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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  I love my ION-3 - 2004 Saturn ION
  By joe - April 27 - 10:40 pm

  The new ION rocks! I already have 6500 miles in a month and a half. No problems. Handles well in rain, ice, and snow. Great gas mileage. I didnt think Id like the center instrument cluster, but now I dont know how I did without that for so long.

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  Dont buy.. Too many Suspension Problems - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By sunnibear - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Within 4 days of buying has to go into the shop for the front suspension. fixed broken tork bar but didnt fix problem took in in again one day later said could not find problem and that I had 36,000 miles on warranty so not to worry about it. Four days after that took it in again this time broken strut mount... it has now been 2 months and it is in the shop again Whole new front suspension...was told that they have been replacing alot of them

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  Redline Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Sleepe64 - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Unbelivable power, acclerates like a sports car! great road feel but alittle harsh on bumpy roads. Nice size and works well for my wifes needs, as a kid hauler. Interior materials are kinda cheesy. Exterior stlye is like nothing else, period. Honda produced 250hp 3.5 V6 and 5speed auto tranny are smooth, GM needs to pay attenion here. By and large their front driver sixs are junk.

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  2004 Redline VUE - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Peabo - April 27 - 10:00 am

  We searched many months for the perfect, loaded, and new SUV under $26000 and we found it Saturn VUE Redline. The Redline VUE is really a head turner. Its like having a smooth riding sports cars that is quick, handles great, and gets good gas milage. At the same time it seats 5 people comfortably and has plenty of cargo room. We get tons of compliments on the styling and the ~$1800 upgrade for the Redline is well worth it. If you buy the Redline, get ready the the attention it draws.

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  saturn ion - 2004 Saturn ION
  By lenjun - April 27 - 10:00 am

  for an inexpensive car, the ion has expensive features such as traction control, abs brakes,and a lot of space in the car itself and the trunk. It handles well at all speeds, has been extremely reliable(no repairs or adjustments required)and is a very good bad weather car-far better than my camry which is terrible in snow and slippery conditions. The one negative- the front seats are just o.k.

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  Great - 2006 Saturn Relay
  By Joe - April 21 - 12:50 am

  I have found that the Relay is a great vehicle to drive and the gas mileage on our Relay has been fantastic. The included DVD player has been a lifesaver. I also love the electrical outlet that allows you to plug in regular electric products like a PS 2 game system.

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  2005 Red Line VUE - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Dave Tucker - April 20 - 2:43 pm

  We bought the VUE in January and have had no problems. This is the Red Line, so it is loaded. We have 18 inch wheels on it, and 6 speaker sound. Power moonroof. The six cylinder engine is supplied by Honda, along with the drive train. For the size of the car and 250 horses, it gets up and moves! Saturn customer service has been excellent since the purchase. We can call them with any questions regarding the car, and they are actually there to give real time answers. Bottom line, we are happy campers!

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  Not bad, but not for the long run - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Joe - April 20 - 10:00 am

  I broke one of my cardinal rules and bought a new vehicle in its first model year. Ive paid for that. Weve had the standard 02 Vue problems (AC condensation ruining the carpet on the passenger side, rear wiper fluid everywhere but on the glass) and a few new ones (inaccurate fuel gauge-Shell gas?) but overall it has been fairly reliable. Its just too small for more than 4 people, whether they are infants or adults. Havent tested the legedary Saturn safety features (and hope I dont have too) but cant help feeling I paid too much for what I got.

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  Unbeatable quality and style - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Sheila Ward - April 20 - 7:30 am

  Styling of my 2008 onyx VUE turns head. The after purchase leather package for the interior makes it even more stunning! I love the OnStar and XM radio. My VUE is a joy to drive in town and on the highway. I make long trips each month and have been thrilled with the smooth ride, handling and max gas mileage. I get max mileage driving in town. Dash panel is easy to see, access and operate while driving. On steering wheel dials make it even easier. The reasons I purchased the VUE - quality craftsmanship, safety, gas mileage, cargo space and styling have been proven as I own and drive the car. Experience with my Saturn dealership has been excellent. I recommend the VUE to all!

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  Good bang for the buck - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Vueguy - April 19 - 1:16 am

  Good combination of price, power, features, and quality. I would have never dreamed of owning a Saturn until I heard this model was equipped with a 250hp Honda engine. Merging onto freeways is a breeze and the 250 hp has gotten me out of some bad snow drifts.