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:

• 

  Love this SUV! - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Marianne - March 11 - 7:23 pm

  This is my first SUV, but not my first Saturn. I came back to Saturn because my last one (an SL sedan) was very reliable. I have to say that this is great on gas mileage, and there are a lot of features that you would expect from an SUV that was more expensive. Pickup is what you would expect from a 4 cylinder, but its great for around town driving! I take mine on 1400 mile road trips- this was exceptionally comfortable with plenty of room for people to spread out as well as luggage. I felt a lot safer with OnStar. Nice that they give you one year free!

• 

  Proud to own a Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By DIZZYCAN - March 11 - 10:00 am

  My Vue has become an extended family vehicle. My son and daughter and in- laws as well love to drive it. I have allowed al of them to use the Vue for vacations and trips up north. It is peppy as needed, smooth on the road, easy to handle, well balanced and as comfortable inside as any other SUV I have taken for a test drive. Funny thing. since I got mine there are now four others in the neighborhood.

• 

  2004 Saturn Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Patti Stevens - March 11 - 10:00 am

  After looking at the Chevy TrailBlazer, Equinox we tested the Saturn Vue. We found the controls to be easily accesable and liked the "new" styling of the interior. Many different textures, although plastic. We found the Vue to be fun to drive with excellent handling, not tiring. The electronic steering system was a little "touchy" getting use to but once we adjusted to it its great.

• 

  Zoomy, Fun, and Sporty - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Gerry - March 10 - 2:56 pm

  What a great vehicle. Saturn puts a zoomy 250hp V6 Honda engine in the VUE. The result is a great ride in a sporty vehicle and you can heap on the extras like, leather, a sunroof and super stereo system without killing your wallet. Great for hauling my bike, canoe and dogs. All that and a best in class 28 mpg highway rating. I looked for 8 months and couldnt find that combo in any other mid size SUV. Saturn wins big with the VUE.

• 

  Great Vue from Saturn! - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Dave M - March 10 - 9:26 am

  We have two of the 2006 Vues - this review is for the V6 one that I drive. First off, love the V6, so much more (intoxicating) power than the 4 cyl in my wifes Vue. Same or better gas mileage under every condition too. Very comfortable, solid interior (leather), great storage space, decent radio (base radio with XM plugged into the mp3/ipod jack). 5 speed transmission is pretty much flawless, like the Honda engine. Doesnt handle like a sedan or sports car (and it shouldnt) but I prefer my Vue to my folks Volvo XC90 (T6) any day of the week. Could be quieter at highway speeds, but its still acceptable for sure. I prefer my 06 over the redesign of the new 08s so, maybe my last Saturn?

• 

  Saturn Sky - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By vpp982 - March 8 - 1:30 pm

  The car is beautiful and fun to drive. Everyone I meet loves the car instantly. I recommend this car for anyone who loves to drive!

• 

  Always Reliable - 2006 Saturn Relay
  By sgtuglee - March 6 - 3:30 pm

  My 4th Saturn, I pulled a 3000 pound trailer from MD to AK via FL and AZ. Driven in 117 degree AZ and -23 degree AK. Always starts always works. Handles 12" fresh snow with no problem. Goes on ice, but doesnt like to stop or change direction, so go slow. Kids love the interior. Used the OnStar phone when we couldnt get cell signal in back country. I got 12 MPG towing 3000 lbs. I get 23 on mountain highway with no trailer and light load. 16 mpg in town. 14 mpg in snow in town. Continental tires were lousy. Have michelins now and they seem to be lasting well. Have had only one dealer needed repair and they covered it for free even though the warranty had expired by 2k miles.

• 

  A consern customer - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Lisa Redes - March 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought a Saturn SUV in May 04. I cant roll down the two back windows without a LOUD wind noise coming in which is annoying. When you dont have your seat belts on why isnt there a emergency notice that reminds you to but on your seat belt? My seats have 1/2 so call leather on material. Why would you put a material thats not comfortable. It itches my legs when I wear shorts. Is there seat covers I could by without getting them custom made. Stores dont make seat covers that have arms on them Please help me before I get a rash

• 

  AWD VUE - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By saturn fan - March 6 - 10:00 am

  Outstand vehicle. Hoda engine and transmission make it possible to tow this saturn. Could offer more color choices in the future. Vue is fun to drive. Once again Saturn has come to the front of the pack by doing a consumer courtesy recall by addressing the rear wheel problem that may or may not be a problem.

• 

  Of 10 cars in 10 years, this is favorite - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Derek T. - March 6 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive and handles well. It seems to me that too many people are nit picking with this and other lower priced cars. For the money, this is an excellent car! I plan on building this car into a tuner. That means new rims, body kit, race seats, interior mods, and engine upgrades. This car was made for this and for people who need a good car for little money. I am very happy with my new car purchase and look forward to owning it for a long time.