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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  Memphis thang!!!!! - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Bibbles - May 4 - 5:07 am

  I love my ion to death. Bought the 07 model in 2010. This vehicle has been there for me in more ways than 1. Still goin strong til this day. I love u my ion. 177,000 miles and we aint stopping til the wheels fall off...

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  Love My VUE - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By TKincaid - May 3 - 11:53 pm

  I love my new VUE. I still can not believe how nice it drives, how great it looks, and how many features it has for the money we paid. I just dont think you can beat it. This is the first Saturn I have bought and it will not be the last.

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  Great little car - 2006 Saturn ION
  By jgroovydaisy - May 3 - 4:50 am

  I needed a reliable car and that is what I got. Once I got used to the instrument panel being in the middle, I havent had any problems. I am enjoying my vehicle and looking forward to years of use.

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  New VUE outperforms the competition - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Vueowner06 - May 3 - 1:23 am

  Although I have owned my VUE for only two weeks I am nothing but pleased. Before buying the VUE I test drove an Escape, a Mariner, a Liberty, a Tribute, and an Equinox. Performance, price, and style wise the Vue won hands down. The 250 hp Honda engine gives it plenty of power. The new wood accents make it feel very upscale. I certainly would go for the leather package, chrome package, 17 in wheels, and xm radio upgrade. If you choose these options you have one great ride. Seats are very comfortable. Sunroof is huge. Doesnt feel tipsy like the Escape, Tribute, and Mariner did. Nice addition is the dent free doors. Contrary what the ads say there is some room for negotiation. I got 750 off.

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  Favorite out of 9 cars - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Sue - May 2 - 5:20 am

  So far so good. It is a quick little car without the hassle of too much hype. Great in all seasons.

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  Pretty good, but... - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Harry - April 29 - 4:16 pm

  Overall, I like this vehicle. Dont like the tinny noise on the tailgate door. Sounds really cheap! Front end components feel flimsy but the steering is good. I have engine noise that sounds like a diesel but not as loud. Dont like the fact that you have to remove the intake system to do a tune up. Cost about double what most other cars would. Really dislike the transmission. Jerky, shifts to much, and passing gear puts the rpm through the roof, even when you just ease the throttle when passing. The AWD makes a loud terrible noise when it engages, but I understand thbat this is common. I think most of my complaints are minor compared to the overall performance of this vehicle.

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  Great overall package! - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Phil - April 27 - 5:10 am

  A great combination of utility and economy for the price. Excellent interior layout--very classy and comfortable. Engine is quiet and responsive, though not neck-snapping. Very transparent hybrid system--easy to forget youre driving a hybrid. We get right on the EPA average--27 in town and 32 minimum on the highway. Truly an economical and capable vehicle--and one of the few hybrids likely to yield a return on your investment. No problems to date. Check it out!

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  Go fly the outer skin. - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Sylvia - April 26 - 2:43 pm

  Just dont drive on windy days after 8 years. Gm ambassadors dont return calls and suggest its your fault that their plastic exterior is faulty. Its costing us approximately $800 TO FIX THEIR FAULTY PASTIC EXTERIOR COVERING. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER GM PRODUCT.!!!!!!!!

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  Very car like SUV - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By a0000z - April 25 - 3:26 pm

  After two Audis, I thought this may be a big step down, but after a couple of months I am very impressed with this vehicle. Very refined ride, great passing speeds.

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  Dynamic and Smart - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By AJI - April 25 - 2:00 pm

  Easy and convenient to drive. Responsive and quick acceleration.