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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  Dodged a bullet so far - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By wardell - December 28 - 7:30 pm

  Have had my Vue (bought used in 2004) without any problems until the last 6 months. Transmission acted up, dealer purchased from wanted $5K to replace. Fortunately I found an honest Saturn deal who not only honored the GM lawsuit and only charged me 25% to repair, but when the repair did not work replaced the transmission for free. I love the car roominess and mileage, but Im just planning to get another year out of while I save for a replacement. Good luck to others, since GM is bankrupt they likely will no longer honor the terms of the lawsuit.

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  Love my SKY - 2009 Saturn Sky
  By Loving IT - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Great car. I bought this used with 8030 miles on it. The Sky is a great sports car, fun to drive and people just stare when you pass them on the road. The trunk space is fine, it is a small sports car. Why didnt Saturn advertise this car more? GM should pick up the Sky and keep making more of this model. Gas mileage is great, top is easy to put up and down, just a great little sexy car for a grandma who is turning 60. Find one, buy one.

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  Great Performance and Fun in a Looker - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By JP - December 27 - 9:20 am

  This is a great car to drive. Its fun and delivers on performance, both in acceleration as well as grip and suspension on the twisties. And it looks like a million bucks. After a year and half on the road, I still get shouts of "nice car" or thumbs up from pedestrians and drivers alike. Like any roadster, it does have its blemishes here and there. So if you demand high end fit and finish, take a long look before you buy. But if your main focus is performance, fun, and looks, this is a perfect 10. I dare say you will not find a better roadster on the market today in this price range.

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  2006 Saturn ION - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Wanting Answers - December 24 - 11:13 am

  I bouught the car used with 36000 mi on it, and Initally it was fine, then at about 60000 mi it all was like a bad dream, the engine light, no one knows what to do about this, the computer has been reset 4 times, when it comes on the car wont accelerate, it jerks like tranny is going out, I finally parked it for a while and my Daughter needed a car to drive and that lasted about a week and then the same thing started happening again, really think GM needs to step up, In the shop again 900 to reset the computer, replace throttle Body , and 2 rotors.... Geeze this wears me out just reliving it. This Car is Garbage period, STAY AWAY, I need a HUG, No trade value, Owe more than its worth, HELP!!

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  My new Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By rahcat - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I have only owned this vehicle for only about 6 weeks, but have truly enjoyed the 2004 Vue. The ride is very smooth and is very quiet. I have already put 2600 miles on the vehicle. The handling on the highway is execllent and it handles very well in the city also. The gas milage averages just under 20 mph in the city and so far I have not had a long enough trip to gauge the highway mileage. There is ample space in the rear for groceries and other items (my last vehicle was an Oldsmobile Silhouette). So far, all of my expectations have been met or exceeded. I am very happy with my purchase.

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  Quad Coupe - 2004 Saturn ION
  By kmk - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased a 2004 ion quad coupe and love it! its a smooth comfortable ride...

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  Why I bought an 04 Ion 3 - 2004 Saturn ION
  By gcuffari - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 1996 SL, put 175,000 miles on. Found new ION more attractive, appreciated interior space, higher head room, less "crouch" to enter and exit car. Purchased storm gray - color sold the car. Dealership OK, unlike years past, new Saturn sales reps more like traditional car salesmen (unfortunately). I have also had good experience with their service dept - they try hard to get you in fast and wash car when through. I like the cost benefit with Saturn in terms of reliability. Compared to Honda Civic, Huyndai, I felt offered a little more prestige for price.

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  One year - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By George - December 19 - 10:06 am

  If it wasnt for the great service this would of been gone. Windows that would not go up or done, front end replaced, moon roof that leaks so bad we had over an inch of water inside. Transmission that wont shift right, rear wiper would not stop. The ride is great but its hard to find a comfotable driving position. The steering wheel blocks the MPH, that should be swap for the tach. MPG is 15/22 city/hwy.

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  Looks can be deceiving - 2003 Saturn ION
  By toecutter - December 19 - 2:00 am

  The ION reminds me of that girl you dated that was gorgeous but had absolutely no brains or personality. I was swayed by the look of the ION, inside and out this is a sharp looking car. Mechanically, this car is trash. Notice many of the good reviews are from people who have just purchased their car. Id like to hear what they think in 6 months. List of repairs @ 10,000 miles. New right wheel strut Grinding noise from steering wheel. Hood cable Brake realignment Also shifts poorly & makes a nasty sound when downshifting at low speeds. I will be getting rid of this car soon! Stay away at all costs, look to a Honda Civic or Acura RSX.

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  Fun and efficient! - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Hi-Gloss - December 18 - 9:46 am

  Bought my Ion used, mainly for the gas mileage since I drive about 2500 miles a month. It doesnt disappoint, averaging 30 (mostly highway driving). Styling is a little quirky, but it works. The rear doors on the coupe are a big plus! Ive had no problems with the car; build quality is better than I expected from Saturn. Its quieter and better handling than most cars of its size, and comfort is about equal although the steering wheel is too far a reach. I sell cars for a living, and had my choice of several comparable cars. Im happy I chose the Ion.