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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  Still Lovin It - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Burbs - November 2 - 2:20 pm

  Have owned my Aura for a year now and I still get excited to drive it. Looks and performs like cars costing twice as much. Great handling and powerful acceleration and people still say "Thats a Saturn?"

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  Saturn scores! What a great car! - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Joe the Astra Owner - November 1 - 9:13 pm

  4,000 miles and no problems. This car is solid. The Astra XR has amenities you only expect to find in a luxury car. The gas mileage has been phenomenal. I have gotten 34mpg or better on each tank of gas in mixed highway / city driving. If you are considering an Astra, go with the 5 speed stick. With the 5 speed, this car has plenty of power, and you get the additional benefit of outstanding gas mileage.

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  Best mini SUV period - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By missy - October 30 - 3:46 am

  I originally test drove cars then started with the small SUV. I drove Ford Escape, Chevy Equinox and Jeep Liberty. As soon as I drove the VUE I looked no further. The ride was the smoothest, I loved the interior and it will pass a car without any problem ( I have the v6). Love the built in cargo carrier on back as well as the radio controls on steering wheel. This SUV is 10 out of 10!

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  A Review of the 2005 Saturn VUE - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Clay Welsh - October 28 - 11:20 pm

  I took over the lease on this vehicle when it had 13000 miles on it. Ive had it for 22 months and it has been an excellent vehicle. The only problem Ive ever had was the warranty replacement of a system sensor. Otherwise its been trouble free and excellent transportation. I intend to purchase it in 4 months at the end of the lease. A great little car.

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  Fabulous car at a great price. - 2003 Saturn ION
  By zborgerd - October 28 - 2:00 am

  The car is first in its class in terms of options. You cant find a Civic with ABS on the basic model. The Delta Platform is superb, as is the Ecotec 2.2. The manual is fast and the auto is peppy, especially in its "I" mode, which equates to an overdrive mode. The center IP seems seems totally natural. Cars SHOULD be made this way. Overall, the handling, accelleration, and ride wquality is better than any sedan that I have ever owned. Frankly, I feel that there is no better car for a 20-something that wants reliable transportation that looks good. And the price is just right. You can get a good ION 2 for little more than $200 per month with a small down payment.

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  Best For the Buck - 2009 Saturn Outlook
  By quickwhitt - October 20 - 11:50 pm

  My Budget didnt account for the Luxury vehicle we wanted but the Outlook was an amazing solution. It is dollar for dollar everything I expected and more. It has the look and feel of a Luxury vehicle and Ive noticed more heads turning and more compliments than I have with our previous vehicles. I keep hearing, " I didnt Know Saturn made anything this nice."

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  Aura Hits A Homerun - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Brett Copeland - October 18 - 4:56 pm

  I now have 10,400 miles on my car and it has been a reliable joy to drive. I get 30.7 mpg at 80 mph on my work trips to Orlando. The car is quiet and tight. The upgraded sound system is as smooth as the outstanding handling is. A year ago I might have laughed at an American car company competing against the Japanese on television but this car competes with them and the Audis and Volvos. For $22,000, I got a car that saved me $10000 in comparison to German cars and gets noticed on the road. Thanks America for building a car that I am happy to drive.

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  Buying Another One - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By PMM - October 18 - 7:13 am

  I have owned so many cars that I cant even list. I must admit that when you look at the complete package of price, performance, features, mileage, looks and comfort that you cant beat the Aura. Get an XR 4cyl under $20k and you will be extremely happy. I constantly get 30mpg in combo driving. Dont worry about Saturn going away, all Chevy techs can work on it and your good for 100k warranty miles. I put 15k on my first one and am getting ready to buy a 2nd one for the family for $18k. The person that speaks about the transmission is misinformed. This is one of the best 6sp/4cyl in the world. Also, in every car if you roll down just the back windows you get a noise. I am not a GM empl.

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  the saturn - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By edwin DeVand - October 17 - 9:50 pm

  It is a smooth riding vehicle it is very roomy and we can put my wifes electric wheelchair in it. The door opening was wide enough to put a electric lift into the car so that she can ride it or put it in the car without any problems. The cost of the car was very reasonable for what we got. the price included a full set of brand new Michelin tires. We both are very pleased with the cost, the way the salesman treated us, and the service dept.

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  CR-VUE - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Pumph - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Solidly built, reliable vehicle. Much more solid than the "tinny" CRV a co- worker drives. Easy to park and yet roomy inside.