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:

• 

  Yes that is a Saturn! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By red jewel fan - August 23 - 2:16 pm

  My wife has been wanting a new Outlook since the first time she saw it. After driving it, so did I. Great riding vehicle. So much space for a midsize SUV. This car can definitely compare with any other SUV in its price range. If youre looking for a vehicle that will keep your kids content on a long trip, trust me, please put the Outlook on your list. The hardest decision will be deciding which color.

• 

  The boys mom - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By mom of 3 boys - August 23 - 6:10 am

  I love my Saturn Outlook! Never owned a Saturn before and I will own more! It out performs any other car I have had on the snow and ice----which I have had a lot of opportunity to test with this crazy winter. I previous owned 2 Ford Explorers, a Ford Freestyle and a Ford Expedition. I went back to Ford when my Freestyle Lease was up---they tried to sell me a KIA--yuck. I bought the Saturn and I am so happy with it....it is roomier than the Explorer and the Freestyle. Although less comfortable seats than the Freestyle. The anti lock brakes and traction control have made it easy to get around while I watch other cars sliding all over in the crazy icy- snowy weather we have had.

• 

  Love my Saturn! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By docsmilitarywife - August 22 - 1:43 am

  My husband bought me my Saturn ION Sport with all leather trim, sunroof, 6 cd changer & everything for my birthday and I absolutely adore it! Its the funnest car I have ever driven. Its reliable, sporty, beautiful, and low maitenance. The only things about it I would change are I would like it if it got a bit better gas mileage and the back seat is kinda cramped. I highly recommend one for those whom have no children or only a small child. We have driven this car to GA & Tennessee multiple times and it has always proven reliable. I get compliments on it all the time. People really like it, though not as much as I do! It is a 6 cylinder, too so it has great pick-up and speed.

• 

  Great car, great value! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Leaf - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I used Edmunds ratings when I started my new car search, and was surprised at how harshly they treated Saturn. My experience with them has been excellent, and so I gave the Ion a try. After driving the higher rated cars in this class, I came home to Saturn. The Ecotech engine is not new; theyve been using it since 2000 and its *very* good. The safety features just got a 5 star rating, and I love the styling, inside and out. No, its not a BMW, but for its class, its a terrific value and the standard features are impressive. Take the 24 hour test drive and check out the various Saturn newgroups.

• 

  Great car. - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Holyhandgrenade - August 14 - 2:26 pm

  This is my first car and I absolutely love it. Its great for a teenager because it has awesome styling with good gas mileage and a peppy engine. I feel very sporty in mine which may be because its manual and red but either way the car is still fun to drive. I pride myself over my gas mileage which is nearly identical to my girlfriends 07 civic which is rated for much better mpg.

• 

  Love my ION - 2006 Saturn ION
  By R. Campuzano - August 12 - 1:10 pm

  This is my first compact car in a long time. However, I love the way this car handles, look and perform. Although I have the 2.2 L engine and an automatic, it moves. The steering is amazing: one of the smallest turn radious I have experienced. Everything works in the car. I love the travel package. The car has features of a bigger car, but packaged perfect for its size. Right now, I will not hesitate to buy another ION (or Saturn). I love the rust proof plastic panels.

• 

  Skys the Limit - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By kustomkaps - August 12 - 3:13 am

  The Sky is such a fun car to drive. The agility is quite good, and it doesnt have the butt pounding shocks like some of the other roadsters. Turns on a dime, and simply feels right when youre driving. Plenty of head room and little outside noise with the top up. Could use more left arm room as the door rest seems too narrow for long range comfort. Very happy with our choice and would highly recommend the Sky.

• 

  Love My Vue - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Luvthiscar - August 5 - 1:20 pm

  I love this little SUV. Its fun to drive, hauls everything I need, including three kids to college, and gets much better mileage than expected (21 in suburban Chicago and 27 on the highway). Too many times to count, people have ridden in the vehicle and asked, "What is this again?" When I tell them its a Saturn Vue, they are amazed. Several have mistaken it for a Lexus SUV, which cracks me up!

• 

  Everything an SUV should be! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Matt in New Haven CT - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I initially was interested in the Vue because its one of the few cars under $30K with 5-star front and side safety ratings, and side curtain airbags. Then, I fell in love with the looks, mileage (29 MPG!), nice ride, really comfortable drivers seat, great quality all around, and amazing cargo space. Not to mention the price! Best deal you could get on a car with these features.

• 

  Great Car - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Ron G. - July 25 - 1:26 am

  My wife and I both love this car. We drove everything out there including Toyota and Honda, the quality of this is every bit as good if not better. Rides great, smooth, quiet, fun to drive. We have the old pushrod V6 - gets better than 30 MPG at 65 mph. I have never liked a vehicle as much as this car.