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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  First New Car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Bee - July 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my 1st new car purchased. The ride is nice and quiet, one of the best I have had in my 15 years on the road. The drivers headroom is insane. I am pushing 6-4 and I could probably sport a cowboy style hat and still have room <--*havent tried this* The leg room could be a little more generous, and I dont think there is any hope in getting a passenger to sit comfortably in the driver-side rear seat. The car does not seem to handle as well as some in the snow. The ABS/Traction control which may have offered me better performance. Otherwise the power and handling are great. It did take a little getting used to the tight turning.

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  Sensor reduction - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By brittanyttr - July 20 - 1:55 pm

  I purchased my VUE in July of 05. I was driving one day in the city and notice I had no acceleration to go. I notice that a light came on so I pulled over to check the owners manual and it said the sensor reduction light was one. So I did what it said to do and when I turned my car back on, it ran okay. I took it to the Saturn dealer and they told me it could be either the gas pedal or my wiring harness. So we replaced my gas pedal..drove it home and not even w/in 24 hrs it did it again. I called the dealeship again and they said its the wiring harness and that was going to be $700...has anyone had problems w/ their sensor reduction? Looking for help..Not sure I trust this dealer..

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  I love my ION, but . . . - 2003 Saturn ION
  By RBH - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Great gas mileage. Have driven it from coast to coast. It handles well in the mountains. It did hydroplane a couple of times. The where you put the fuel in should be re-engineered so that the gas nozzle stays in when filling the tank. Yesterday (10/18) nozzle slid out while filling my car with gas. Sprayed me with gas. Big mess. Thanks Saturn, I got a great deal on my ION, now maybe I can get a great deal on a new suit and shoes.

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  I love my VUE - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Derek L. - July 7 - 5:43 pm

  I purchased my VUE brand new in 2003, and I have been more than pleased with it ever since. The interior is very comfortable. The leather seats are soft but firm. The interior space is great, instrument panel and gauges arranged almost perfectly. The factory sound system is amazing, and the overall ride is very good. This was a great choice, and I am considering getting another one.

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  A Saturn that competes - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By aldinero - June 27 - 9:30 am

  A real drivers car. Very good ride and flat out very good handling. Great sounding stereo.

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  Grinding Steering Wheel!!!!!! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Tracyann - June 27 - 2:00 am

  First, the hood latch brook, so I was unable to check my oil or fill the windshield wiper fluid until it was fixed. Then I brought it in for a steering wheel grinding noise. The first time they told me they greased up the steering wheel. The sound was gone for about 2 weeks, but then it came back. I brought it back and they told me that “adjusted the steering column,” which I later found out isn’t even possible. Obviously, this didn’t work, so I brought it back. They told me they would grease up the steering column. When I told them they already did that and it didn’t work, they said “owe, it’s a new grease.” As I predicted, the noise is back.

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  Vue-ish - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Bubb G - June 27 - 2:00 am

  After 1000 miles we are quite happy with our VUE. Mileage is about 20.5 without any significant freeway driving. Acceleration with the Honda powertrain is excellent. Steering is soft but acceptable. Handles and rides well though road bumps come through the cabin harder than I expected. Back window always dirty No key-way for back door??? Good interior lighting. Brakes feel good. Like shifter design/placement. Heater-a/c controls feel and look cheap. Great step in/out height for me at 6 and my wife at 57". Like the sporty/athletic/aggressive look

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  1 month and counting - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By andy&peggy - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Nice vehicle. Have only had it a month now and like it so far. I love the exterior design and the green metallic paint is hot! The V6 is outrageous. I have not been beaten off the line since I bought my VUE. Smooth and powerful, yet quiet and easy on gas. I love it, my wife loves it, and our friends are jealous.

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  Economically Purchased - Surprisingly Content - 2007 Saturn ION
  By maisegem - June 19 - 7:24 am

  Look, Purchased vehicle in 2007 July. I wanted a vehicle that was economically and efficient for my needs. I have 105,000 miles on the vehicle since purchased. There are a few items that are cruddy, like the a/c blowers tick, the back passenger window not opening in the summer heat, the weird knock in the back.. due to the battery being in the back.. (I know when I get the oil change and they dont pop the trunk and "claim" they checked the battery... I normally get a nifty discount for their lying ways..) the interior being tiny and cheap. But, I bought a cheap car. I drive the crap out of the vehicle. It can get up to 35 mpg on solely highway driving.. I know this because I drive a lot!

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  Good Deal - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By SMED - June 19 - 3:03 am

  We have spent 3 months analyzing different minivans. It has been a good environment for getting a deal. However, comfort in the front and back were most important. The Saturn Relay and the Honda Odysey were the two most comfortable. The Quest was uncomfortable, but offered the best deal. We love the Saturn. The inside looks like leather, and the trim is very nice. The outside is designed to look more like a SUV than a minivan. It is very roomy inside and I like to two captains chairs. We paid $27,500 for a Relay 3 , loaded. It handles great. The kids love the DVD. I love the rear ultrasonic sensors and my paralell parking has improved. The OnStar is pretty cool.