Saturn Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.30/5 Average
3,767 Total Reviews
Make Overview:

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:

Showing 391 through 400 of 3,767.00
  • Classy, Practical SUV - 2004 Saturn VUE
    By -

    My husband and I decided to buy a Vue because of the gas mileage it gets being an AWD vehicle. I comute about 70 miles each day, so the gas mileage was the main thing we were looking at. We also decided to go with the 2004 model since it had the new Honda engine and Im so glad we did!!! The engine is very powerful, but is also quiet. Its a very fun vehicle to drive and has also proven to be a safe one. Were so happy that we chose the Vue over the Mazda Tribute/Ford Escape that we were looking at. Saturn salesman are outstanding also!

  • I like it - 2006 Saturn VUE
    By -

    Rides well, and I love the polymer body. It has saved me on a couple paking lot carriage dings already. The passanger seat is great. When my wife drove, I fell asleep in the car. That never happened in any other vehicle but this one.

  • My First SUV - 2006 Saturn VUE
    By -

    I Love Saturn, Ive owned two lux sedans and one ION, this is my first VUE. It feels good and safe to sit up high, but I also feel very cramped. I just dont have any leg room to feel comfortable. It moves out quickly when you need the power and has good breaking traction. Im still trying to get use to the quick response with the steering wheel. It moves to quick for me, more like a sports car should. I like it but I wouldnt buy it again. I stick with Saturn, but the VUE was not my cup of tea.

  • Very happy owner! - 2003 Saturn ION
    By -

    Bought this car in March 2013 with 132,000 miles, now has 145,000 and I am very happy with it! Does great in the snow with All-Seasons. I commute 44 miles round trip a day, 5 days a week and this car just keeps on going and serving me well. Sure, I could find issues with it, but I think any issues are mostly due to its two previous owners and the fact that its 11 years old with 145,000 miles. By the way, super glad I found one with a manual. So much fun!

  • Economy & Fun - 2007 Saturn ION
    By -

    Great value bought for the gas mileage, but found it to be a fun car to drive. Great gas mileage, Good cargo space and fine power on highways and through mountains. Recommend

  • My first brand new car - 2007 Saturn Aura
    By -

    Overall love this car. Did alot of research and test drives of various cars before deciding this was my dream car. Sometimes I have nightmares. Ill be taking it in for the 8th time for the service traction control light coming on. The dealer has tried something different each time including have the roving Saturn Enginer come out & determine that the header was put on wrong and needed to be rebuilt. That took car of the problem for about 5 months and now its back. Very fustrations

  • Great New Car - 2007 Saturn Aura
    By -

    This is a fun car to drive and it looks great. Putting the 6 speed automatic transmission into the Manual Mode and using the steering wheel mounted paddles to shift is a real blast. If the badges were removed from this vehicle, you would never suspect it was a Saturn.

  • Stay away from this car - 2006 Saturn ION
    By -

    Fun to drive, fairly comfortable, and good gas mileage. But! Out of warranty repairs are extreme! You will pay for repairs that should have been recalls. Parts failing from poor design. And lots of them. From the bearings to the steering column to the ignition switch to the transmission to the ECM (doesnt like to start when its cold outside) to the bushings to leaks in your trunk to faulty wheel speed sensors. My my my it goes on and on. But other than that its a nice car. Saturn puts out many TSBs but refuses to pay for any of the repairs. Buyer beware! Besides your payment hold back about an extra $100 per month for repairs (if your lucky that is).

  • Better than I expected - 2002 Saturn VUE
    By -

    Bought a Vue used with almost 40K miles on it and thought I would have to do some TLC before it was long trip worthy. Drove it from Pennsylvania to Ohio to Florida and back to Pennsylvania ( over 4000 miles driving the 1st 2 weeks ) and all I had to do was fill the gas tank and wash the windows. If it was a little bit more truck like I would get rid of my bigger SUV and take this to the cabin instead.

  • Great Value for the Money - 2007 Saturn VUE
    By -

    This vehicle has it all for a low price. With current promotion of 5.9% interest or $4000 in cash back, how can you go wrong? We have a fully loaded model. AC, sunroof, electric everything, OnStar, integrated hands free phone (Verizon) or you can buy minutes to use as a pay as you go phone, tinted windows, 17 inch wheels and lots more. Impact resistant side panels are a nice touch. The V6 Honda power plant is what sold me on this vehicle. 100,000 mile power train warranty helped. This is the last year before a major body style change (that we did like).

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