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, well-balanced vehicle - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By happy in VA - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Examined many SUVs, went with Saturn. Great price point for a well-built SUV. Carlike, but still w/AWD, cargo room. Got the toys, making a car that turns heads (roof rack, side steps, etc.). 15 K miles with only regular maintenance. LOVE this car. Still has the white on black guages, but the new ones went to the black on white that I dont like as much. Minor detail tho. Consider this car.

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  2007 Ion 3 Quad Coupe Auto w/ 2.4 L - 2007 Saturn ION
  By indie82 - February 10 - 10:50 pm

  Compare this car to other cars in the same class like the Honda Civic. You get a lot more car for less money. Ride is quiet and smooth. The engine screams and it shifts very smooth.

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  E-ticket ride - 2005 Saturn ION
  By mytdawg - January 26 - 2:53 am

  I figured there was no way that a supercharged 4 banger was going to run at 30 mph in 4th gear without lugging. I was wrong. The powerplant is powerful and flexible. It purrs like a kitten until you need that right pedal, make sure you have a clear path if you decide to mash it. The dealer let me take their demo for a weekend. I put 500 miles on it and only gave it back to them long enough for them to prep it.

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  So Far So Good - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By John - January 23 - 9:20 am

  Purchased last SUV VUE dealer had in stock for 2007. SUV is V-6 FWD with XM radio and some other goodies which I wont go into. Gas mileage so far is good. Most I have gotten is 25.4 MPG on short trip (154 miles) and around town I get 17 to 19 MPG. If you stomp on the gas it will suck some gas. So far so good. Satisfied so far. Want to go on longer trip over Thanksgiving and check out the gas mileage. Very happy with Saturn. Think I made good choice.

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  This car is a good step for Saturn. - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Anonymous - January 22 - 12:06 pm

  This car is a very goo thing for a dying breed of cars: Saturn. Its comfortable, has a good fuel economy. Even the far back seats have leg space for adults! Saturn prayed for a miracle and got one!

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  2007 Saturn Outlook - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Gerald ZWick - January 15 - 12:03 am

  The belt line is very high on this car, and it is very difficult to see out the rear window. Overall the driver visability is poor. Gas mileage was not what was advertised.

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  Its a great car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Paul alexander jr - January 13 - 9:26 am

  Its a great car for anyone looling for a small car that dont need too much under 6 feet tall

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  Good family ride - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Catrina - January 12 - 4:40 am

  I have only had my Outlook for a few months but love it already! We are a family of four and needed something roomy, but wanted to avoid a mini-van at all cost, we found the outlook and it is great, there is plenty of room for the kids, and the back seating is not to bad either. There is a lot of space and overall great for a family of four..or five! The only problem I have or dont like is getting to the third row seating, its a bit hard and I wish i would have opted for the captains chairs in the second row, but over all I love it!

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  Back to the USA - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By Glenn - January 3 - 8:30 pm

  Traded Acura for new XR/V6..with every option except engine block warmer. Love the look of the car..and the classy brown-leather interior. Im 64" and the drivers position is a little cramped compared to the Acura. The position of the heated seats switch causes some problems..you turn it on with your legs getting in car..it would have been better in the center. The ignition switch on the dash also is awkward..because to reach it you almost always turn on the wipers. These things are minor..but could use a re-design. Gas mileage is better than advertised..so far. Dealer service has been excellent.

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  LM in FL - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By VegasLM - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Great in the rain.