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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  Love it after 24,000 + miles - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Big Ed - May 10 - 6:33 am

  Ive owned my ION 2 since July 03 and have nearly 25,000 miles on it. I havent had a single problem, not even the dreaded Daytime Running Light issue. Great mileage, peppy engine, decent sound system, and I like the center instrument panel a lot. It does everything its supposed to do and does it without complaint. I am 65" and was worried about interior legroom but it is comfortable for me to drive. I also have no problems starting it in the dead of winter or driving in snowy conditions. I also love the Saturn dealership. Terrific customer service. All in all, this is a great commuter car!

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  Quality Powertrain vs Junky Parts - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Carl St. Henry - May 7 - 2:00 pm

  I really liked the matched Honda engine,transmission, and rear axle that came with my 2004 VUE. Had many quality issues. Rear wiper motor. Front headlight assembly. Remote keyless entry. Instrument cluster RPM guage lights on half went out. Dealer wanted over $200.00 to just look at the problem. Rear suspension recall. Front wheel bearing had to be replaced The car is very peppy and drives well.

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  Perfect! Would buy this again - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Paula lang - May 7 - 5:46 am

  Handles fantastic. Easy to reach controls. Great fuel economy. I average 20 around town. Lots of acceleration, and room. Tight steering. Great comfort, seat very adjustable for anyone.

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  Beautiful car - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Lucky - May 5 - 1:43 pm

  Unbelivable experience. Pretty comfortble, with good performance. Ive got nothing wrong to say about this car.

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  Tims Car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Tim - May 1 - 2:13 am

  I have driven this car twice to Ft. Lauderdale from Atlanta. I found that the street noise level was above average because I had to increase the radio volume while driving on the expressways and then lower it on city streets. I was a little uncomfortable after driving about 6 hours. I found that my car is reliable and I feel very safe while in the car.

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  Electrical - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By cmeans - April 30 - 11:36 pm

  I have a 2008 Saturn Aura. I start having real problems with it once it got to 50,000. Steering problems, front end problems (constantly pulling to the right. Now I am dealing with locks the locks that started acting like it was possessed. The car locked me in. And then it would not stay secure. I had to remove the fuse I then found out the relay switch was bad. The car is just at 65,000. Did GM have a recall on the electrical issues?

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  Love my car - 2005 Saturn ION
  By bob - April 29 - 3:23 am

  This is my third straight Saturn product, and it has been as reliable as all the other Saturns that I have owned. I even sold my 93 SL to my daughter, and she still drives it and has not even thought about replacing it. I have traveled from Buffalo, NY to Nashville, TN a number of times, and for a compact car it is very comfortable to drive long distance.The gas mileage I was receiving aprox 400 miles per fill up on a 15 gallon tank

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  My Saturn - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Janet Fullen - April 28 - 3:13 pm

  My Saturn has been wonderful. Ive had no problems with her and love the sound of the V-6 Honda engine. Id never driven a SUV before, but found the handling not much different than driving my car. Of course, you have to adjust its center of gravity being a bit different than a car, but it didnt take long at all. The only complaint is the touchup paint. A lot of construction going on in this area with dumptrucks on the road, flying stones. The matched color touchup paint does not match very well.

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  Just Okay for Me - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By Debbie - April 28 - 1:20 pm

  I traded in my Chevy Tahoe for a Saturn Vue. I wanted something smaller and more economical which I got. Overall, I am satisfied with the vehicle but have some complaints. The windows and/or sun roof cannot be opened without dealing with an excrutiating & painful vacuum feeling on your head and ears. Feels like you are going to be sucked right out of the car. Steerling wheel needs to be tilted down further. Seats are very uncomfortable. Seats and carpets stain very easily. Dust & dirt accumulate quickly on dash and in cup holders. No passenger unlock button for doors. Cup holders in an awkward position.

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  From a satisified owner - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Charlie - April 27 - 11:03 am

  I love this vehicle. This is my 7th Saturn so I can honestly say that it is a fantastic product. I currently own 3 including this one. I am getting @20 MPG in the city and @27 on the highway. Great vehicle.