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:

• 

  VUE Views - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By SHANE - July 5 - 8:33 am

  A nice car. Perfect for the wife to bus the kids and general driving around town. Works great as a ball field running bus for all the kids.

• 

  Happy Vue Owner - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Vue04 - July 4 - 7:10 am

  Engine and transmission are excellent. Handling average for a small SUV. Interior layout good, but materials could be better. Seat cushion is too short and flat. Exterior styling is aggressive and unique.

• 

  Value - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By G - July 2 - 6:53 pm

  the Saturn VUE is not what it claims to be. I had problems with the stearing wheel and the dealer had to replace the ignation. There is also a leak in the left driver side and the battery is always drained and the dealer could not figure out the reason. In addition to the doors allow air into the vehicle specially in windy days. For the amount I paid, I expected a better quality. Also the dealer claimed that I would receive a $1000 rebate and they would not give it. I thought Saturn dealers are somehow honest, but they are still car dealers.

• 

  Currently testing the VUE(Oct. 14, 2002) - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Delenn - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had this car for about an hour, but so far I LOVE what Im driving. My current car(Blazer)s in the shop & Im looking for a new car. Of the ones Ive been considering (Mid- size range) the Passport was at the top of my list. Until I saw the VUE today from the rental agency. Will have this car for two days, but Im not sure I want to give it back!!! I Didnt even know Saturn made an SUV! COOL!

• 

  A Vue to a killer ride - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Detroit AE - June 27 - 10:00 am

  My Vue is a lot of fun. I get stopped on the street by admirers. Its fun to drive, small enough to fit into economy size parking spaces in downtown Detroit, it sits up high for good visability in traffic and is comfortable for four large adult passengers.

• 

  A fun vehicle - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By karen - June 23 - 5:53 am

  I havent driven my Jag since I got this SUV - its fun, handles excellently and is perfect for both commuting and hauling stuff.

• 

  Great car, but... - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Albert Krebs - June 21 - 10:03 pm

  Biggest problem incurred has been blind spot in all four corners and wind noise when windows open. Other than that, a fantastic car. Still havent used paddle shifting though.

• 

  First time Saturn owner - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Mary - June 11 - 8:06 pm

  I bought my Vue new and was hit twice within my first year, both times extensive damage was done. On both occasions, I had no sore neck or any other physical problems afterward. It was though I hadnt been in an accident. Id been T-boned and rear ended. Im extremely pleased with its crash protection qualities. I love my Vue, and hadnt experienced any real mechanical failures until around 100,000 miles. Then it was an O2 sensor, engine leak, and engine light staying on. It turned out to be the part that allows the diagnostics to work (forget name ). Five- hundred dollars later, it seems that only the light was bad. I now have 108,000 and wonder if I should sell it soon. No regrets!

• 

  Car wont start in Winter - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Mike48128 - June 9 - 7:26 am

  Passlock (BCM) makes the car impossible to start in cold weather. Noisy suspension and easily damaged bumpers. I liked this car a lot at first due to the large cargo space and good gas mileage...but not anymore. Do not buy this model as a used car. You will be sorry.

• 

  The best vehicle value Ive ever enjoyed! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By mjuresich - June 8 - 2:58 pm

  I bought my 03 Vue in November of 08 for $2500 with 180K on the clock and a salvage? title. I now have 237k miles on it. Ive only replaced the brakes, a wheel bearing/hub assembly, a rear drive shaft support bearing and U-joints in the 4.5 years Ive enjoyed it. It just wont die! It always starts right up even on the coldest of Michigan days. The AWD is tremendous in the snow. Talk about value and reliability! Ive received more than my moneys worth from this vehicle. I hate rust and thus love the plastic body panels on this vehicle. Ten years old and it still looks great! Id buy another V6 Vue in a minute!