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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  2004 VUE Tow Car - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Aug/Bev - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I pruchased the 2004 VUE as a Tow car for my Motorhome. It is easy to handle and light enough to tow 4 on the floor. As a around the town vehicle, it is fun to drive. I would suggest it to all my friends to buy, especially to those who travel by motorhome.

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  Nice AWD - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Dave - September 27 - 10:13 pm

  I have now owned this V6 AWD for 20 months, and it has been very reliable. I have 34,000 miles on it and have recently had the front strut mounts replaced. I was hearing a squeeky noice on bumps at slower speeds. Covered under warranty.I really like the V6 power train/transmission. Fuel economy has been good for V6/AWD small SUV.

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  Very good Value in a midsize SUV - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By John W - September 26 - 1:16 am

  We have had our Saturn XE Vue FWD for 11 months now and recently purchased a Toyota Venza which we now can compare it to. The Saturn 4-cyl. is a very good match for this vehicle. The 4 speed auto trans. works very well, but I like the Venza 6-speed better. The Saturn has a very comfortable ride and has a great deal of room inside. The driver sits nice and high and this vehicle has an extra fat steering wheel, which I also like. The as built quality looks to be as good as the Toyota. The price makes the Saturn Vue an excellent value in the market, even as we see GM going through all of this change. I would buy another one without question.

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  Great automobile - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By k796812 - September 25 - 10:08 am

  Bought the car new in 07. Other than routine maintenance I have had almost no problems at 150,000 miles. Surprisingly fast for what it is. I average approximately 25mpg on the highway.

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  its under rated - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By sargon - September 20 - 10:00 am

  i like the car very much however, there is room for improvment as i will outline in the improvements to be made

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  Had for a week, then towed away. - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Bummed Out... - September 15 - 8:46 am

  I have been researching small SUVs for quite some time. I decided on a used 2008 Saturn VUE V6 AWD, then went for a beautiful XR with leather. After I drove it off the lot, the check engine light came on. Saturn serviced it and found a faulty electrical relay. A few days later, it was dead in my garage. A flatbed had to come take it to the Saturn dealership. They said my battery is testing fine, and dont know the problem...Im now back to driving my 96 Escort. I love the VUE, but am very disappointed. Thank God for the warranty.

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  Nice looking but rides like a buckboard. - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Lexington KY - September 11 - 2:53 pm

  I look the style and looks of my Aura. However it rides like a buckboard at around 55 mph. Had it back to the dealer when I frist got it over and over. They were never able to resolve the issue. And the left compartment will not stay closed they also worked on it over and over. I just dont use it. I drive a lot of highway miles 40,000 a year so most times I am over the 55 mphs were the bumpy ride is. Dealership has been a disappointment. I was also a little shocked to see how much value the car had lost in one year.

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  Great but slightly lost in translation - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By avionsvoisin - September 1 - 8:30 pm

  Great car! Well balanced. Tons of great features. Gorgeous & exclusive

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  quality + luxury meets practicality - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By chris - August 21 - 8:56 am

  A pleasant surprise i have an automatic XR handles better ont he corners that my 2003 mitsubishi eclipse gt --- what? i know i could not beleive it either

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  2009 Saturn VUE XR... I got a good one. - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By Macca2016 - August 19 - 6:34 pm

  I still have this car after 7 1/2 years and still love it. I use it to transport music gear for my gigs and its held up well. Its a kid transport/family transport vehicle that, if you take care of it like any car, will not let you down.