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:

• 

  Re-thinking GMs quality - 2006 Saturn ION
  By KAMH - August 12 - 5:46 am

  The Saturn Ion is a sharp-looking 4cyl. sedan. I feel it has much more personality than, say, the Cobalt. My former 96 Saturn (before GM began manufacturing them) was built to last. My Ion is very reliable, but only with some fixing of things Ive NEVER had to fix on any car before, even when it was 10 years old. Ions are notorious for bad ignition switches. When you turn the key....nothing happens, not even a click of the starter. Ive replaced sway bar links, insulator and bushings. The catalytic converter is partially blocked up. My gearshifter was replaced in the first year for chrome chipping off the top. The current one needed the top superglued back on.

• 

  Was not ever happy with my Saturn - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Kim - August 11 - 4:26 am

  I have recently been in an accident with my ION2 and when they say they made the car out of dent resistant plastic they mean it. I hit another car and the left front fender literally shattered like glass. The frame of the car also broke. Needless to say my car was totaled. The good thing about it is the riding compartment of the car was not damaged at all. All of the damage was done on the exterior of the car.

• 

  Bad Buy - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Mike - August 11 - 3:10 am

  I bought the view used. Nothing but trouble. Transmission went out at 78,000 miles. The control module went out at 82,000 miles. Saturn is the only one that can program it. Now I think the front wheel bearings are going out. I can not find anyone to buy this problem car.

• 

  Quiet,quick and responsive. - 2003 Saturn ION
  By jimbob67 - August 11 - 2:00 am

  We bought our Saturn Ion 3 in January. As far as reliabiliy 2 months is not enought time to fully judge, but so far no problems.. with anything. I like the smaller than usual steering weel which frees up room and contributes to the very responsive steering. The leather seats are nicley sewn dispite what I have read about the fabric seats. The 2.2l echotech 140 hp engine has plenty of power and does very well on the interstate.The automatic lighting is a plus and the 160 watt advanced audio kicks. The car could use wider leg room though.

• 

  cbs review - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By sniper - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful vehicle. Smart looking fun to drive and good gas miliage..25mph..for a SUV. Rock solid in snow and sleet. Butt warmers in the leather seats. Did I say fun to drive?

• 

  In love with my saturn - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By kbnth - August 11 - 2:00 am

  The saturn vue is an extra value packed suv. Its got great looks great handling durabilaty low cost of ownership a great price and best of all dealer experience.

• 

  Excellent Value - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Marilyn - August 7 - 6:50 pm

  In the mid-size sedan class I was torn I have owned a Honda Accord and a Toyota Camry. After driving the Saturn Aura and experiencing to "Saturn Sales Experience", I knew that I was set to purchase the Aura! The five star safety rating was important to me in making my decision as was the trim level for the price. My car is equipped with leather, a sunroof, remote vehicle start and six air bags. A comparable Luxury brand would have cost me a lot more money. I have the 3.6 liter V6 which makes me feels like Im driving a Cadillac or Corvette!

• 

  Great SUV for the price, Powerful V6 - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By eric - August 6 - 11:26 am

  So far have 2000 miles and loving it. Great mini SUV with lots of power, good gas mileage, and all around great driver. Nice inside and out. Definitely test drive one if youre in the market.

• 

  Finally - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Freddiet - August 6 - 11:23 am

  In the last fifteen years or so I have had some less than favorable experiences with American vehicles. GMC, Chevy, Ford, Dodge. I hated to buy non American products, but due to the kind of crap we were building the Japanese lines seemed the better choice. I would prefer to buy U.S.and keep my next door neighbor working than a stranger 6000 mi. away. If the Saturn Aura is an example of what we are finally willing to build to get back into the real world auto market, look out imports the U.S is ready to take back control of what we started. Pound for pound, dollar for dollar the best auto value in that market category. KUDOS Saturn,(G.M.)

• 

  Great Car for the $$$ - 2003 Saturn ION
  By GaIon - August 6 - 10:00 am

  You certainly cant ask for BMW performance in this price range, but for under $15,000 this car is great! More than adequate power, gas mileage, and comfort. Center console doesnt take much time to get used to. Only complaint is the electronic power steering is a little loose and is hard to keep going straight without constant adjustments.