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:

• 

  I LOVE MY NEW CAR! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By TammyR - July 11 - 10:00 am

  To tell the truth, Im not much of a car person. I cant ramble off specs, but what I can tell you is that this car is fantastic! Its peppy without being jerky and the ride is smooth. My last car was an Eclipse with a bangin sound system. If I can go from that to this...and love it, you will too!

• 

  Way to Go Saturn - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Flynch - July 11 - 10:00 am

  This is Saturn number 7 in our family. We have long expected good things from this branch of GM and have always found it. This is our first SUV in the family and we couldnt be happier. This SUV runs with the best of them, gives great milage for an SUV and to top it all off its fun to drive. I use this a my daily commuter and I always receive great raves about how great the car looks. If Saturn can keep up the good work on these cars they will always have my business.

• 

  Still going strong - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Janice Barrow - July 7 - 9:09 am

  Bought the Vue at 3 years old with 19k miles on it. It replaced a 10-year-old 2000 SL2 that was passed on to my husband. Six years later, only preventative maintenance thus far. Getting ready for the timing belt/water pump and other 100k maintenance (a little early mileage-wise at 84k, but at 9 years of age, dont feel as though its worth it to delay replacing this rubber component on an interference engine). Been reading a lot regarding subframe rust issues, and due to living in the "Salt Belt" Im a little nervous about seeing it up on the lift. The Honda 3.5 L V6 is a nice engine (I keep it humming along with fully synthetic oil), and Im hoping the transmission will fare well after changing the fluid (so far, so good).

• 

  First new car. - 2003 Saturn ION
  By nitsuj - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Maybe its just the contrast after driving a 1986 CRX HF (read: 63 hp), but I found the ION to have more than enough power. About a month after purchase, I took a 930-mile marathon road trip. There were a few mountain passes in my way, and i had no trouble blasting uphill with the A/C on full. The variable power steering, while a bit touchy at times, really turns to a rail at about 90. The price cant be beat: Im spending as much on my purchase as most people spend on a lease. And based on other peoples experiences with this company, I expect to be driving this car for a decade or more.

• 

  A very seductive SUV - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Andy Zaplatynsky - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased my 2003 4 cylinder, FWD, Saturn VUE and I have never had a car that so so much fun to drive. I am amazed at the pep of the 4 cylinder engine, I am doing 70 mph on the interstate and have to keep an eye on the speedometer to not go 80 ... it is that smooth. I dont understand the complaints about "fit and finnish", I am very impressed. The Silver is a beautiful color!!!

• 

  Great Car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By A/G - June 29 - 7:26 pm

  This is one great car. Easy to drive, fun, and looks sharp. Great fuel mileage. Great in the winter and summer. Just an all around nice car. I recommend it for a first car, or if you need a daily drive that gets good gas mileage but want to stay American.

• 

  Almost one year after... - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By mateo - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought my VUE last November--took advantage of the 0% offer. Overall, I am pleased with my purchase. I love the space and feel of the vehicle. However, several things sometimes make me wonder if I made the right decission (read below), especially the poor resale value. Recent buyers, enjoy it now! In a few months, you will be questioning yourself when you start hearing weird noises or when, for example, the (cheap) sponge-like material that "prevents" the door handle from scratching the actual door unexpectedly breaks. It sounds like it is nothing, but we are talking about a NEW vehicle!

• 

  I love it but..... - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By lsalerno - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a brand new 2003 Saturn VUE 2 months old and I really do love it. But it has already been brought in for service twice, once it had to be towed. I have this annoying rattling coming from the back. The service dept. found the noise, said it was the seat,and said they fixed it,but its back again. I had it towed b/c of the transmission. I was told that it was the transmission modular control (whatever that is). As far as Im concerned,NONE of this should be happening. Although the service dept. has been great and very helpful, including setting me up w/a rental, I am very unhappy, and I have recently started looking closely into the Lemon Law.

• 

  First Impressions - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Deviant Gerbil - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased an 04 Ion 3 Special Edition Package. Very plush interior and amenities for under 20K. I actually traded in an 02 Subaru Impreza WRX (Expired Warranty, EXCESSIVE Ins. Premium) and will save $1800 in insurance a year. ...Anyway, about the Ion. Positive dealership experience and "Damn near give em away incentives" (GM Supplier Discount - $900 off of MSRP, $1500 Down Payment Assistance, and 0% financing) were exceptional incentives. Exceptional options on our Ion included a power sunroof, SHARP Tan & Black interior, Unique 16" Alloy Wheels (Replacing STD/OPT Wheels), and Anti- Lock Brakes w/ Traction Control.

• 

  A whole lot for the price - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Ken Sabo - June 27 - 7:06 pm

  I consider this Saturn XR to be an outstanding vehicle. After pricing other comparable SUVs, you realize that you are getting a lot for your money. It is big, roomy, very comfortable and quiet. I love the styling that GM gave this SUV. I feel the interior is well thoughtout and made extremely well. When optioned out the Saturn XR is $10,000 to $12,00 less than a Ford Expedition. The 3.6 liter engine with the 6 speed automatic transmission has plenty of power to get this big guy moving up to speed easily. GM has definitely got a winner with this one.