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 3041 through 3050 of 3,767.00
  • Best Car in its Class - 2009 Saturn Aura
    By -

    I have driven the Aura XR for a year and 15k mi. It still performs like the day I bought it. It is an exceptional value when you compare it to Camry, Accord etc. The Fusion and Malibu are the closest but both cost more. I consistently get 30mpg in mixed driving. I have driven several 6sp/4cyl combos and the GM one is by far the best out there in shifting, power and mpg so I am not sure I would trust those other remarks on here. If you want a great performing sedan with class leading safety, mpg and feature set that is fun to drive, looks classy and is whisper quiet then the Aura is for your. Under $20k with Leather, heated seats, XM, bluetooth, onstar and 100k warranty!

  • Pleasant Surprise - 2004 Saturn ION
    By -

    Never would I have expected to buy a Saturn. But I liked the looks when the car came out. Still, it was sort of unexciting. When the Redline came out the excitement was added and I purchased one. It had been a few years since I drove stick, but this one is so easy and smooth that it came back right away. Excellent seats (Recaro), great wheels, nice styling. Unique enough to draw stares, fast enough to surprise most and economical to drive and own. A very pleasant surprise.

  • Im a Star in my Sky! - 2007 Saturn Sky
    By -

    Yes, folks its all that youve heard and more. Ive been complimented by people driving everything from a Porsche to a Bentley Continental (yes, you read that right). People cant take their eyes off it, and I cant keep myself out of it. After only 8 weeks Ive already got close to 5k miles on it -- its that fun to drive! I knew up front about its power deficiency and I have yet to be disappointed by its performance. Then again, Im not attempting to race all these sports cars that sidle up next to me on the freeway in an attempt to goad me into a race.

  • Not happy after 10 months - 2003 Saturn VUE
    By -

    After 10 months and 11000 miles have had 1. recall for trans 2.needed rear tires balanced 3. gas gauge broke 4. had to have rotors turned after 7000 miles!! 5. have had to dealer twice for rattles and vibrations from the doors, dash and they cannot find it. 6. one speaker buzzed and had to be replaced. Also getting at most 21 MPG. Noisy. Had a honda CRV and never went back in over 3 years.

  • Great SUV! - 2003 Saturn VUE
    By -

    I really like the roomy interior - its long enough with the seats down to carry a 2x4 and tall enough to haul a 27" TV. The height is just perfect - its easy to slide right in. I have not had any problems in the first 2800 miles.

  • Love this car - 2009 Saturn Sky
    By -

    I love driving this car. I got a comment today from another driver that pulled up next to me. He said, what is that thing. He couldnt take his eyes off of it. Mine is a bright yellow which is a real eye catcher. A design flaw is that not enough tolerance was designed between the engine hood and the open drivers door. If you shut the hood with the door open, that will hit and chip off the paint.

  • 300,000 miles!!! - 2006 Saturn ION
    By -

    This car has lasted me so long still in fantastic condition. No major problems at all. Drives smooth, gas milage is amazing. I live in Michigan and it has got me through some tough winters too! I would recommend this car to anyone. I got it at a great price with only one prior owner. Just keep up on regular oil changes and such and this car could last you a lifetime

  • Excellent Value, Nice Utility, Fun - 2008 Saturn VUE
    By -

    This auto has some great features for the price and is fun to own and drive. We had to select between a CRV and this vehicle and the value proposition made the final decision easy. The two cars were actually very similar, but the Saturn Vue XE had more features for the money. We also looked at the HHR, but this Vue had a larger-car feel from the inside. While the car is a German design, and built in Mexico it actually had a good US part content. This was our first American brand vehicle since about 1994. The ownership experience is making me think I will trade my Acura MDX in the future for another American branded car.

  • I love my Astra - 2008 Saturn Astra
    By -

    This is my 4th Saturn. They just keep getting better and better. No one knows what the Astra is! I find people staring trying to figure it out! It looks great and drives/handles even better.

  • Superior Vehicle - 2004 Saturn VUE
    By -

    I bought my 04 VUE brand new. 7.5 years later with over 150,000 miles on it, I lost it to a large deer in the engine. This vehicle has been incredibly reliable. Ive never had to do more than regular maintenance. At 120k I had brakes done (probably could have waited, but I knew it HAD to be coming soon!) and was never completely satisfied with the replacement brakes (squeak). Other than that, oil changes, new wiper blades, tires, air filters, and 100k tune-up. This was my 2nd Saturn and am sad that GM discontinued such a superior line of vehicles - especially now that my VUE has been totaled! I will miss her and worry that I will never find another vehicle as reliable. Bring Saturn back!

Great Deals Near You
  • Loading cars...

Selected Edmunds.com visitor vehicle reviews

Edmunds.com Visitor Vehicle Ratings and Reviews are the property of Edmunds.com, and may not be reproduced or distributed without the consent of Edmunds.com. Edmunds© is a trademark of Edmunds.com, Inc. Edmunds.com, Inc. is not affiliated with this website or app.

Powered By Edmunds

× Estimated monthly payments based on 3.9% APR, 60 month financing, and 20% down payment. Tax, tags, title, administration fees, and license fees are not included in price or payment. Subject to approved buyer credit. Actual purchase terms may vary.

Payment calculations are sourced by EveryAuto.com and may not reflect actual dealer financing terms.

Send Us Feedback ×


Locating Vehicles In Your Area