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:

• 

  Great Small Car - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Cardog - May 31 - 12:26 am

  My college daughter had driven this car in Grand Rapids for the past year with wonderful fuel economy and through a lot of hard winter days. This was a great buy and it is too bad GM stopped making this fuel efficient and affordable small vehicle. She loves the center display as she is short and can see the road better with nothing block her forward vision. With a manual transmission the highway economy is 35mpg. She claims this is a very quiet car and I would agree as I have a couple of Saturn Vues, 2006 and 2007 and it is by far more quiet then these more expensive Saturns on the highway. With full airbags I feel confident she is in a safe vehicle even thought it is a compact.

• 

  After 65,000 Miles - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By aura0709 - May 30 - 3:13 pm

  OK so Ive had this car for little over 2 years and have driven the heck out of it. Ive had my share of minor fixes with the car...computer issues, remote keys not working, airbag lights coming on...etc. But I will say that over all this car has been very reliable and a great car.

• 

  Frustrated & Deperate! - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By mandis - May 29 - 3:57 pm

  I just started having steering problems. The steering wheel jerks hard while driving down the road and it feels like the steering is going out and I am going to loose control. When I come to a complete stop and let go of the wheel it starts shaking all by itself. It seems to only happen when I am driving it. I have taken it to a shop 2 times and both times they say there is nothing wrong. I am not imagining it and I am scared to death to put my kids in the car. Has this happened to anyone else and what did you do?

• 

  Saturn is on the move - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By James Petty - May 29 - 9:46 am

  My wife and I have 6 kids and they enjoy the space and watching DVDs while we travel around town or on the road. We like the storage compartments in the back and over head.The power outlets that let you plug just about anything into it.

• 

  Problems - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By warren smith - May 26 - 4:36 pm

  The batteries for the elec eng have been replaced 2 times check eng light will go on after only a few miles after leaving the dealer when it has been reset gas cap has been replaced 2 times has been in for repairs 4 days after arriving in PA from Fl in July and now the ch eng light is back on will be returning to PA next wk for CT have a 3rd appointment with dealer to fix I hope I get 36 miles to a gal using cruise control at 65 and under when all is working I would suggest any one buying a hybrid car to get the extended warranty as I did

• 

  New car saturn vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By pardifun - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Currently own a pt crusier, and now have more room plus towing up to 3500 lbs.

• 

  Wow! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By sjdan - May 26 - 10:00 am

  My first car was a saturn, so I know the company and know they are reliable. I expected a lot from this car, and it delivered. The car handles like a dream, it picks up really quickly, and is just fun to drive! Its easy in traffic jams, and just fun on the open road. The build quality is awsome, the seats are really comfortable, and the ride is solid. Its great to have a car thats both functional (with tons of trunk space, folding seats, a roomy back seat, and very safe) and fun.

• 

  Saturn ION - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Fielder - May 26 - 6:20 am

  Center console is awkward. Have to take eyes off the road to check speed or read displays. All arrows are in BRIGHT RED making my heart rate jump every time I look at it. Back end of car is too high for good visibility. I dont feel SAFE. Mileage is poor, as low as 8 (eight!) miles per gallon, highest has been 24 mpg. Trunk opening is too small, even though the trunk itself is roomy, cant get anything bigger than a small box inside it. Tires are hard to change. Front end is so long and car is so low it drags every time I hit a speed bump or dip. Cant see front and back of vehicle from inside, so hard to figure out where I am in relation to outside objects. I HATE this car!

• 

  My New Vue - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By kevin - May 22 - 10:30 am

  This is my 1st new car...very happy with my selection...for the price, I got more options than I expected. Performance is great...handles great...rides smooth...great acceleration.

• 

  SUV that aims to please - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By GeneF - May 22 - 2:00 am

  handles very well, with very good acceleration. Comfortable and fun to drive.Vue has very good clearance and drivers will love being able to see all around them easily.