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:

• 

  Saturn matches the competion - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By SomeGuy - March 29 - 4:30 am

  I recently drove the 4cyl CRV and RAV- 4. This vehicle had better performance than either of the two. Steering is a little mushy but not overly so. Could use a little more size overall. I was unsure about the fuel economy because the CRV and RAV-4s were higher. Then I was informed that The Honda and Toyota rivals were on the old epa rating system. Which would put the Vue right in line with them.

• 

  Love that Saturn - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Cach_me - March 27 - 9:46 pm

  I have had my VUE for almost 2 years now and its the best vehicle I have ever had. Other than one little battery problem that my local dealership had trouble figuring out, no problems otherwise.

• 

  Employee reviews? - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Mary S. - March 27 - 5:20 pm

  I only wish I had shopped around before buying this car. Our experience with this car has been horrible yet all these GREAT reviews....sounds awfull fishy to me. Little history. Was in the shop with a transmission problem at a little over 400 miles and now a brake problem. Oh, and did I mention the interior...I thought it would grow on me but cheap is cheap and uncomfortable. My kids hate it and complain it is difficult to sit more than 30 min in the back seats. Oh well, live and learn. Should have listened to my husband. He wanted a Honda.

• 

  Pedal positioning is painful - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By rojo8 - March 26 - 10:16 am

  The gas and brake pedals are far apart and both are high off the floor, so its impossible to pivot your foot comfortably on the heel. I have to completely let my foot off the gas pedal in order to hit the brake. No big deal obviously on high speed drives with minimal braking, but in-town driving is painful. Because its so uncomfortable, its also very unsafe. Id find myself resisting moving back and forth between braking and accelerating, which obviously is not a safe driving practice. If youre small-feeted like me (size 8-9; not terribly small in fact) but youre used to stomping on your pedals, then no big deal. Pivoting is safer because its more comfortable. What an idiotic design.

• 

  I love it! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Quickbeam - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car about 3 weeks now and Im still so happy with it. The drivers seat is VERY comfortable, the only complaint I had initially was the size of the center console meant my right leg butted against it but a seat adjustment slightly back straightened my leg and stopped the discomfort. I like the height of the seat, which is adjustable higher or lower. The old Saturn felt like your butt was dragging the ground but the new seat really puts you up there for a more comfortable view.

• 

  Great Bang for the Buck! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By joet - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I choose the Ion 1 with automatic transmission, air conditioning, compact disc player, and anti-lock brakes with traction control. The total retail price was $11,375 after applying $1,000 owner loyalty money, $1,500 Ion incentive, and $750 college graduate money. The whole buying experience is such a relief. If you havent driven an Ion - do yourself a favor and give it a shot.

• 

  I Love My Saturn ION 3 Quad Coupe!!!!!!! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By bubba1 - March 25 - 10:00 am

  This is the best designed Saturn yet. It is my third Saturn and Im amazed at how well theyve done on the Quad Coupe. This car is responsive, fun to drive, economical, and handles extremely well. The 16" rim/tire combination is a big plus. The ION 3 easily outhandles most of the sports sedans in the tight curves of the road. Its almost as if the cars been glued to the pavement. The CVT trans is a wonder to drive. Its smooth, responsive and well designed. The "drive by wire" power steering is very responsive and gives just the right amount of feedback to the steering wheel.

• 

  Weekly Visits To Service - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Bill Merry - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2002 Saturn VUE AWD 3L 6cyl last November 2002. Since I purchased the vehicle has been in for service four times. Three of the four times for the same problem. The SES light and the Power Reduction lights come on. The dealer puts the car on the computer and gets the codes. They replaced the wiring, the ignition chip, and now the on board computer. I am very unhappy with the quality of my VUE. Fortunately, all the service has been warranty 3yrs/36k. The dealership have been great in getting me rentals while the VUE is in the shop. Just a frustrated owner, since Saturn inception preaching Quality and Reliability.

• 

  makes me miss my kia : ( - 2007 Saturn ION
  By ediblearm - March 24 - 9:43 pm

  Bought it used, I didnt even spill anything on it an it an the seats stained! lol The speedometer in the middle is keeping my eyes away off the road to long and I cant see out the back to back it up. Gas is ok. Motor is really quiet. Trunk is huuge! But it took a dump on me the other day. Electric box went out?? Just stopped an acted like I ran outa gas..ugg..but hopefully wont be to expensive to fix. Really cheap inside. Heater ball things fall out.Mirror broken. Way to small console. Ive heard that some wont start every once an a while and ya have to wait 15min b4 restarting it...so Im trading it in as soon as I can for sure

• 

  Third Saturn and Very happy - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By David - March 22 - 10:56 am

  This is my third Saturn and second VUE I have owned. I traded a 2003 VUE in on this one and am very glad I did. The change in engine in 2006 is a nice improvement as is the improved interior design. The 2006 is quite peppy and fun to drive. If it is as reliable as my 2003 (no problems what so ever) I will be thrilled. Selling dealer was very nice and located the car I wanted. Easy place to do business. The Chrome package really adds a lot to the looks of the VUE. The 6-disc CD player is also nice because it plays MP3 CDs as well. Great car for the money!!!!