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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  What a smooth ride! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By N2005 - October 24 - 5:53 am

  I gave up my VW Passat 4 Motion b/c of electrical issues. I miss the VW engine. Once I get out of 2nd gear and on the highway the weird lag/shifting goes away. Its very aggrivating, to the point that I almost took it to the dealer thinking there was something wrong with the car. But after reading reviews I realized its something Saturn/GM needs to address and I will have to get used to. I really like my new Outlook, especially the smooth, quiet ride! I hope the fuel ecomony gets better.

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  Sleek look, poor transmission! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By kdame4814 - October 23 - 10:10 pm

  I bought this car after driving my 1997 SC-1 for 3 years. Definitely against my better judgment because I had to have the engine replaced and major transmission work done. But the Ion QC was a sharp-looking car, and I could explain away the problems I had with my SC-1 (dont know what the previous owner did to it, and the reverse slam tranny problem was a common one). The VTi transmission failed on me not onces, not twice, but three times. Were finally getting Saturn to buy it back. We bought a Toyota Camry! If youre going to buy a 2004 QC, at least get a manual.

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  Good small SUV - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By wash51 - October 21 - 6:33 am

  I am happy I decided stop in to see the new Vue. I did the usual and checked out the CRV and Rav4 as well as the new Forester. I have a 97 Outback and love it even with the unbearable seats. I so much wanted the new Forester to make the grade, but the seats were to much to take. In dismay I drove into the nearby Saturn dealer and test drove the Vue. I was knocked out by the quality, fit and finish and comfort. The details are great from rain-sensing wipers to forgotten turn signal warning tone. I have had it for about 3 months and love this vehicle.

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  I see the vue. - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By rusty24 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  i purchased the vue with aprehension as i have not owned a GM vehicle in over 30yrs iam suprised and satisfied so far with the over all drivability and performence of the vue.

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  Good So Far - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Paul "Pete T" - September 28 - 10:00 am

  In the six months I had to only have the Daylight running lights replaced and the harnesses. I guess this is an unofficial recall. If a light goes out they fix it. Otherwise, they wont contact you to have it replaced. Price of the oil filter is double a normal filter. Steering is great. Much more pep than my old 96 SC1. No noticeable reduction of power when the Ac is on.

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  Zippy Little SUV - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Ted - September 26 - 1:13 pm

  Reliable, good gas mileage and different styling than all the cookie cutter SUVs out there. Drove it half way across the country, rides well, accelerates well, did great in the mountains. Front seats could use better lumbar support, bought a lubar pillow at the local discount store, it was a great investment. Drive it across the city every day to work and back, does well in traffic and accelerates well, even with the 4cyl. Had my doubts about buying a SUV with a 4cyl, but it is a zippy 4cyl and I have no regrets, especially with gas prices going up. Lots of interior room. Excellent turning radius, I can turn around on a 2 lane road without using the old Y-turn. I would buy another VUE.

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  Still kickin, but many problems - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Pt - September 20 - 8:16 am

  Bought my Ion 3 in 6/2005 & have had the ignition replaced 3 times already, as well as the drivers window motor & wiper motor. I just brought it to Strauss for an alignment & they told me that both control arms, all bearings, and rods are shot...in a FOUR year old car!! No excuse for this. I previously owned a 93 Grand Am & the control arm only cracked due to a collision in 04. Control arms should NEVER wear out in less than 5 years! Please note also that my sister owns an 04 Saturn Ion & has had the same ignition issues. Just last week the key became stuck in the column-this, 2 months after they replaced her ignition! Def. avoiding GM if possible. No wonder theyre going under!

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  Comfortable and roomy but tranny is awful! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By eric - September 14 - 1:00 pm

  I replaced an 02 Impala with this. I love the ride and interior appointments. Sporty handling. Very comfortable on long road trips and tons of storage. I dont like the transmission, MPG, build quality. Everyone says the MPG is not what they expected based on the sticker and Im no exception. The build quality is questionable because I had the thing in at least 10 times for piddly stuff. The worst however is the transmission. Short of a major reprogramming of the shift points and general responsiveness, this transmission stinks badly- period. I fear however that if that is done, MPG will suffer even more. It hunts in 6th, and requires an act of God (a slow one) to downshift!

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  Its Ok to Buy American Again - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By so1stros - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Just bought 2 weeks ago, this car is a lot of fun to drive. The 5 speed is great, lots of room, great (blue) color. Lots of people notice this car. Not the same old, same old SUV look, and looks like it costs thousands more. Im a Nissan/Mazda devotee, but was impressed with ratings, so Im hoping this car proves its OK to buy American again...

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  Love/Hate relationship - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By MP - September 13 - 2:36 am

  Ive had the Vue for 3 yrs and enjoyed until it started having problems at 40k miles. Handles OK in snow. Was able to get up steep hill in 2 in snow with minimal slippage. Gets 19/26 mpg. Love the layout of trunk. Unfortunately needs work now. Hubs bad and thermostat went out last year. Work cheaper to get done by someone other than dealership. Loved it and hoped to own for several years until it started breaking down at so few miles. Wish it didnt have problems.