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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  4 wheel fun - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Johnz - February 5 - 2:00 am

  It does very well in snow and mud. It does a very nice job of picking up speed, very roomy, and comfortable. Saturns are known for there long lasting reliable vehicles. Did i also mention that there very safe too.

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  My new Vue - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Marji - February 4 - 7:53 pm

  Actually handled better than the Subaru models I tried (Forrester and Outback). Nice tight turning radius, smooth ride

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  Aura - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By dutchman - February 4 - 4:10 pm

  Excellent so far. Tire pressure monitor saved my tire. Good honest 29 mpg on highway.

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  I stunned my Mom - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Erin in NJ - January 30 - 1:33 pm

  My mom has had 4 Saturns and swears by them. I was trading in my 2004 Mazda6 and going to get another one until I saw the Saturn. It was love at first sight. Then I drove it. Then I called my Mother and she could not believe I was buying a Saturn. An American car! Kudos to Saturn! Fab car. I love it and cant wait to drive it everyday.

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  LOVED this car - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Michelle - January 30 - 6:03 am

  I loved my Ion. The only reason I dont have it anymore is because someone ran me off the road and it ended up totaled. Loved driving this car, loved the look of it. Was the perfect car for me, and I miss it terribly! I would have gone and bought another one in a heartbeat if they were still made. Awesome car!

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  Want lemonade? Buy a Saturn - 2006 Saturn ION
  By My 1st Saturn - January 29 - 12:23 pm

  I purchased my Saturn on 10/23/06. I was told that the ION 2 was the best fuel efficient vehicle on the market. I get only 24 MPG which most of my miles are highway. It also has slow take off. I am very disappointed in this vehicle. I have been given poor customer service and I keep getting the run around from the dealership. My next step is to contact the Better Business Bureau and the Attorney Generals office. If you are looking to buy a new car, dont buy a Saturn ION 2 unless you plan on spending double in gas per week.

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  take a moment and look at the vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By mobrennan - January 29 - 10:00 am

  purchased the vue 4cyl. in june, it is a wonderful suv very roomy. the ride is very smooth. i have leased other suvs before and couldnt wait to return them. the vue is definately worth the money. this is the only suv that i have ever purchased. the 4cyl awd is excellent on gas and acceleration is very smooth. cant wait for snow to see the awd handle

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  One Great Vehicle - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Outlook - January 27 - 10:16 am

  This is one of my all time favorite vehicles-and I owned several types. Its such a pleasure to drive-so comfortable-gas mileage isnt bad either. Loads of room for my shopping trips.

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  What a great car! - 2005 Saturn ION
  By RL-2005 - January 25 - 1:26 pm

  Have around 9k miles on it and still no major problems. Getting 28 mpg on the highway and 21 around town, with spirited driving. Get tons of compliments and have not regretted anything about the car. You get used to the center gauges in 2 days of driving. My dealership is close and good to deal with. Im glad GM has not let me down. Now the Stage kits are available things will get even more exciting with a 7k rev limiter, 240 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque. Cobalt SS owners wish they had known that they were basically the ame car but that the Redline was more unique, and functionally easier to use for everday life.

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  Great truck - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By junior - January 25 - 5:03 am

  Saturn out did itself with this one. I have friends with the Pilot, 4runner, and Durango and all of them compliment me on my SUV. The front grille is like nothing Ive seen before and people stare when I drive by. So in good faith I would recommend this vehicle to anybody.