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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  Great little car - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By PaFromFL - November 16 - 1:50 pm

  Im really enjoying my Astra. For its size, it provides a surprising amount of room and comfort. The driver gets generous legroom, plenty of clearance from the tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and a wide range of seat adjustments. The engine seems happy lugging along at 1500 rpm, and I have yet to stall it even though I hadnt driven a manual in many years. It handles very well in spite of the torsion rear axle (as opposed to fully independent). The Astra can be more fun to drive around town than my BMW 330i and Chrysler 300C because I can push its limits without instantly violating traffic laws.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Chris - November 15 - 2:56 pm

  After narrowing my search down to the Aura XR and the Altima 3.5SE, I was much more impressed with the Aura. Honestly the best vehicle in this price range.

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  Saturn for Life - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By HEB girl - November 14 - 8:50 pm

  I have always owned Camrys and was a die hard Toyota driver. With price being an issue dwhen shopping for a new car, I test drove every make and model out there. I kept going back to the Saturn and test drove it 3 times. hands down quality and price won out and I choose a Saturn. It still smells like new inside and has been a great car and one that I plan on keeping for a while. The sleek looks and gas mileage are a very big added bonus. Pay attention Toyota because you just lost a customer for life!

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  The Saturn Astra Rocks - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Ryan K. - November 13 - 12:53 am

  When I was selected to "ride & drive" the Astra back in early October I was a little sceptical about how this car would be next to the lackluster Ion I was blown away. This car has all the looks and amenities of a car costing many thousands more, the handling is also phenomonal compared to the Ion. I think Saturn has built a real winner and that they will be a serious contender in the small hatchback segment.

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  Love It! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By XR Boy - November 10 - 1:20 am

  The car is really really fast for a car of its size. The cars paddle shift capabilities make passing very easy. The cars stability control feature is very useful and helps maintain easy control of the car even under harsh maneuvers. The car has minimal body roll and corners aggressively. Handles better than my Mercedes E-class and Lexus ES 350. The car has an input for an ipod and a very loud sound system. The 18 inch wheels make higher speeds very tolerable. Furthermore I have taken turns much too fast and have found the stability program useful. Buy the XR!

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  At least check it out - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Stan - November 8 - 2:23 pm

  We were looking for cheap transportation. I went to Edmunds.com to look for Sedans under $15K and the Saturn Astra was no where on the radar. Visited Hyundai/Kia and test drove an Accent. We were on the way to the Nissan/Toyota dealerships. Just for kicks I stopped at Saturn when I had to make a U-Turn. We were blown away by the Astra. With the current discounts and very little haggling we were down to my price range. The quality feel of this vehicle is outstanding. It was like night and day from the Japanese imports. If I could have bought two I would have. After the test drive I was hooked. I really like the european feel of this car. Its at least worth a look for new car shoppers.

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  I will never go back to a car again - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By jen - November 6 - 7:43 pm

  Back in July I was looking for a new car. But instead I went with an SUV. I have never experienced the service that I received from this Saturn dealership. Very professional and kind. No pressure what so ever. I love the SUV. I love the style and comfort. I love the gas mileage. I get almost 300 mile for a full tank of gas.

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  Great Little Car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By camille - November 6 - 3:10 pm

  I took it on a 6000 mile trip and averaged 33mpg. It handles extremely well on icy streets and mountain curves. I am a 3rd time Saturn buyer.

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  Saturn Vue - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By t - November 5 - 8:46 am

  We went from a Ford Explorer to the Vue. It is a little smaller, but the wife and I both like it. It has plenty of power. We got one that is pretty loaded and the options that came with the vehicle are nice. It is fun to drive and the new bodystyle is sharp, plus it was thousands less than other comparable brands.

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  Saturn makes a great minivan - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By ken - November 5 - 12:56 am

  The new Saturn Relay is a great new addition to the Saturn Family. It is well made, with a lot of standard features for the price. I looked at and priced several mimivans from different companys. The Saturn was the best value for the money.