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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  Its a strong buy - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By jb - January 13 - 8:50 am

  Dollar for dollar the Saturn Aura is an outstanding car. The lines of the exterior really look like a more expensive car. We drove the XR and found that there was too much torque and HP for our needs. Also, drove the Malibu. Chevy has more interesting interiors, but, the people at Saturn seem a bit more consumer friendly. The inline 4 has good power and the sound and vibration damping are really well done.

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  Plastic Vehicle - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Charles Newbold - January 12 - 7:40 pm

  I like the Saturn to look at and to drive. I was surprised to discover the amount of plastic used in the body. Sure hope I never get hit buy a volkswagon. Also the seat on the passenger side is very uncomfortable as compared to the drivers side. I find the power very good.I like the saturn,but they could improve the quality and safety if more metal was used in the construction of the vehicle.

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  4star for price - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By jill - January 12 - 7:40 am

  Great and unexpected find. Pleasantly suprised. Our model with upgraded radio, autodimming rear mirror, chrome package, leather, heated seats, tinted windows. No cheap looking plastic silver decals on dashboard like the Chevy Equinox. Same cupholder as Acura TL. Definitely like how Saturn upgraded this model making everything standard. Rides like the Lexus RX 330, and feels like it on the inside too.

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  Good Value for the Money - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Mick - January 11 - 10:13 pm

  After somebody cut out in front of me and my 10 year old used car got smashed up, I applied some of the insurance money towards a new 2007 Saturn ION. The Saturn dealer let me have it for under $12,000 and Ive been happy ever since. It came with cold AC, a decent radio with CD player, 1 year of FREE OnStar service, and dark tinted windows. It drives well, has pep, and it cruises at 80 so well that it feels like youre going 60. Ive put almost 19,000 miles on it in 17 months and its been a very good car.

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  Stylish and Practical - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By salsa xr3 - January 11 - 7:50 am

  My Saturn Astra has been a surprising treat for me. It has all I need in transportation at this point in my life. Stylish and economical (34mpg on the road) 27 around town with the 4 speed automatic on regular gas. I have the leather interior option and the CD40 Opera cd/radio with on board computer that makes keeping track of that fuel mileage a breeze. It is solid to drive, brakes are fantastic, firm and sure. Holds four easily and comfortably. Another surprise very little wind noise, even with the windows down. I chose the 3 door because of the length of the doors. I am 64" and have plenty of leg and head room. A/c is standard and effective. I look forward to many happy miles.

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  Happy about my VUE - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By mary - January 11 - 5:00 am

  Ive enjoyed my VUE very much. No problems at all with its performance. The only thing that can be bothersome is the blind spots in the front frame around windshield. I purchased an extended warrenty up to 100,000 miles just in case its needed. The stereo is great. Ive been pulled over by the police to turn it down and Ill turn it back up because I just cant help it! So far, best car Ive ever owned!

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  ION 3 & ME - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Wanda Owner - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I have only had my ION 3 for five days now but have had great fun with it. The ride is wonderful. Handling every turn and corner with ease. The cabin space is comfortable. And the dash is centered with a smaller stiring wheel, I am over 6 foot tall and that is great for not knocking my knees every time I get in. Over all ... I am very satisfied with my new car.

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  Good car, but needs Critical Improvement - 2003 Saturn ION
  By sack - January 10 - 10:00 am

  The Saturn 2 Ion handles well-- with cornering and with highway /city driving. Sound system is also quite good. The center-mounted console one gets used to very quickly...dont let that issue put you off. Overall, a nice car and a good value to boot!

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  Great! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Rydlund - January 10 - 10:00 am

  We found our Ion 2 to be a great investment. We are very satisfied. The one and only thing that we dont like is the interior. It is a light tan color, and stains very easily. Other than that, the Saturn Ion is a great car!

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  Great - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Rydlund - January 10 - 10:00 am

  The Saturn Ion is a great vehicle. It has great gas milage, as well as being a great car all around.