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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  One Great Vehicle - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By BLUESMAN - December 11 - 12:20 am

  This is the first new vehicle I have bought in 15 years. I normally by 2-3 year old low mileage vehicles but I was so impressed with the Vue I bought a new one. Used Vues are hard to find. I believe this is the perfect vehicle. It is stylish, rides great and has all the room anyone could want. Mileage varries but we get 25- 30 mpg depending on driving conditions.

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  Happy so far - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Jim - December 9 - 5:33 pm

  Purchased the 07 instead of a new 06 since they were only about $2k apart. It struggles with the 4 cyl but that was expected since we went that way for the gas mileage. Right now we get about 23 mpg. Pretty good for a small SUV. The ride is nice, space is good, looks fabulous.

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  Aura deserves serious consideration - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By ray - December 9 - 5:16 pm

  My new Aura has received many compliments and is a pleasure to drive. I love the fact the new aura looks like a more expensive car and it draws a few stares from other car owners.

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  My sorrow - 2003 Saturn ION
  By NOT WORTH IT - December 9 - 11:16 am

  I bought this car during my junior year of college and have had nothing but problems with since I bought it. I have had transmissions problems since one month after I bought it that have still not been fixed and the dealership has lied to me about parts that they did not fix when they said that they did ( I caught them) and I have had terrible problems with the lights and blinkers. But the worst problem of all was how easily the car was almost totaled just from hitting a deer. The car is so light that it is a terrible winter car. Never again will I buy a Saturn especially since the dealership has treated my so poorly.

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  You go Saturn! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By WilliamA1 - December 9 - 2:00 am

  My last saturn ran for 100,000 miles with only oil changes. I did not even need brakes! I have been very very impressed with the reliability of this car, and the dealership offers better service than our local Jaguar dealer, and I should know as I own both.

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  Bad Choice - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Latasha118 - December 7 - 11:46 am

  This is a complete lemon. Within the 1st year I had no heat. Rear and front windshield wiper motor went out. Truck will not close. Saturn had to replace my radio because when you turn to a station it goes blank. It was only 2 that would go blank but the car was brand new. Power Sliding door not working, one day I went to close the trunk . It wouldnt close at all, Saturn could not explain why. Makes blowing noises when car is off. Drivers window fell completely down. I could go on. I have 3 kids and its nice and roomy but Im looking to trade this lemon in. Saturn gave me free oil changes but thats no good when Im there 1 a week. The guy at the dealership said they stop making these...

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  My Saturn - 2006 Saturn ION
  By tafttr - December 3 - 11:03 am

  This is the first new car that I have bought and I am very impressed with the cars performance especially the acceleration. I generally only use my car to go to and from work. The fuel mileage is a great improvement from my former vehicle. The handling in this car is excellent on tight curving roads.

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  Great car, and the price makes it better - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By farmerboy2 - December 2 - 8:03 am

  Ive had this car for a little over a week, and it definitely lives up to the hype from all of the reviews. Quiet and responsive ride. Very luxurious interior and exterior. I had a 2003 saturn ION 1 sedan that I traded in for the Aura XE, and it was definitely worth it. And for a car of its class it comes fully loaded, V6, power everything, OnStar, great warranty, the list goes on and on.

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  Impressed - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By BoiseVUE - December 2 - 5:30 am

  I had my doubts about Saturn but so far it is great. I love driving again. Fuel economy isnt the best but it is very "get up and go". Have heard bad things but so far havent had any problems.

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  We love it! - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By doanuknow - December 1 - 5:50 pm

  We love our VUE. The handling is great with a very quiet ride. The roomy interior is a real plus, not to mention the fuel economy for a small SUV. This SUV gets just as good gas mileage as our car. We would suggest it to anyone. It is very affordable.