Saturn Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.30/5 Average
3,767 Total Reviews
Make Overview:

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:

Showing 2891 through 2900 of 3,767.00
  • Nice Car - 2008 Saturn Astra
    By -

    I bought this car in late December for $14,500 out the door! Having owned a Civic EX previously, I am having some difficulty getting used to the tight suspension, stiff ride, rigid seating, and excellent acceleration. The instrument displays are a bit confusing but are really nicely arranged and detailed. The car has so many more features than new Civics for a lot less money and seems much better built. Having never owned a GM product, I am shocked by the quality of this car.

  • Cant believe it is a Saturn - 2008 Saturn Astra
    By -

    This is a good looking (in and out), nimble, smaller sized crossover. It feels very solid on corners, has decent passing power (5 speed manual), and comfortable seating for a 6 ft adult.

  • First Saturn, very new, but happy so far - 2008 Saturn VUE
    By -

    Test drove 4 cyl w/ 4 spd auto trany, and didnt like very much. 3.6L V6 w/ 6 spd auto trany drives much better. Traded in 03 CTS Caddy, and VUE does not seem to be far behind on looks, quality, comfort, equipment, etc. Bought leather, and most other packages. Got FWD because AWD is probably higher insurance costs and less gas milage. Have not had long, but am very pleased thus far. Outside and inside styling are both very good.

  • Loved my first one and the 2nd - 2007 Saturn VUE
    By -

    This is my second Saturn VUE. Both have been the Honda V6 with all wheel drive. This car is great. Very reliable. Great in the snow. Lots of room. Lots of power; I can pass going uphill.

  • Run away and dont look back - 2003 Saturn VUE
    By -

    Bought this used over a year ago and it has had numerous issues. Shifter assembly, bad struts, leaky seals, motor on rear wiper went out and now clutch is out. Tires also highest price ones on market to replace. Was conned into extended warranty but nothing yet has been covered by it, and now it has expired. The window buttons are in an awkward spot in the middle and collect dust really bad with deep finger wells. It now has 91,000 miles and Im not sure it will make it to 100K. Researched numerous issues about transmissions and bad timing chains which cause motor failure. This vehicle is not well built and I will never buy Saturn again. I have spent more on repairs than payments.

  • Wheres the quality and customer service - 2003 Saturn VUE
    By -

    Not nearly the experience I was hoping for. It started out as a nice car, but a string of problems including: hood deflector coming loose (three times), strange noises from the steering assembly, front struts making noises, squeaks and rattles and finally an odometer that quit working, have left me very un-impressed with Saturn. The total lack of interest from the dealership, or the corporate office about the string of problems Ive had, or the impact of a defective odometer on resale value, has left me wondering where all the great customer service is that Saturn keeps bragging about.

  • Wife loves her Vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
    By -

    Fun to drive and has the pep needed for expressway driving.

  • loyal saturn owner - 2004 Saturn ION
    By -

    This is my fourth saturn car, though I cant say its the most exiting car ever the cars I have owned have been very reliable and the dealer experience is secound to none. All these things add up to a very happy and loyal saturn owner.

  • Love my VUE - 2005 Saturn VUE
    By -

    Looked at this car 2 years ago and didnt think power was good but wow the 05 has all the power you need and then some. Just had 6000 mile checkup and like the car more now than I did when it was brand new.

  • Great SUV, Great Ride, Great Features - 2007 Saturn VUE
    By -

    Ive had my VUE for a week and love all the wonderful features and the superb gas mileage. It has a ride like a car (really quiet), good pick up (AWD V6), looks great on the road, and has a comfortable backseat. My only complaint, it has a small gas tank. I drive 100 miles per day, and have to fill up every other day. You cant beat the OnStar with built in phone, that can be connected to your cell service.

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