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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  The best car ever - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Steven - March 2 - 4:13 am

  We looked at all the competitors in its class and the Astra by far was #1 in all the areas we looked at. Once I got in it and drove it, I was totally hooked. The feel of the interior is like sitting in a Volvo. High quality in and out. Just close the doors and hear the solid "thud". The shift of the 5 speed is solid and smooth! We have already put 3000 miles, over the mountains in Phoenix and love the way it handles! The sun roof is a big plus! Dont get one without it.

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  Pretty decent car for the money - 2006 Saturn ION
  By stiehler - February 27 - 10:13 pm

  We purchased this car used with about 30,000 miles on it about 2 months ago. It seems to be a pretty decent car. We have only had a few minor problems, such as the locks not wanting to turn if its cold outside.

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  2005 ION - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Dweezil - February 27 - 6:06 am

  Should Saturn/GM ever decide to advertise these cars, theyll be exposing the best kept secret in the car industry. This is a great car for a very reasonable price, about $12.5K after incentives w/ air, auto, CD player and floor mats. Rides and feels like a mid size car without all the bulk. The center instrument panel took no time to adapt to on the test drive, and has never been a problem since. This one belongs on your list. Test drive one and find out for yourself before letting your friends or reviewers decide for you. The only way to fairly evaluate one is to get behind the wheel of one.

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  Great Little Car - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Jack - February 26 - 8:40 pm

  Weve been looking for a car for our two new teen drivers, and after trying many used cars, we went to the Saturn dealership after our insurance agent suggested that we take a look. He told us that they are highly rated for safety, and because of the polymer panels, less costly to repair. Although there were some good deals on used models, with the current GM financial incentives, the low final cost of a new ION made it impossible to resist. Although its small, its also very comfortable for our 64" son and 510" daughter with lots of head, shoulder and leg room in the front. Its responsive, easy to handle, fuel efficient and quiet. Along with the safety features, its a real find!

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  Great Car - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Tracy - February 25 - 8:03 am

  This car is a great car to own. Not only is it affordable, but I am not paying a fortune at the gas pumps. I have owned it a year now and have had no problems other than a small kink that was fixed when I first purchased it. For the price its the best car around!!

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  Not your average minivan - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Lisa - February 24 - 11:56 am

  I am not a minivan person, drove a few and said NO WAY.. then i saw the Uplander, test drove it and thought I CAN DO this! Couldnt stand the dealers, so went to Saturn to look at the Relay. Its the same vehicle with a different name & I love it. It handles well, the DVD player is a godsend with kids playdates, plus I can fit 6 other adults comfortably. I am getting used to the mileage going from a small car to the Relay, so that is to be expected. The parking assist and OnStar are two great features and being able to control the radio/DVD from the steering wheel is great. Since I got mine, I have convinced 6 other people to get one as well. All love them. This is like an SUV but better

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  Bring back the Poly - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Very Happy - February 23 - 2:16 pm

  The Vue is a practical utility vehicle that provides much comfort and fuel efficiency. I traded a civic for it as I needed more room for the weekend projects. My kids love it and it has a great ride. The 2.2 liter-4-cylinder motor provides enough power and cruise stays locked on regardless of the hills. I average 25mpg with mixed driving and dont notice the road noise mentioned by a previous review. It is likely the noise from the previous review is due to the tires.

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  Wish I Kept My 04 VUE - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By choozy1 - February 22 - 9:50 pm

  I traded in my 04 VUE, 4cyl/5sp, for the 4cyl/auto 08 VUE. It was nice at first, but the more I drove it, the less I liked it. The 4 cylinder is not strong enough for the heavier version VUE. It chugs up hills and gets bogged down while the cruise is on. Also, the vent makes a strange noise off and on. The windshield defroster does not work very well. I miss the better gas mileage of my 04 VUE.The sun visors are still as puny as in the older VUE models. Pretty worthless. As far as good things about the 08, the interior looks much better and classier than the older style. But thats about it. I sure miss my 04....

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  Outstanding - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Dominic - February 20 - 12:53 pm

  I have had the Saturn Aura XR model for about 2 weeks and I just love it. I traded in a 2002 Lincoln LS for this car and I would rate this car better then the Licoln. It is fun to drive and very comfortable. It is white with the black leather interior. I have not used the paddle shifters as of yet, but I am looking forward to it. The gas mileage is better then the Lincoln so far. I am getting about 25 miles to a gallon in mixed driving compared to the 19 to 21 with the Lincoln and I can use regular fuel not premium. If anyone is looking for a fun car this is the one.

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  2004 Red Line - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By superbowlmom - February 19 - 5:10 am

  Fun to drive, very sporty looking I get lots of looks from people wondering what my black Vue Red Line is. They are surprsed when I tell them its a Saturn.