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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  Great so far... - 2006 Saturn Relay
  By Debra - July 12 - 9:36 pm

  So far we love our Relay - The sliding door had to be recallibrated and the pinstriping is peeling - but these are minor things that can be fixed... as far as Mini Vans go - It is easy to handle and fun to drive - Our son has plenty of room in the second row loves the DVD! We only hope it gives us the same satifaction our first Saturn did which is still kicking after over 120,000 miles.

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  This car is hot! - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Linda - July 12 - 4:20 pm

  I took my new car out last night for the 1st drive and caught stares, wolf whistles, shout outs ("Outrageous car!") and even growls from people passing us and from people on the street. This is a fun car to drive, hugs the curves, rides smooth, is surprisingly comfortble (seems to form- fit my body) and looks much more expensive than its affordable price tag states. So many of the little "extra touches" and features make this car appear expensive - chrome on the inside, OnStar, "wings" coming back from the roof line top, hand controls on the steering wheel, the front lights, Porsche shaped side windows... all nice touches. Great design.

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  Love This Car! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By G-B - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. It is fun to drive, and always garners attention. I got a great deal from Saturn (4000 off) and had the best dealership experience I have ever had. And the battery is in the trunk!

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  This car is the ish - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Nite Rider - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I own a scion xb and was looking for a more powerful car. Im love camaros and mustangs but the gas mileage sucks and everone has them so i look around at sporty compact cars. I drove a SRT- 4,Scion tc, and this car and by far the car had the most performance. i know dodge claims that the SRT-4 can go 0-60 in 5 second but it sure dosent feel like it. Ive had the car 5 days and already raced a civc,trucks,suvs, and other modified cars and have beat them all. so in my mind i see no other car better than this one for the price. Cant wait to get some good aftermarket parts though saturn to pump up the power.

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  best bang for your buck! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By gianco - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I recently got my black redline with just the side curtain airbags and sound system and after $3000 rebate and a great customer voucher cash allowance I only paid $17,775 for my redline. What a steal this car is fast, fairly roomy, decent fuel economy and definetely a safer car than the SRT-4 neon + the styling is a lot better and has a sleeper look if you avoid the spoiler. no turbo lag

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  Great car, but... - 2009 Saturn Sky
  By lazerbeam - July 7 - 3:13 am

  Mine is the turbo with automatic. The car is really fun to drive. Unfortunately the turbo failed (actually the waste gate servo)with 210 miles. Gets 28 MPG at 65 and 31 at 70 MPH as long as you dont put you foot into it. Use mostly for commute 70 miles round trip on interstate hwy. Primary complaint is the poor ergonomically interior design and lack of a few features. Window and mirror controls are under your elbow, should have been put on door along with electric door lock. Power seat only up up/down though it makes the seat go forward as you raise it up. Have manually adjust it back. Need vanity mirror on pass side. Ride is little rough but seats are very comfortable.

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  New Saturn Owner - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By StaciK - July 5 - 12:43 am

  Ive had my Saturn for about 3 months and so far have loved every minute! My 4yr old and 2yr old fit perfectly in the backseat with their carseats. I am disappointed we couldnt find this car in our price range that had leather because the cloth seats are already showing wear and one drop of water makes it look like a ugly stain. It rides smooth at 75mph and my highway mpg is 31 and my city mpg is 26-27.

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  2007 Saturn ION 2 4 dr. - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Eric - July 4 - 9:53 pm

  I have owned this car for about three months now and have been very pleased with this car. I drive arond 100 miles a day and all interstate. I have been averaging between 30 and 33 mpg. The car drives and handles great and has surprising pep for a 4 cylinder. As of now, no problems and still enjoy driving the car.

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  Smooth Fun - 2003 Saturn ION
  By rexelent - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Great car so far. Fun to drive and very smooth transmission with the variable option compared to standard package test driven on the Sedan. Sharp styling. No need to move hands from top of steering wheel to check gauges. Great buy for the money!

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  2005 Saturn VUE - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Tracy - July 4 - 2:26 am

  I do love my Saturn VUE, Great vehicle.