There are styrofoam structure SUPPORT(?) components throught the vehicle, even in the bumper. The vehicle makes a weird vibration when you cross over a speed bump. The first fill up resulted in a gas-guzzling 15.9 MPG (rated at 19/25). The storage area behind the drivers side front seat lined with foam rubber.

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  Really good car! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Gayland - August 27 - 4:00 pm

  My daughter, who lives in Austin,Texas, bought a new VUE and we were introduced to it in this way when she came to see us in Dallas. Test drove a new one after she left and was really impressed with the car. Looked at several other cars/SUVs and went back to the Saturn and wrote him a check for the VUE that we wanted and have just been very pleased with it. Period!

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  X-cellent XR - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Glenn - August 26 - 7:20 am

  I went from a 02 Acura RL to a new 08 Aura XR which actually has more features and options than the RL or TL for a lot less money. I like the stance and handling of the XR on its 18" wheels. The performance is quick and responsive and I enjoy the paddle shift on the steering wheel. Its a bit tight to enter and exit but maybe thats just for me at 65" tall. The insulated glass makes for a very quiet ride.

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  Not all is perfect - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By award42 - August 26 - 6:26 am

  This is a great car. However, there are three areas worth consideration: 1) it is very difficult to pull out of the front seats while exiting the vehicle, (2) the front doors swing out so wide it is extremely difficult to reach the handle and close the door, 3) while backing out there is a major problem seeing what is behind you when you look over your right shoulder (blind spot between right rear window and back window).

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  Follow-Up To My Review On 4/11/2009 - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Robert - August 25 - 4:06 pm

  Its 13 months later, and now I know that I cannot get another NEW Saturn ... I guess Ill just have to keep this one; right now, I"m OK with that. This car continues to prove its worth. My next one would have been Saturn #5. Im now approaching 50,000 miles, and have owned it 2 yrs, 11 days. Ive replaced the worn rear brake pads, and have machined the front disc brake rotors (due to intense pulsations when braking at higher speeds). The tires STILL HAVE 8/32" of tread, and they STILL drive nicely. Folks still compliment me on its looks ("Thats a Saturn ??"). The car is STILL a pleasure to drive! Next Car= Ford, Lincoln, Chevy SS, or Cadillac