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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  Redline Sky, What a blast! - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Landscape - June 26 - 10:30 pm

  I considered several models when I decided to get my first "roadster". I decided on the Saturn Sky based on several factors, the power, performance suspension, and looks are what sealed the deal. This car is an absolutely great way to spend the day, or evening for that matter. The Sky hugs the road like velcro and the turbo kicks it to the next level. The only real drawbacks are the window switches should be more forward on the doors, and the seat should have more lumbar support. The visibility with the top up is a bit restricted, but you dont buy this car to drive with the top up very often. The Sky Red Line boasts that it is quicker than the Boxster, I believe it. What a blast.

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  Cute Barbie Car - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Diana - June 25 - 9:03 pm

  I ordered the Sky in Mar 05 and I got my car in July 06. People wave at me and scream "great car". It really is an attention grabber. I love driving it and it really grabs the road. Wish it had more storage room in the trunk. Shopping habits need to change. Luggage doesnt fit! The car is really safe and beautiful. I love my Sky!

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  JUNK!! The Worst Car I Have Ever Driven - 2003 Saturn ION
  By BHMnPalmBeach - June 25 - 1:56 pm

  Now that the car is a year and a half old I have observed many problems. One recall, a transmission problem that the dealer cant figure out, and countless other trips to the dealership for various repairs. The build quality is horrible. Everything rattles, the car gets horrible gas mileage compared to everything in its class(my Acura gets better economy and it has 60 more HP), and the transmission downshifts into to high a gear going down hill rather than letting the driver use the brakes. About the brakes, not very effective and the rotors warped after 100-200 miles. The value after 18 months is only $6000 compared with my Acura which is $16000 and the Acura was only $1900 more when new.

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  Great small car - 2005 Saturn ION
  By satisfiedsaturnowner - June 23 - 9:46 am

  Have had the car for almost a year now, and still love it. I have had no mechanical problems to date with it. Keep in mind it is a Saturn and will have its occasional pops and squeaks from all the plastic. Most of the noise is coming from the rear quad door, the top molding comes loose towards the rear of the door, but is easily popped back into place. It seems most of the reviewers have a problem with passlock, from experience on Saturn forums it appears this only happens in extremely cold conditions.

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  second saturn - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By fhiefone - June 23 - 2:00 am

  we purchased the VUE because of the style and comfort. it is our second saturn and we are very pleased with the service we recieve from saturn.

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  Always been a GM buyer - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Slpmom4 - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I have always been a GM buyer, but the prices on Chevy and Pontiacs were a shock! I had heard about Saturns but didnt never looked at them. One Sunday I managed to get my husband to drive on to a Saturn lot and we were suprised at all the features you could get at an up front price. When we went into the showroom we couldnt believe it when they handed us a price sheet and we could basically build our own car! All the prices were in front of you! When we picked up the car it was an expirence never before felt with any other car purchase. I have 4 kids and their first cars will all be Saturns!

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  You get what you pay for - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Imalm - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a cheap dependable car to get me from point A to point B. That is what the ION delivers and not much else. It is uncomfortable on long trips and while it can seat five the leg room in the back seat is only suited for small children. Also, had a minor fender bender and it end up costing over $5000 to fix the car. The autoshop had a hard time finding parts.

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  Happy Satun Owner - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Saturn Guy - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I recomend this car. Got the coupe in silver and love the style and design of the out side with the rear spoiler. The quad coupe was a great idea. Gives you the sporty look of a coupe with the practicality of a four door. Like the simplicity of the design inside. The dealers low presure aproach to sales and good customer service is great. Fun car to drive.

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  So Far, So Good - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Kansas City Driver - June 21 - 10:00 am

  The Saturn VUE with 4 cy., 5 speed is an excellent vehicle, looks great and makes you feel good driving it. Steering is sharp and precise and the suspension gives you good road feel with no shakes or pounding. Four cyl. has adequate power. Little slow in first and reverse, but good surge in second and third. Had not really planned on buying one, but saw it and when the salesman explained the special offer with options could not say no. Right at $17K loaded. Few minor distractions, but no big deal. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a small SUV. Best looking one out there.

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  In Love - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By keylime1602 - June 20 - 11:30 am

  When I first saw the Saturn Sky in late 2005, I knew that I wanted it. Now in 2007, I finally have my dream car and it has exceeded my expectations. Its exceptionally fun to drive and its appearance has a classy sex appeal without appearing too feminine/girlie. The performance is precise with some tricks up its sleeve. Its my first manual car and its been so easy to drive. The cloth top is easy to handle whether going up or down. Do splurge on the leather interior as it adds to the class and overall appearance of the car. Definitely a head turner. Everytime I see a Solstice, Mustang or BMW or insert lux brand name here, I think, "Mine is so much better" and smile.