Saturn Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.30/5 Average
3,767 Total Reviews
Make Overview:

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:

Showing 321 through 330 of 3,767.00
  • Get New Tranny while you have a Warranty - 2009 Saturn Aura
    By -

    I bought mine in March 2010, 41K miles on it and knew it had a problem with the Tranny, then I saw the reviews on here and was sure of it, so in order to buy the car I had the dealer replace the tranny and it now runs great. Still has Road noise from the tires and the brakes were squeaking, but if I keep the air pressure at 34 it seems to be ok. I get 24 mpg average! Dealer sold car with 2 sets of tires instead of 4 matching which is probably why I get so much noise and weird tire rotation sounds. Ill get new brakes and tires soon! Love the looks I get from other drivers around me, nice looking car, hope it lasts!

  • It took me two years - 2003 Saturn ION
    By -

    I had worked for a Saturn dealer for a little over 2 years when I decided to buy my ION 3 Sedan. I had been driving them all the time for the past two years and new it was exactly what I needed. I love my ION. It is peppy and fun to drive. The seating is comfortable even after a 5 hour drive across state and then another 5 hours back. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a safe, reliable, fun to drive car that gets great gas mileage (30-35_ on mine - because I dont drive 95 mph like the people who only get 20-25 on theirs). Or to any other college student who needs a deal on car insurance like I do!

  • Warm weather only! - 2005 Saturn ION
    By -

    Aside from the plastic construction, & non-ergonomic interior, I can only recommend this car to be owned in warm climates. From my experience, once the temps fall to freezing, the anti-theft system in the steering column freezes, the engine is incapacitate & you are stranded. I have to carry a small electric heater & a very long extension cord with me & insure I park near an outside outlet. Getting rid of it as soon as possible, & I will never buy another. Saturn denies there is any problem with the anti-theft & will not remove it.

  • Gotta get ya one! - 2005 Saturn ION
    By -

    After driving full-size pickups my whole life I was a bit worried about the safety of a car. The ION is one of the safest cars on the road today and it fits so well into my life! I work for my home and car and on my last trip I got as good as 36 mpg - way better than any truck! Its also fun to drive and handles great. We are getting ready to start a family and this is the perfect size vehicle for that young, cool mom!

  • "Poor Mans Lexus -- Great Buy!" - 2008 Saturn Aura
    By -

    Have about 1500 miles on vehicle now & is the most comfortable car Ive ever owned over a 35 year period!

  • I love my vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
    By -

    The vue is a powerful suv and a fun vehicle to drive. It is also a comfortable ride and we enjoy it very much. The fuel economy (21-22) is not quite up to my expectations yet but thecar only has 2300 miles and I hope it will improve as it gets a few more miles. Any way we love our vue

  • All around great car - 2004 Saturn ION
    By -

    I am a retired new car dealer,the Saturn ION is the most car for the money out there today.I test drove the Mazda 3 the honda and the toyta. The quality was equal or better and the price much better.

  • Best car for the money, hands down. - 2007 Saturn ION
    By -

    Built in America, built by Americas, and reliable. The Honda Civic doesnt even compare in my mind in terms of price and quality.

  • Not Sure - 2003 Saturn VUE
    By -

    I bought my Saturn VUE in 2008. I have driven it over a year now and I have had no complications like I am reading here. I did however just have my brake shoes replaced and they are now telling me that my front wheel bearings are a little loose and will need replacing soon. Other than that I have had no problems like I have been reading. Trust me, I am still reading up on all these problems.

  • In a class by itself - 2002 Saturn VUE
    By -

    Our 4-cylinder CVT is unlike anything else you can buy anywhere. Truly distinctive styling and several very high tech features: CVT, electronic steering, high impact body panels make it unique. Hard to find anything that can hold as much and get mileage in the 20s. We see CR-Vs and RAVs every 30 seconds on the road. Love the Vue!

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