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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  Compare with Lexus ES-350 - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Ed - August 13 - 12:53 pm

  We parked our red Saturn Aura XR next to a red Lexus ES-350 and could not tell them apart except for some minor trim! Consider saving $7,000 off Invoice with Saturn Aura XR. After 2 months of ownership, we love this car. Nice design overall. Saturn has renewed my faith in American designed and built cars.

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  I love it - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By jamadel - August 13 - 6:20 am

  I absoulutly love this car. I have had if for 3 1/2 months and have over 11,000 miles on the car and not a single problem. I went from a small car with 300,000 and was looking for something a bit bigger and more comfortable to drive in traffic and I found it in the VUE. We shopped for 6 months test driving all the cars in its class, and for comfort, fun to drive and price the VUE was the only choice. We have 5 cars in our household and the VUE is the car of choice for all to drive. We love it!

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  love our new Saturn VUE - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Kewlmom44 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  We already had a Saturn SL2, so when it came time to buy an SUV we knew right away that the VUE was the one to get. We have only had it for 1 month, but we love it. The people at the dealership are extremely friendly and helpful. The VUE handles extremely well.

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  one problem after another - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By ajacs - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Have 30,000 miles. Needed a clutch the first week, then motor mounts, then stearing problems. Had zone in and they were no help. Just had steering noise corrected in front end then appeared in steering column, came back 3 days after repair. Hood release cable broke. Does not handle well on a windy day and if a truck passes you it rocks and the wheel turns in your hands.

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  Great buy for the money - 2004 Saturn ION
  By vivo4441 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  My ION is a fun, sporty and great looking car. I am very happy with it. Being brand new just 500 miles on it I cannot bring forth any troubles yet. And hopefully it will be as dependable as my last Saturn. It meets all my needs and thensome. Great auto, and the dealership is awesome. I would recommend this auto to anyone who asks.

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  Really Good American Car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By JPB - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive had two GM cars, including the ION and have been very satisfied. My last GM car a 1992 Buick Regal had almost 200000 miles when I turned it in.

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  Love My Saturns - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Repeat buyer - August 4 - 11:53 pm

  I leased my first Saturn in 2001. That was such a wonderful experience that, when my lease was up, I decided to just get a new Saturn. I picked the 2004 ION 2. Once again, it was a winner. Never had a problem. Sadly, my car was declared a loss during hurricane Katrina, when it was flooded. I am now returning to Saturn to lease a 2006 ION 2. I have looked at and driven other vehicles, but for my money, nothing beats a Saturn in reliability, standard features or performance in the price range.Last , but not least, their support personnel is outstanding.I must also mention that, neither one of my Saturns ever needed a repair.

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  america can do it - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By a herman - August 2 - 10:00 am

  Still wanted to purchase an American car ... even thought it has a Honda engine. Car rides very well and the fit and finish are superb. Performance for a six is spectacular and the gas economy is good ... if not great. It reaaly is fun to drive. My only complaint is simple. GM should have spent some more money on the interior. The arm rests are to small and the car lacks overhead handles. It is a shame. These small cheapies ruin a perfect score

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  04 vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By rw3025 - August 2 - 10:00 am

  Good ride & handling. Comfortable & peppy. Could use more storage in console area

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  Never Again - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Don - July 31 - 5:03 pm

  Bought brand new in 2007, absolutely worst car I have ever owned. Obvious electrical problems, speakers would work intermittently, dashboard lights flashed off and on. Dealer told me they could find nothing wrong. Shifting not smooth at all. Gas mileage barely 20 in the city, 22 HWY. Manifold leak at 12,000 miles. AC Compressor out at 16,000 miles. This car bears truth to the saying "you get what you pay for". Inexpensive SUV, and shows it. After the compressor went out, I decided I didnt want to see what would happen once the warranty expired at 36,000 miles, and traded it in for a Nissan Xterra. Horrible trade in value. Know 2 other people who own one and not happy either.