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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  Can I return it? - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Unhappy Camper - March 4 - 2:46 pm

  Im very unhappy with this car, and sorry I bought it. It wasnt my first or even second choice. The car is 3 mos old, and has over 4500 miles. The driving is sluggish, even for a 4 cylinder. The drivers seat is very uncomfortable, and hurts my back. The wipers dont work well, and make that horrible scraping sound. The rear wiper button is located below the stereo and you have to take your eyes off the road to find it. My major complaint is that the sticker said it would get 26 mpg. Im only getting 21 mpg. I drive mostly highway. If I could return this car, I would.

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  Surprise - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By connosssieur - March 4 - 1:20 pm

  Overall I am pleased, but find the front drivers seat awkward. A wonderful engine with plenty of power, plus AWD works really well. You can feel the extra control. Power seat could be improved to match say the Muranos, but keep it up. Its a great vehicle. Driving it is fun

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  Think Twice, and then some - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By chrisfromri - March 3 - 10:33 pm

  Weve had constant problems with the all wheel drive system. Subsequent repairs. Some twice. Stripped out bolts in door, causing window failure. Car starting problems. Thousand dollar stereo system, main unit replaced. Blown speaker. Plenty of squeaks and rattles. Leather interior is nice, but short, cheap plastic arm rests. We have a file folder full of repairs from 8 months of ownership. Saturn co. and the dealership feel badly. But will not buy back or swap. They feel as long as we have a warranty we can just keep using it.

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  Depends on what youre used to - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By JET - March 2 - 8:36 pm

  I had previously driven a van for three years and still havent got used to the rough ride in the VUE. I wouldnt say its a bad vehicle. It looks sharp, and gets decent gas mileage--but could be better (ony about 20 mpg) It has the same amount of seating as a car, but I do like the storage behind the back seats. It seems to run great, no problems there. Just cant get used to that rough ride, will probably trade in soon on something smoother.

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  Outstanding Car-Handsdown! - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Saturn ION 3 - March 2 - 4:00 am

  I was a truck/SUV type before buying my new Saturn ION. I have no regrets about my purchase and I am highly pleased with this make/model! I recommend this vehicle to anyone. Great horsepower, fuel efficient, and a smooth comfortable ride. Thank you Saturn!

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  Luv my VUE - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By W8DUQ Gregg - March 1 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is a wonderful cross between a minivan and a car without being a truck. Built very well and has been extremely reliable mechanically - only real time it has spent in the shop has been for oil changes. Saturns customer support is second to none! Did have a few bugs to workout after delivery, but they handled them with no hassle.

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  EXCELLENT CAR - 2004 Saturn ION
  By goodmanner3 - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I love this car, first BRAND NEW CAR I ever owned. Could not be more happy with my choice...Test drove every car in its class and fell in love with this one. Cant believe its not on more "best lists"

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  Not so hot - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By xsx - February 28 - 11:40 pm

  Really dont love our VUE. Bought it in early 05 and have had it in the shop at least a dozen times with annoying little things. Had issues with our air bags, starter, radio, passenger heated seat, etc... the list goes on. Overall, not happy with our little SUV. Looking to upgrade and unfortunately Saturn has left a bad taste in my mouth. Would love to try the Outlook, but scared of staying with them.

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  Rain or shine, the VUEs just fine! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Pete - February 28 - 11:06 pm

  What a great vehicle. Simple, fun and easy to drive. Composite panels are a great feature. Too bad its going away. As I watch my mpgs closely (rep on the road), Im averaging 26 mpg overall and just a tick under 30 mpg driving the speed limit. Its a little noisy but I think it adds to the experience with the power sunroof open. I honestly cant imagine a better value for the dollar.

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  Ions Are Fuel Efficient - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Cody - February 26 - 8:46 am

  I purchased my Ion back in 2006. The only repairs that I have had to perform on it was replacing the front rotors due to the roads in Jacksonville, NC and on Camp Lejeune, NC. Other than that I just perform the normal routine maintenance on it(i.e. oil change, brakes, etc). Every time I travel to Florida, I save always on gas. It is roughly 762 miles from Camp Lejeune to where I live in Florida, and I only have to fill up 3 times (thats stopping when my tank is sitting at a 1/4 of a tank). Overall, my experience with this car has been nothing but Superb. I recommend it to anyone. But do not listen to reviews, with this car you got to try for yourself.