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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  Good Car for Us - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Joel - February 24 - 7:16 pm

  Weve been quite happy with this car. We did buy it used with 48k miles on it and have put on another 40 ourselves. We have taken it on a two week trip from MI out to CO going through several States and their cities in the process. There was 4 of us in the car with all our stuff in July and we were cool and comfortable averaging 32 MPG. Weve gotten as high as 34 unloaded w/o AC and 28 in the city. The 2.2L is pretty peppy in regards to a 4 banger and the 5 speed manual is a little sloppy but still fun. It stops well, turns on a dime and I think very fun to drive. We have only had to replace tires and change oil. It has been a very reliable car so far.

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  Saturn Aura - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Rene - February 24 - 2:43 pm

  This is an excellent car and its so quiet. It has the feel of a much heavier car. It handles and drives like a $60,000 luxury car

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  SO FAR SO GOOD...MPG? - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By WILLIE - February 24 - 1:26 am

  We bought it Jan 2004. First 11 months its been fine.I dont like customer service and their service recomendations.You dont need your tires balanced every 6000 miles. The only problems Ive had are leg room and MPG.And customer service.Im 64" and if the drivers seat isnt all the way back, my shin hits the underside of the dash. Fortunately, my wife drives it. Unfortunately, I drive a VW JETTA- the worst car on earth. And whats up with the MPG? Im getting 19 or so. ITS A 4 CYL!!! I could understand if it was a fast 4 cyl, but the thing wont get out of its own way (Especially with the air on).They cant tell EVERYONE that its because of our driving habits....Can they?

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  Great SUV for the price - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By ynotps - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV for the price, especially with Honda V6 engine and 5 speed transmission.

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  More than youd expect! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By MsStephanie - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I was up in the air whether to choose the equinox or the VUE. Of course, after my test drive and the friendly dealers, I chose the VUE. Excellent response on acceleration and smooth ride with the V6. Am really very impressed with overall quality and handling of this smaller SUV. I dont hear the noises or feel the sluggishness that others have found. Excellent buy as far as Im concerned in the SUV class.

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  Love my VUE - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By designsbyshain - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I have never before driven a Saturn and decided to check out the Vue as I was in the market for a SUV. I immediately fell in love with this car. The dealership treats you like royalty and a member of the Family.

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  its all new to me - 2006 Saturn ION
  By DJ - February 21 - 8:36 pm

  well just bought it but so far so good, its a big change for me cause i fianlly got rid of my 93 roadmaster with a 350-5.7l..so to go to a 4cyl its a change. the car looks great feels great and sounds great..the center dash is nice once you get used to it. it was worth it though for myself, my wife and 2 kids...happy driving..and go try one it wont hurt..lol

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  Vue review - nine months later - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By NC traveler - February 20 - 9:03 pm

  We purchased the Vue in March 2004 and have had no problems thus far. My wife loves the vehicle. She lets me drive on road trips only. The Honda engine is a must. Plenty of power and good gas mileage compared to the bigger SUVs. We get 26 mpg on interstate trips. The car came with On Star and XM radio. My wife was in a minor auto accident and used the On Star when the local 911 would not answer a cell call. The XM is great for long trips. We would recommend this one over the Honda CR-V (I have owned five Hondas) or Jeep Liberty. And it is American assembled!

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  GMs best-kept secret - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Judeatb - February 17 - 9:46 pm

  My Astra XE is a comfortable, practical, spacious, and fun-to-drive compact. I paid less than $15k for it (with a/c), and am, so far, extremely satisfied. The car accelerates well, handles crisply, and gets exactly the mileage the EPA specifies from the get- go. My driving cycle is getting me 29- 30mpg combined. Everything, from the sound the doors make when closed, to the way the handbrake feels, to the materials used on the interior make this car feel like a solidly-built, quality product. Everyone loves the way it looks

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  excellent deal for your money! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By hopperdoc - February 16 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent car! I love it and you will too! I searched and searched before buying, and found this to be the best deal AND quality for your money. The sticker price is the price you pay at Saturn, there is no haggling, which is nice...you know right away what you are paying. Its a great car, period!