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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  The Great Compromiser - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Ad Astra - December 1 - 2:36 pm

  When shopping for a new car, I was torn between the Mazda3, VW Rabbit, Honda Fit, and Scion xD. The Mazda3 and Rabbit were fun to drive, but didnt get great mileage. The xD and Fit were not nearly as exciting to drive, but get amazing mileage. The Astra fell in between the two categories, as it was really fun to drive, but also pretty good on gas. 28.5MPG on my first tank with 40% Very hilly City/ 60% Highway. The handling is superb, it zips around corners with ease. Ive been trying to press it to the limits, but I have yet to get so much as a squeak out of the tires in turns. Finally, a real European car!

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  GM Still The Best (Value & All Else) - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Charlie - December 1 - 12:53 am

  Bought this baby (black with black & gray leather) at an incredible price. I am a GMS customer, and I got$5K rebate and some GM loyalty. But what a car at any price. Quiet and smooth. Love the tap shifting, and it can scoot. Parked next to an $60K Audi S6, also black, and my Saturn got more attention and alot more walk arounds. But what I really like the most is the window sticker that says "Built in Kansas City with 98% USA components". The 3.6 V6 is manufactured at the Tonawanda NY engine plant, that GM spent $400 million renovating in 2000, with good high paying engineering & manufacturing jobs. My first 300 mile trip averaged 30.8 mpg at about 65mph.

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  My Honda Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Corvette Bill - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I was a little concerned that a Saturn dealer was putting dealer add ons to these vehicles it seemed out of character adding options you wouldnt want.I love the Honda powertrain same as in my Odyssey.I have had trouble with the reception on FM as well as AM they reconnected the antenna still no improvement taking it back again soon.

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  Excellent small SUV - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By nmlobo - November 29 - 11:23 am

  Ive owned this vehicle for only seven weeks but I love it. It is peppy, quiet, well designed. This is my second Saturn, it wont be my last.

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  Not Bad - 2006 Saturn ION
  By First Saturn - November 25 - 4:30 am

  Bought to tow behind my motor home. Find I drive it around town when I am home for the high gas mileage. So far not one problem.

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  Fantastic Surprise - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Neil - November 24 - 3:20 am

  Excellent vehicle. Have a baby on the way. Had to get rid of my Wrangler and my wife had to get rid of her VW Beetle. But we are so pleased with the Outlook that is has made life a little easier. Didnt want a minivan and we found this. Nice ride, extremely comfortable, and feels sturdy.

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  Surprising results - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By tutcity - November 24 - 3:13 am

  The first Astra I saw was in London and I loved it. I always wondered why American car companies sold "better" designed cars abroad and why we didnt get a chance to own them. Finally, they are listening. When I bought my Astra, gas prices wasnt as big of a concern as it is now. I bought the car for its overall design, its handling and practical features (love hatchbacks). I used to own a Mazda3 and this really blows that car out of water. Back to mileage, it is rated 24-34, but I consistently get higher mileage on the highway. A trip from Denver to Vail and back averaged over 37 mpg. Only once did I need to shift into 4th gear. The engine has great torque.

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  Honda Power with Tennessee Ingenuity - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Rudge Harwick - November 23 - 2:00 am

  This truck is a dream with good looks, awesome power and great handling. I have had no issues with this vehicle in six months. It is much smoother than my wifes 3 Series BMW.

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  Its been since 96 since i bout my 02 Vu - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Tie - November 22 - 7:50 pm

  I have never had a major problems with my Vue since i bout it in 006. I just now noticed i need to replace my sway bar witch cost 300 at dealership to replace. But that is it. I am sure like all cars the older it gets the more worn it becomes but that is pretty good. No emergencys. I like my truck alot but i would love to get my hands on that Outlook.. I LOVE the one.

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  carefully thought out purchase - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By marcybob - November 18 - 10:00 am

  The decision to buy my AWD V6 Vue was laborous for me. I originally had my heart set on a Toyota Highlander Limited. Thanks to my research I learned that the Vue with its Honda engine and great crash scores was a better deal. Going for the Saturn- loaded with all the trimmings and an extended warranty was such a smart move. My only coplaint is yes, the interior is not as plush and does lack refinement. Handles beautifully and I love it.