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:

• 

  Still not sure. - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Kim - March 31 - 10:50 am

  Weve had our Relay for about 16 months and Im not as happy as I originally was. The molding on the outside is coming off and there is a grating noise everytime I accelerate. There are so many mystery noises its almost unbearable. The door creaks everytime you touch it, as well as the clicking of the DVD player. Weve loved having the DVD player, but my kids are getting as used to it as the radio and no longer is used as often. Overall, Im just not sure the quality is there. But, I guess you get what you pay for.

• 

  Redline VUE is a Head Turner - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By 06vueredline - March 28 - 3:26 pm

  I recently traded my 2004 VUE V6, for the new and improved 2006 VUE V6. This time I opted for the Redline version. The 18-inch wheels, wide tires, and tuned sport suspension offer a huge improvement in handling to compliment the 250hp V6 under the hood. In addition, the much needed interior refinements, along with firm bolstered sport seats, and aggressive exterior styling make this vehicle unique, fun, and versatile.

• 

  very reliable!!! - 2007 Saturn ION
  By suntan78 - March 27 - 9:36 pm

  2.4 has been a great car low maintenance other than the recalls with power steering and fuel pump the car has not had any problems. put gas in and go. owned it since new in 2007 regular maintenance. Only thing I dont have to worry about is my car it always starts and drive anywhere I need it be it a short trip or across Florida. I have the larger motor 2.4 average 24 city and 29 highway. No regrets buying this car most reliable car of my 20 cars Ive owned.

• 

  Great Car for the money - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Charlie - March 26 - 9:10 am

  We just love this car. On our trip to FL in Feb. we averaged 31 mpg at 75 to 80 mph on rt 95. In combined country driving in the winter we get around 28 mpg. The car has great power for a 4 cyl and is very quiet at 75 to 80 mph. We love it!

• 

  Finally - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By CHRISTINEL - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Looked at the 03 and wasnt as impressed with as I am the 04. The interior is much nicer better fit and finish. V6 Much quieter and the handling is great. Would tell anyone to look at the 04s. Huge improvements!!

• 

  you must have driven the wrong SUV - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By silk - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!!! LOOKS GREAT HANDLES GREAT LOVE IT! GOT ELECTRONIC POWER STEARING AND SPACIOUS AND ALOT OF EXTRAS. STEREO SYSTEM IS EXCELLENT...SO COMFORTABLE..CARGO AREA IS EXCELLENT...GREAT GAS MILEAGE...FUN TO DRIVE I LOVE MY SATURN VUE AND THE COMPANY..YOU HAD TO BE IN THE WRONG VEHICLE.

• 

  Excellent Vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By jnnziggy - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. My first car was a Saturn SL2. I needed a bigger car so I decided on the Vue. I love the way it looks.

• 

  ANOTHER VUE CUSTOMER WITH TRAN PROBLEM - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By rosetiger - March 26 - 12:13 am

  I just purchased this car about 3-4 months ago I have put 8000 miles on it which brings it to 78000 miles total on the car. I loved this car. I was driving it last week and the transmission just went out completely on me. I was looking on the internet and was so surprised that so many other people have had this same problem. I now have to get the transmission fixed and trade it in right away. This is unbelieveable and I would never get another saturn or recommend it to anyone. please do not purchase or you will have the same problem

• 

  Not too shabby, buy the 5 speed - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By ed - March 23 - 2:00 am

  It is a great basic car to get you to point a to b and hopefully back to point a. NO frills no thrills its great on gas I can get about 320 miles mostly city driving some hwy. It is not too comfy and doesnt handle the best. If you can forgo some points, it is a great daily driver. Just make sure you get the 5 speed the cvt stinks and will break. The engine is noisy and has no power just know you will not merge too fast, just use your head and pre-plan entry exit off hwy. It has held up nicely so far. had to replace ball joints, sway bar links and motor mounts with wear and tear any car will need this stuff. The 5 speed shifts nice it is made by Getrag, same as BMW supplier

• 

  BAD TRANSMISSION - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By warair - March 22 - 12:41 pm

  Just like others has said. Do your Home work before buying one of these cars. At 130.000 miles the Transmission Went Out. Cost Around $$$5,000 said too said can not addord to put this much money into it.... They are really safe Cars... Went Air-Born On InterState 10 last Summer due too Another Car pushing my Wife off the Hwy.... State Troopers said, they have never seen a Car go 65ft Air-Born on two wheels and not Flipp Over. Only damage was busted air lost from driver side rear tire.... God Was With Us Mainly....