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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  Reminds me of a Cadillac - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By fkgaza - September 23 - 10:00 am

  The "Vroom with a Vue" article hits it on the head. For me, this is a very nice car. Im 64" and have plenty of room up front. Looked at the Honda CRV but was always hitting my leg getting in--and the CRV is sort of feminine, whereas the VUE is a more masculine car. And the Honda V6 really makes a difference for me as I have always thought GM engines are not as good as Japanese. Ride and power is great. The 17" wheels look really good too. And the leather seats, satellite radio and huge sun roof give it a Cadillac feel that just puts a smile on my face. I really like the care---and I thought I was going to buy Japanese.

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  Fun Car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Ron - September 22 - 11:03 am

  I bought my 04 Redline one year after it was manufactured...0% for 72mos..couldnt resist. After the first few weeks when I got used to it, I felt I needed another 25 or more HP. It corners well, pulls really nice in 2nd gear especially... and even in 5th at 50mph without downshifting. It pulls away nicely. Gas mileage drops quickly if youre pushing it a bit...still in the low 20s worst case. No complaints!

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  Big hybrid - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Tom Roberts - September 14 - 10:03 pm

  It does not get what I had expected in gas mileage, I really only get about 15 miles to the gallon. I could have done better with a smaller engine or a smaller car. Its a nice car to drive and very comfotable. I think they are misleading in gas mileage numbers and real commuter driving. All the repairs parts cost a small fortune also as well as the initial cost is more.

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  Last forever - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By caochnaylor - September 9 - 10:00 am

  No worries; no problems @ 40k miles. Electric assisted steering not perfected, but most wouldnt notice. Nibble handling for an SUV Box.

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  2007 Saturn Vue 5-speed Manual - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By kwakkerhead - September 5 - 9:32 am

  I bought this vehicle new. I have had few problems with it. Ignition coil and (as a result) catalytic converter went out at about 90,000 miles. A/C developed leak at about 100k miles. No other problems. This has been a comfortable and reliable vehicle that I never hesitate to take on long trips. Cargo space is excellent. Comfort for driver and passengers is excellent. Styling is acceptable. Handling is good for a small SUV. Gas mileage is excellent, as I average about 26-27 miles per gallon. Has 125,000 miles and has shown no signs of wear on 4-cyl engine, which is very adequate mated to the 5-speed manual transmission. All things considered, this has been an overall excellent vehicle.

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  Great Drivetrain, So So Everything Else! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By D Buck - September 4 - 5:03 am

  We came for the Honda V6 and no haggle pricing. We got a decent CUV for $19,700 out the door and headed straight to the shop for a GPS and leather seats. A/C died 3 times until they finally replaced the leaky compressor. Brake rotors rusted on the inboard side. Ignition switch is shot. Keys falls out. Suspension squeaks when it shouldnt. I work on cars for a hobby/profession so well keep her around but be prepared for those unexpected trim and other weak systems like the suspension design to chase your nickels and dimes. Id still buy the car all over again! All cars have their issues!

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  Is on Opel feel and drive superb! - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Claudio Guadagno - August 31 - 1:20 am

  I just got a 2008 Saturn Astra XR trading down from a 2006 Chevy TrailBlazer. Gas prices and fuel consumption were factors in getting this car. I am from Venezuela where Opels are sold so I know about the built quality. This car is sweet. It is not very fast 0-60 but once it hits 60 it all changes. It handles like a 318ti my friend has. Sweet.

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  Solid Commuter - 2006 Saturn ION
  By berne1 - August 29 - 8:23 am

  I bought this car strictly on price. Got a 24 mo lease w/17K miles per year for $222. I was expecting to be underwhelmed, but I found this vehicle to be a pleasant surprise. I got the 5- speed because I prefer a stick, and got an addl $250 rebate. This car would not be fun with an automatic. The engine pulls strong in the powerband. The interior is quieter than I expected. It only took a few days to get used to the center-mounted gauges. I dont know that Id put them there, but they work just fine. The only time it seems weird is at night, when there is no light from the gauges directly in front of you.

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  Wind noise - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Smith - August 27 - 3:06 pm

  The only complaint I have about my VUE is the wind noise, lots of wind noise. Also in bad weather when you open back doors there is mud rain snow rock salt that has came in under the door. Seems to me they should of sealed around doors more and also windows. The seal is a hard plastic not like rubberized on most cars. Also the window controls are in an odd place, hard to get use to. Other than that I love the drive and ride of it.

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  Bought Used Love It - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By nicevue2007 - August 23 - 5:34 am

  Overall I really like the car. The Honday V6 has plenty of power yet gets great mileage. A dependable car, but more suited for smaller people. Great for around town or short trips (3 hours). Again, probably more comfortable for smaller people. Its compact, interior space is decent, seats somewhat small. Good features, everything within reach for driver. Moderate road noise, car has a few interior noises mostly caused by plastic folding cargo box in back. Recommend for second family vehicle with small children or older couple. Not ideal for large people.