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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  Interior is a nightmare - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By d.riss - June 29 - 8:30 pm

  Very unhappy with interior layout. Car handles well. Mileage fair but interior design is an ergonomic nightmare,ie dashboard hard to read at night and also in bright sunlight. If it wasnt under lease it would be gone by now.

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  Vue Just OK - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By HeatherD - June 16 - 10:00 am

  We bought the Vue in December of 2002- wanted a small SUV, one that wasnt too costly. 2 weeks after we bought it, we had trouble with the VTI transmission and had to take it back for a "software upgrade." 4 months after wed had it, it was leaking something, (no the air conditioner was not on) and was told if I have my DEFROST on it leaks, too- I have NEVER had any vehicle do that! All in all- not too impressed with the VUE

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  Saturn VUE stability in question - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By petnurse - June 4 - 8:33 pm

  Ive owned my Saturn VUE for 5 almost 6 years. I have had issues with stability on the highway on windy days and with potholes or uneven freeways. It almost rolled over once and that was very scary. Im not a speedy driver either. I took it in and they adjusted the alignment and it helped somewhat but Ive been scared to drive it ever since. Ive also had issues with air conditioning fluid leaking onto my feet from the console. Have reported this several, several times and nothing was done about it. The tires are not good in the snow.

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  Saturn Ion 2 - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Bhill10 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this NEW Ion 2 in late May of 03, its now late July. During this time my hood release fell off, I had to take it back in to get it fixed. Then I put my key in the passenger door to unlock it and the little metal piece that you put your key in fell into the door, the dealership in Columbia, SC said "That seems to be a similar thing happening to the Ion". Yesterday the little change drawer came off, I managed to fix it myself though. My wife also pointed out that the gas door is getting crooked and needs to be tightened. It is reliable so far though as far as getting yout from A to B.

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  Never Again - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Wilson - April 21 - 8:33 pm

  Ive had nothing but problems, security system wont always let me start the car, had to replace the wheel bareings @ 50000kms, engine light comes on and off for a misfire, but mechanics can find nothing wrong with it, something wrong with the front end that makes my abs kick in, but again, mechanics cant find anything. Had to have a bushing replaced on it...not a good car

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  I hate this car! - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By disappointed - April 3 - 3:06 pm

  Worst car I have ever owned! I bought this car in 06 and have had problems ever since! Within a week of getting it, it went the shop for a mouth and a half. and I have had problems ever since. Wish I could trade it in instead of putting more money in it but cant afford either one right now. I really dislike this car!

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  Worst Car I have ever Owned - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By antcoop - March 21 - 12:30 am

  In the past 4 months I have replaced two engine mounts, bushing, power steering pump and week later the transmission needs to be rebuilt (it is stuck in low gear and wont go in reverse). I have also had to replace the throttle body. Stay away from this car at all cost! It is a giant money pit!

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  All style, no substance - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By dmm1277ny - March 10 - 5:56 pm

  I am the 2nd owner of this Aura XR. I brought it in Mar 2011 with 10,200 miles on it. Its a beautiful looking, well-optioned car with good performance and handling. I cannot wait to be rid of it because it has zero reliability. Its been to 2 different dealers in the past 3 months for electrical/computer issues which can not be found. They car will refuse to crank after short trips, then restart on its own after 10-15 minutes, usually accompanied by a random warning light (never the same one). Both trips to the dealer were the result of all gauges malfunctioning, all warning lights & messages coming on, and all electrical systems (like traction control) shutting off while driving.

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  Get New Tranny while you have a Warranty - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By Karyn - March 1 - 6:26 pm

  I bought mine in March 2010, 41K miles on it and knew it had a problem with the Tranny, then I saw the reviews on here and was sure of it, so in order to buy the car I had the dealer replace the tranny and it now runs great. Still has Road noise from the tires and the brakes were squeaking, but if I keep the air pressure at 34 it seems to be ok. I get 24 mpg average! Dealer sold car with 2 sets of tires instead of 4 matching which is probably why I get so much noise and weird tire rotation sounds. Ill get new brakes and tires soon! Love the looks I get from other drivers around me, nice looking car, hope it lasts!

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  SO FAR SO GOOD...MPG? - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By WILLIE - February 24 - 1:26 am

  We bought it Jan 2004. First 11 months its been fine.I dont like customer service and their service recomendations.You dont need your tires balanced every 6000 miles. The only problems Ive had are leg room and MPG.And customer service.Im 64" and if the drivers seat isnt all the way back, my shin hits the underside of the dash. Fortunately, my wife drives it. Unfortunately, I drive a VW JETTA- the worst car on earth. And whats up with the MPG? Im getting 19 or so. ITS A 4 CYL!!! I could understand if it was a fast 4 cyl, but the thing wont get out of its own way (Especially with the air on).They cant tell EVERYONE that its because of our driving habits....Can they?