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 this SUV!! - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By Sheena - August 23 - 10:40 pm

  I researched and evaluated lots of different vehicles before settling on the VUE. I was deciding in between a pre-owned Lexus or Mercedes when I saw a Red Line VUE drive close to my home. I couldnt believe it was a Saturn! It had the looks of an European vehicle. I went the next day and test drove a VUE and was hooked. Put this vehicle on the list! Plus with O% APR for 60 months-- an easy choice.

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  Loves It! - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Sara - August 21 - 7:23 pm

  I love my Astra! I replaced my 92 Honda Civic with the Astra and I am very pleased with my decision. It is extremely fun to drive and the handling is responsive. I enjoy the speed-proportional steering; I find that it makes driving in the city effortless. The ride on the highway is smooth. The brakes are great. The acceleration is more than I expected. It really has some get up and go! This car feels very solid and well-made.

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  06 VUE V6 - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By craig - August 20 - 1:33 pm

  An enjoyable ride with good power and highway mileage(28mpg with A/C at 70+ mph). I had it back to the dealer for noise but plastic panels expand differently than metal so adjustment not very helpful. I wish it had a better warranty like the 07 has but it is good so far at 24k.

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  A Perfect Fit - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Loving Saturn - August 18 - 4:16 am

  My husband and I cannot be more pleased with out 2007 Saturn Outlook XR. Leaving my previous vehicle, a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan, I knew that my family needed the versatility of a minivan however, I wanted something fun to drive as well as functional. The Outlook is perfect in size, practicality, good looks, performance, and fuel economy. The fold flat third row seats are a treat when loading groceries. The smart slide allows easy access to the third row, and the ability to move the second row forward or backward allows everyone to sit comfortably in their seating configurations. I could not be more impressed with GM and Saturn!

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  my view of vue - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By mario p - August 18 - 2:00 am

  5 speed 4 cyl very good milage also great in snow quick and alot of power

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  Midlife Crisis - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By Anonymous - August 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Sky, I owned a base model which was no. 850 off the Saturn line. I love the car and the only bad points are lack of storage space and ease of entry and exit, thats it. Good points, styling, handling, ride, yes ride it rides better than my 2004 Acura TL, ask my brother. Reliability, well dont have enough miles to judge that just yet but my first Sky only had a small differential leak recall (mine was not leaking but repaired under warranty) thats it. My current Redline only has had the door latches replaced under warranty. Saturn actually came out with a new design. No squeaks or rattles and quiet for a convertible. Pack lite, stay flexible, highly recommended.

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  Fun for all - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By evie - August 15 - 9:46 pm

  This is my first SUV, and Im having a great time. It is a V6 and it does have power. Im coming from a Toyota Corrola to the VUE. It only took a few hours to get the feel for this. Dont know if going back to a car will ever be in the future. The sun roof and XM radio are also a bonus. But the biggest bonus to the vehicle if the OnStar. The ride and handling of this vehicle is just like a car. Have had a new car kink, but the dealerships service department isnt too kind. I am surpised the dealership isnt kinder since Saturn prides themselves on customer service.

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  A reliable SUV - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By the_good_car - August 15 - 9:27 pm

  I bought an 05 Saturn four years ago w 100k miles. It now has over 175k. The car isnt perfect. The interior is cheap, the front buckets are not well designed. It is, on uphill climbs, underpowered. Its also a bit noisy on the highway, but actually not more so than say, a Volvo xc90 (I drove one the other day, actually the Volvo is noisier). Parts are ridiculously cheap. It shares a platform with every other gm brand. many parts like the brakes are common to a half dozen models. The four cylinder is known is the iron duke and is regarded as one of the most reliable engines gm has ever made. ( though, the suspension is mediocre). Bottom line-very low cost of ownership.

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  time will tell - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By marc - August 14 - 10:16 pm

  Our 2008 Vue has the 3.5L motor, most have 3.6L or 2.4L, anyways it has lots of power and excellent braking and handling. It was a pleasure to drive last winter. We have experienced a few problems so far but nothing major. The seats stain very easily (even water left a mark),glove box light stays on when closed unless you slam it shut. Like I said nothing major. Only has 23k on it in a year and a half so time will tell if it holds up. The zero percent financing was the deal sealer.

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  2007 Saturn VUE 4 cylinder - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Jodi - August 14 - 8:46 pm

  We bought the VUE after driving a Plymouth Vibe for 11 months. Our decision to purchase the VUE came after trying to get home during a bad snowstorm with the Vibe. The VUE is the most safe, reliable car I have ever driven in the snow and ice and rain.