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 461 through 470 of 3,767.00
  • vue...its getting there! - 2004 Saturn VUE
    By -

    having owned a jeep grand cherokee & mazda tribute i rank the vue in the middle with the jeep on top

  • Buyer beware - 2003 Saturn VUE
    By -

    The VTi transmission in the 2003 Vue is very bad. After we had paid our car off last month, we were driving home from the in-laws and the Vue went into "default" mode, not allowing us to drive more that 20 MPH. After we researched the problem, our transmission was shot, with a $6,000 estimate for repairs. Research the transmission issues if you consider buying this car. Besides that, we liked Saturn but will most likely never buy another Saturn.

  • Disappointed - 2007 Saturn Aura
    By -

    This is my third Saturn in over 10 years, and while I love the product, I am kind of disappointed in this car. I was told the MPG was better than it has been (lucky if I get 19 mpg both street/hwy) and have had little things going wrong on it from day one. The OnStar was leaking water in when I washed the car, the stereo jammed CDs in it, now the AM doesnt work and the OnStar is cutting out during phone calls. The front bushings are squeaking on turns and bouncing. It has a lag when getting on the freeway, seems to take a few hiccups to get up to speed.

  • Performance and gas mileage! - 2004 Saturn ION
    By -

    This care has been great to drive. Its rare to find a six second car with grocery-getter gas mileage. Unsure about annual gas mileage...sorry.

  • A great car! - 2007 Saturn VUE
    By -

    This is probably my most favorite car since I started driving 44 years ago! The gas mileage is great as well as the comfort. It is probably the most inexpensive hybrid vehicle on the market. I would buy another if I were doing it today.

  • The Saturn Ion is a Greeat Car! - 2004 Saturn ION
    By -

    The Saturn Ion is a great car that I would highly recommend to those looking to buy one, I just recently did and I absolutely love it! It is a great car and I am very happy with it!

  • Awsome Car - 2004 Saturn ION
    By -

    This Car is a great car. its fast, fun and looks good. I havent had any problems with it, exept for the recall, but every car/truck has recalls. All the poeple who buy one love it, but the editors don,t. shows how much they know.

  • Good solid SUV - 2002 Saturn VUE
    By -

    I got the sport edition and really enjoy it for the most part. Its a four cylinder stick, but surprisingly peppy. Excellent fuel mileage considering its an SUV. Whats really neat is some of the features. I really like the ride and the new electronic steering (derives power electronically versus ol power steering off the engine). Resistance on the steering lowers with speed and once you get used to it, its pretty cool. Overall, I like it and would buy it again. The best thing about it though? The price! Less than $16 grand for power everything (including moonroof), ABS and AWD. Fantastic!

  • Love my Aura - 2007 Saturn Aura
    By -

    I love my Aura. It is so beautiful and I always am getting compliments. I purchased the XR fully loaded and I love all the little extras. My car came with locks on the gas cap, big mistake.. It is so annoying. It feels so sporty inside and looks very classy. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a stylish car with lots of power.

  • Hybrid Plus - 2007 Saturn VUE
    By -

    Nice and quiet. Great mileage. Could have done more with interior and increased the quality, but for a mid-size SUV, it is acceptable. Great basic surround sound.

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