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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  Transmission replaced at 15000 miles! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By kristyb11 - October 18 - 4:40 pm

  I love my Vue, but I just had the transmission replaced at 15000 miles. I couldnt believe it! (thats why I rated the build so low) The dealership was super nice about it and of course they fixed it for free and paid for the rental car. I think the gas mileage is pretty good for an SUV. I get about 21 city and 26 highway.

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  Love this car - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Brian - October 18 - 8:20 am

  Believe it or not I get 37mpg on highway with my 5spd 4cyl VUE and my father who has the same but auto still gets an impressive 32mpg. Mine handles like my old Mazda Miata, grabs curves and is great with acceleration. I love this car.

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  The experts are wrong - 2003 Saturn ION
  By jdt141 - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I had a lot of trouble finding a car that I liked. I drove a lot of cars trying to find what i liked - a Mazda 6, Subaru WRX, Ford Focus, chevy cavalier, and the Ion. The 6 and the WRX were more than I wanted to spend and the WRX was WAY too small for that kind of money. As for the focus, well - this car beats it hands down. It has more pickup, more legroom, and a bigger trunk. The things I initially liked about the focus were the things I didnt like about the Ion (Weird Instrument cluster & small steering wheel). The Ion hauls, has lots of room, and drives wonderfully. great control and lots of passenger space. the suicide doors are very useful too.

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  Awesome Aura! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By ALEX1942 - October 16 - 2:23 am

  I already put 3200 miles on my XR, and must say this car gets more fun everyday. The handling is great, as is the acceleration. I get lots of curious looks from people, trying to work out what kind of car it is. I dont think that will last long, because when the word gets out about this car, Saturn will sell a ton of them. I traded in a Mercedes Benz for mine, and I had a few people raise their eyebrows when I said I had gotten a Saturn. However, nobody questioned my descion once they saw it or drove it. Great job Saturn!

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  10 for the Roadster! - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Bolton - October 15 - 5:13 pm

  This car is fun, fun, fun! I was skeptical at first because I couldnt see the side of the vehicle when I was driving, then I finally figured out that I didnt need to see the side by turning my head because I could see the whole side in side mirror. I am a teacher and my students are fighting over who will drive it to the prom!

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  Great car, Fun to Drive - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Craig - October 15 - 4:53 pm

  I have had my Sky for 4 months, and have 12,000 miles on it now. I bought the chili pepper red with black interior. Handles great. Everywhere I go, it turns heads. Have to take extra time everywhere I stop because of people wanting to look and talk about it. I havent had any problems with it at all. Only taken it to the shop for oil changes and tire rotation. I am getting about 28mpg average. This surprised me. I love this car!

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  Love the view from the VUE - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Sue - October 15 - 4:06 pm

  I have owned Hondas for the past 15 years, and thought I would purchase another. Drove the CR-V, but it felt cheap and sluggish. I had the VUE on my mind after having one as a rental while on vacation in October- there was nothing about that VUE that I hadnt liked- so after spending hours at Honda, I went to Saturn to drive the newly restyled VUE,and bought it as soon as I drove it. Im thrilled with my choice,and confused as to why critics say that its cheaply made. It feels very solid and looks great. Its a pleasure to drive, seats are comfortable and adjust easily- providing a great view of the road- and its easy to get in and out of. A wonderful vehicle and an excellent value.

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  I love this car - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By lisa - October 15 - 4:06 pm

  I test drove the Honda CRV and the Chevrolet Equinox and looked at the RAV4. Im so happy I purchased the Saturn Vue. It feels like a luxury vehicle and for all the features its priced very well. Has great acceleration, smoothe handling, smoothe ride, love the grey leather heated seats and really enjoy having XM radio and OnStar. I think the leather seats are worth the upgrade. I parked the other day by an owner of the 2007 Vue. She said she really liked her car, but said she wish she would have waited for the 2008 model. If you are looking for an AWD SUV Id highly recommend the XR model. Test drive it and youll be pleasantly surprised.

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  Saturn VUE - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By karatekid - October 13 - 9:06 pm

  This is a great vehicle. I talked to several SUV owners before buying this one, and all Saturn VUE owners were enthusiastic about their vehicles. Other SUV owners were not nearly so positive. Ive taken it on several long (600+ mile) drives and it rides great. Gas mileage is better than most, too.

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  Unbelievable Vue - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By llroe - October 12 - 5:13 pm

  This is the first Saturn I have owned. It is the best car I could have purchased. It comes standard with every little luxury available, power, heated seats, remote start, OnStar. The Vue handles so good, smooth ride, comfortable seating. I have the V6 and it really is got great horsepower. My Dad works for GM and I cant believe that I was in such a rut with the Ponitacs, and Chevys of the world. This is the best car I have ever owned, I look forward to driving it everyday. Great gas mileage too!