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:

• 

  Nice package, but w/durability issues - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By rmb75 - July 17 - 6:00 am

  I wanted an all-wheel-drive vehicle with a reasonable price, good fuel economy and enough leg and head room to accommodate my 63" frame. The VUE seemed to meet all these desires as well as any vehicle on the market. I still appreciate many of its features - - AWD traction, passing power, passenger room, decent MPG by SUV standards, comfy seats and a smooth ride. But this VUE has presented substantial repair costs since the warranty expired (it now has 66K miles). On my dime, Ive had two wheel bearings, the rear drive module, another bearing and a suspension link replaced. Some small issues were resolved under warranty. All in all, it seems a long list of repairs for a 3-year-old car.

• 

  Rattle Rattle Thunder Clattle Boom Boom - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Matt K - July 14 - 12:40 am

  I have a love-hate relationship with my Ion. In the year Ive owned it, Im averaging 28.63MPG with a heavy city driving bias. Driving the car is lots of fun, it accelerates, brakes, and corners well. My only complaint about the handling is that the stock Firestone Affinity tires have horrible rain traction and squeal far too easily. From a build quality perspective, I have had mixed feelings. In terms of critical mechanical reliability, this car has been excellent. The only critical item that failed was the DRL / Blinkers in the front of the car, which was subject to a recall anyhow. However, from a squeaks and rattles perspective, this car is horrible.

• 

  First American Car In 18 Years - 2004 Saturn ION
  By kicooke - July 11 - 2:00 am

  My first impression, I like it. The car feels sturdier than the little Japanese econoboxes I was used to driving (Ford Festivas, Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla). I am wary of the CVT but thats why I have a 6 year 100,000 mile warranty. The acceleration is OK, not as good as my Nissan Sentra (5 sp) or Corolla (5 sp), but is sure is nice having an automatic in bumper to bumper traffic. Reviewers knocked the seats but I dont mind them. I drive 2.5 to 3 hours a day commuting to and from work and have no complaints. Still not used to electric power steering but it seems to work OK.

• 

  Good Car - Great Price - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Patrick - July 8 - 9:06 am

  In my opinion, any lack of performance has more to do with the class of car (i.e., 4cyl, econonmy). This is my second Saturn and the best way to descibe it is a B+ car with A+ service and price. I know with the "Global Economy" it might not matter (I am impressed with Hondas and Toyotas), but I just cant even walk into their dealerships. I surely dont think American cars are perfect, but based on whats written on-line and in magazines, I must be the only person who knows of a fair amount of people with problems with Toyotas and Hondas etc. My only point being, are Japanese cars better in general, probably. That much better? Maybe Im lucky.

• 

  Sad Sad Sad - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By lostinslc - July 5 - 9:19 am

  I bought this 08 Saturn Vue brand new, first car ever I was able to take off the showroom floor. As a 22 year GM dedicated consumer I felt I was in good hands, boy I was wrong. In 4 years I have replaced the tires three times, the power steering pump twice, the engine mounts, and the battery fried out after one year. GM wont back their repairs and their product and they expect us to be happy with a $30,000 vehicle that keeps breaking down. Sorry to say, I may become a Ford man now, goodbye GM.

• 

  Wish Id kept my Quad Coupe - 2007 Saturn ION
  By dragonfair - July 3 - 2:26 am

  Traded in my quad coupe because it had a big bulls eye on it (kept getting hit by drivers not paying attention). Loved that car! The day I drove this car off the lot, I had a problem with the rotors being warped, then in 2008 the engine powered down twice due to a computer error that they were never able to duplicate so they couldnt fix. I live in fear that itll do it again while Im on the highway. Now, something seems off. Shaking when I slow down, squealing noise from the front left tire, feels like it bottoms out going over the tiniest bump. Idles roughly. Nothing near the mpg advertised. Wish Id just kept my other car & had it paid off by now.

• 

  Good economy car - 2005 Saturn ION
  By J&T in Indiana - June 25 - 10:20 pm

  We are very happy overall with the 2005 Saturn Ion 1. We wanted a low end, inexpensive vehicle with good gas mileage. The Saturn gave us all we wanted with about 32 MPG on average. Because of this MPG our other vehicles have set idle more lately. We are disappointed in the seating quality. We have seen the ION 2 & 3 as well and apparently they all got the shaft on quality seating. Many times you get what you pay for but in this case, the Saturn does deliver more for your money. With the awesome centered guages, MPG, and low insurance cost, it is a great deal.

• 

  Best buy for the money - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Chris1111 - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I had my choice of any vehicle out there. For the money there isnt a better value. Obviously you cant expect German engineering for under 20,000 but what you can expect is American quality and reliability with paramount service. Very fun to drive and the looks are both unique and stylish. I love it. And put snow tires on it and it cant be stopped.

• 

  A good car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By AJ - June 14 - 7:56 pm

  My dad bought the car new in 2004. And the two of us have put over 70,000 miles on it sense with very few problems. The greatest one being the starter, a factory problem, that we have had changed out twice (its a $30 part, with labor being at least 3 times the cost of the part). Other than that simply doing the basics, oil change, alignments etc. One notable experience was when i drove through 1 mile of flooded road over a foot of water and i made it through, no stalling or problems after exiting the water.

• 

  AWD Saturn 6 - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By James 121 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I traded my 94 Jeep Grand Cherokee for the Saturn. I also have an 02 Suburban so you see I am an SUV person. The sale incentive was great. 1750 rebate plus 0% financing. Dealship was great. Car drives and runs well. Some wind noise. Seats and interior in general needs a little upgrade. Vehicle is roomy for 4. Took it out on long drive (200 miles) and was comfortable. All in all very satisfied.