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 my VUE - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By driver - September 3 - 4:03 pm

  I love my Saturn VUE. This is the second Saturn Ive owned. Im so sad that GM has chosen to end this great car company.

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  ETC problems - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By torres7 - August 29 - 5:43 am

  I bought this car new in 2008 and the service I received from saturn was great, but now they are no longer here. I have a problem with the ETC light coming on and my brakes lock. I thought this would be under the warranty . But the GM dealer wants $$$$ to check the problem first and then I know Ill be seeing a bigger bill for the repairs and on top of that I have three items on recall which I never received any notice.

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  Would do it again... - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By MaineWoman - August 28 - 10:00 am

  It is very comfortable and predictable to drive and I love my bright red one!! Not crazy about the interior design...but getting used to it. Handles well!

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  happy with saturns - 2004 Saturn ION
  By chandsant - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I have had 3 saturns now. I like the sc2 3 door design much better than the new saturn coupe. it is not as sporty. i am happy with the extra room though. go figure. over all, i am a saturn buyer for life.

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  Fast and fun - 2005 Saturn ION
  By tim - August 25 - 10:16 am

  I love this car. It is not only fun to drive, but it is a pratical car. The gas mileage isnt the best, but it is also not the worst. I would definitly buy this car again in the future.

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  A great starter car - 2007 Saturn ION
  By MJF - August 24 - 10:06 am

  I bought the stripped down version of this car (manuel transmission and windows) for 12500 brand new and so far its been worth every penny. 30000 miles later it still runs great and gives me no problems. At 20000 the change oil light went on and stayed on thru 2 oil changes but it evenually went off. The interior is a tall persons dream as the front seats go back extremly far, making it very comfortable (im 65) The milage is constantly around 30mpg. The only downside is the lack of acceleration in the car. Even is a standard you cant beat a SUV of the line. If you want a simple no frills car that is reliable, go with this car.

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  Much Improved - 2003 Saturn ION
  By jucolley - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Nice styling, great pick-up, nice fit and finish in both the exterior and interor. Comfortable driving position.

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  FUN TO DRIVE! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By luvourvue - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Drove by the dealership on an errand and a blue model caught my wifes and my attention. Had to stop and check it out. Friendly salesman, Shannon, had us take a test drive, and my wife was hooked! Had been considering AWD but decided for the price, FWD was fine for us. Got 0% 60-month financing and the monthly payments we were looking for. Comfortable ride, handles well, sufficient power, and looks great - love the color. Junst a note - if you get one with color-keyed bumpers, be sure to get the stick-on bumper pad to protect the finish!

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  Saturns are out of this world! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By KairEOKey - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE IT - nuff said

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  My Saturn XE V6 - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By mfig66 - July 28 - 2:20 am

  i like my car is has good pick up. the seats shown some wear and one spill of anything makes a spot an it is hard to take it out. the mpg is not great and could maybe be better for a V6. i get about 20 on the street on the hwy i getabout 28 or 30.