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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  unusal - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By tmjdragon - April 29 - 12:40 pm

  Ive had this Vue since 2005 My mother in law owned before me and she too had to take it in alot. But since Ive had it I have not had to take it in, but Ive had a few problems of my own. the wheel bearing went out 3 times (the rear) and I replaced it my self but recieved the wrong part but it still works. the transmission well it is tempermental it likes to stutter then it goes of course saturn mech says they all do that so Ive been dealing with that since 2007. Its not a bad car and my wife has put that corn fuel in it, seems to run alright with it even though saturn says dont cause it wont run with it

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  The View On the Vue - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By BrittanyCJ - April 28 - 4:53 pm

  I am a 24 year old mother of one and the view is my second car. I was excited about having my very first SUV! I love the car but must admit the seats are a TOTALLY HEADACHE! I hate the fact they become dirty so easily. I have yet to find something that will clean them. Other than the interior, the car is awesome. My son likes it and I do too. I would recommend this car just with leather seats!

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  Happy in Rhode Island - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Happy in R.I - April 24 - 7:20 pm

  I enjoy my VUE. It is fun to drive and it doesnt guzzle the gas like most SUVs in its class. I couldnt decide between the AWD and the FWD. I decided on the FWD and I am very pleased with its performance in the snow and it saved me a couple thousand dollars. I recommend the V6, it has good get up and go!

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  Mini Caddy-Corvette - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By JohnPBFL - April 14 - 11:43 pm

  This Red-Line is beautiful and handles like a dream. A little rocket ship. Designed with Corvette features and Cadillac style for half the price of those more expensive convertibles. Truly exceeds Honda, Porsche, and Toyota on style. Quality rivals all the top imports. A true collectors must- have.

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  Not a Mini Van - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Jim - April 14 - 10:50 pm

  Driving this car is totally addictive. In my opinion the most beautiful car on the roads today. While consumer mags complain about the lack of trunk space, mechanicaly operated top, and poorly placed window and seat controls, they fail to mention that this is a roadster not a minivan. They sell those in the same lot by the way, at about the same price. After 13,000 miles I have adjusted to all of its so called "flaws". Of course, if you still want to put the top up with a touch of a button, SLKs are only $25000 more, of course, they dont look as good as a Sky, but then again, what does?

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  Forget the experts, Quad Coupe is great! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By opiesmom - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Forget the experts - talk to a Saturn owner. This is my 4th one and each one gets better than the last. The new quad coupe is roomier, faster, has a smoother ride and better suspension. Youll be amazed at the cargo capacity these little gems have. And its a littler power-house, a blast to drive! I dont know what the experts are comparing it to but there is NOTHING on the market in this price range that can match it, and htat doesnt even take into consideration the ease and pleasure of the buying experience.

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  Unpleasant noises - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Roger - March 30 - 10:40 pm

  Many virbration noises on rough pavement. Wind noise is bad at highway speed, especially on windy days. Very little interior storage in passenger area. Coffee cup holders are small. Interior materials appear very cheap and ill fitting.

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  LUV IT, BUT...... - 2004 Saturn ION
  By bwu-satern - March 27 - 4:00 am

  Got the Blue one. My first Saturn and Ive had it 6 months. I was in love after the test drive and purchased instead of the ION 3. By far the best seats(recaro) of anything I test drove. With a rebate and some other incentives, blows away others for under $20k. Sticks like glue on corners at 80+, stops quick, handles great. Mileage in the low 20s. Lots of cargo room and easy to load with the side doors. FUN, FUN, FUN.

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  Outlook? Outstanding! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By dave - March 25 - 9:06 pm

  Family of 5: 3 kiddos 9/7/4 - replaced our 2000 Caravan Sport with the Outlook XE. We bought because Saturn didnt offer vehicles to keep up with their loyal customers growing families Other family mobile is a Suburban, this is the perfect answer! Even the 4 year old can manage in and out with the center row seat setup. Excellent performer in the ice and snow, tcs and antilocks minimize control issues. Long rides are comfortable, manual shifting is fun in the hilly-twisty road areas. Accessibility from all 5 doors is great, nothing is ever out of reach. Powerful exterior design matched to comfortable well styled interior. If youre even thinking about one, buy it, no regrets.

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  Saturn VUE - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By gail - February 27 - 3:23 am

  This is a good all around vehicle. Good gas mileage, comfort and style. Good family car. Not real fancy but very practical.