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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  so many issues with this car - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By unsatisfied15 - December 5 - 8:08 am

  I purchased a 2008 saturn astra for the price of $26,000 plus warranty total for $31,000 and I have never in my life regreted something so much my first week with my car It had to have a major part replaced and i have had nothing but issues yet. all dealers close shortly after purchasing my car as i had purchased extras from that dealer they were void as they has closed down.I have never had such regret in my life there are a number of these cars around and I have had others have the same issues .When trying to purchase parts for my car they are nearly always unavailble and then i have to wait for 3-4 days if lucky If i could turn back time i would not buy this car it was not worth the $

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  Loved the car, but.... - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By wheeker - December 4 - 1:14 pm

  I bought my 2007 Saturn Sky (base) in February 2011. I loved the styling, handling, and performance so much! I just recently traded my car in for 2010 Mazda 3 though. Why would I do such a thing you ask? Well, it was a hard decision, but the idea of putting MORE money into the Sky was not what I wanted to do right now. I needed more room too. I used it as a daily driving car which was great for a while, but became annoying and a hassle when I couldnt even put a bag of cat litter in my trunk. This is a great second car. As an everyday car it becomes a hassle at times. I loved my Sky, and I miss it, especially knowing Ill never get another one, but at least I can say I owned one!

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  I had no idea! - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By bimberger - December 4 - 12:03 pm

  I had no idea it was fast as it turns out to be. Running 45 MPH and step on it to pass, you better have both hands on the wheel. The six speed Auto trans is really fun. I had an 05 Tahoe 4WD, now I go the same miles on half the gas. Its really amazing, a fun to drive, fast gas sipper.

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  Thrilled! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By MisaMom - December 4 - 10:00 am

  As a single Mom, I needed something with more room and some versatility. I was in love with the CRV for a year when I test drove the VUE for comparison...I was hooked. I bought the car during 0% financing which made it very attractive (also attractive was the 90 days no payments...gets me through the holidays!) I loved the deal and appreciate that I have "back up" and a ride to and from work, or a rental car if needed.

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  A VUE for you? - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Karri - December 4 - 10:00 am

  We get stopped on the road by people wanting to know more about the VUE. They love it and so do we.

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  2009 packs an aggressive throttle - 2009 Saturn Outlook
  By NEWOKXR - December 2 - 9:56 pm

  I have read all the complaints on the 2008 models with complaints about off the line performance and reluctance to downshift. In addition to the added horsepower of the 2009s, Saturn went the absolute opposite direction for throttle and transmission calibration. It is a bit of a challenge not to chirp the tires off the line even with moderate throttle (FWD hurts here of course), and it downshifts at least one gear with the slightest provocation (really annoying on the interstate). I would rather have it set up for better economy with an available sport mode. Otherwise, we like the car at 2k miles. Best mileage tank so far is 21mpg at about 75mph, hope it improves with break-in.

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  Outstanding - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By outlook fan - December 2 - 7:03 am

  We love this car -- its super roomy & luxurious. Handles like a car. We took 4 adults & 2 children in carseats with room to spare.

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  way to go, Saturn! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By gardenladypaula - November 30 - 10:00 am

  I sold Saturns for 4 years and loved the company and how they made a vehicle. I have had 4, hard to sell them and not want a new one ;-) I wanted their SUV and I when I got it I wasnt disappointed at all. I just accessoried it and feel that it is becoming more "my Vue" with the additions.

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  Better than the Caddy. - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Bobcat - November 26 - 5:20 am

  This car is more comfortable than my Caddy and more fun to drive and gets 10 mpg more without premium fuel. Not as much room, but we are retired and dont need the room. Also it can be towed behind the RV with four wheels down.

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  Our third Saturn - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Jeff H. - November 24 - 11:00 pm

  We have thoroughly enjoyed owning a Vue. Looks a whole lot better than our old 2005 Vue (the 08 model is easy on the eye). Interior is a little smaller than the 05 model because of the styling change, not bad though. OnStar free for one year is great. XM radio is always on 60s station. Cant imagine so many standard features, figured wed have to pay extra for all of them. I miss those polymer side body panels. Also miss having a compass.