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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  Vue is all I expected, and more - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Chris - July 6 - 12:06 am

  Ive had the VUE for 4 years now, and about 48,000 miles. Bough it used with 10K, and other than oil changes, tires (Bridgestones wear horribly, but sick like glue!), and 2 sets of rotors and pads, the VUE has been flawless. With about 57K, I can honestly say this is a very solid vehicle. Ive used it for towing, and with the 3.0 6cyl, it can haul a pretty heavy load. Average around town mileage is about 20MPG, HWY I can get up to 25MPG. As a 5 year old vehicle, I think it still looks pretty sharp, and I added some chrome nerf bars, an against the black body, it looks pretty sporty. This car is also loaded with the leather package, which included seat heaters. Overall..very happy.

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  New Saturn Owner - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By StaciK - July 5 - 12:43 am

  Ive had my Saturn for about 3 months and so far have loved every minute! My 4yr old and 2yr old fit perfectly in the backseat with their carseats. I am disappointed we couldnt find this car in our price range that had leather because the cloth seats are already showing wear and one drop of water makes it look like a ugly stain. It rides smooth at 75mph and my highway mpg is 31 and my city mpg is 26-27.

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  2007 Saturn ION 2 4 dr. - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Eric - July 4 - 9:53 pm

  I have owned this car for about three months now and have been very pleased with this car. I drive arond 100 miles a day and all interstate. I have been averaging between 30 and 33 mpg. The car drives and handles great and has surprising pep for a 4 cylinder. As of now, no problems and still enjoy driving the car.

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  Happy After 40 Months - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By BaustinB - July 4 - 10:56 am

  Overall, I have been happy with the vehicle. The V6 power is great when you step on the gas and the transmission is silky smooth - even after 45,000 miles. Im still on the original tires, but am searching for info on replacements (preferable something more snow-friendly). My biggest complaint revolves around the issue of noise: road noise, chassis noise, mysterious interior creaks and rattles, and wind noise. I also have a 2006 Honda Odyssey (same engine as the Saturn) and the difference in noise is night and day.

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  Smooth Fun - 2003 Saturn ION
  By rexelent - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Great car so far. Fun to drive and very smooth transmission with the variable option compared to standard package test driven on the Sedan. Sharp styling. No need to move hands from top of steering wheel to check gauges. Great buy for the money!

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  2005 Saturn VUE - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Tracy - July 4 - 2:26 am

  I do love my Saturn VUE, Great vehicle.

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  Saturn Vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By buy foreign - July 3 - 3:56 am

  I have owned for two years. I bought used with 20k miles. in last lear have replaced wheel bearings. catlatyc converter and many more things. I just traded for a Honda. It has cost me over 3000.00 in repairs and the transmision is now going. This was a bad transmission from gm and although they will replace if bought new. I would have been required to pay25% ofrepair bill a total of 1200.00. Will never buy another

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  Aura XE a winner - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Scott L. - June 28 - 10:10 am

  Purchased my Aura in February and so far Im very satisfied. Great styling and performance. Many people have remarked on the great looks and are surprised when they discover its a Saturn. A geat amount of equipment at an affordable price. I think Saturn and GM have a definite winner.

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  Kudos to Saturn - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Art - June 26 - 11:06 am

  We love this car. The Morrocan leather highlights this quiet, taut, responsive This car is a fire breather. Previous cars included Pontiac, VW, Nissan, Toyota, Chevy, and Mercury. Nothing comes close to this marvel. As someone who wouldnt have considered a Saturn in the past, the Aura has changed everything. Most of our driving is freeway and the mpg is surprising and excellent - significantly better than the advertized (28/20)- with the cruise on.

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  Great fun car - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Bryan - June 24 - 11:30 am

  Love it sporty and very different not many on road so make poeple ask what is it.