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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  Lots for the money - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By wagzab - October 16 - 10:00 am

  As usual the customer service at Saturn is exemplory. The car itself is a great value for the dollar, better than any other SUV we looked at. Really like the no dent body panels as we camp a lot.

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  Saturn Vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Baileucat - October 16 - 10:00 am

  After driving numerous other Saturns including the SL2 and L-Series, I fell in love with this one - the Vue.

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  a car that fits - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By ibmee - October 16 - 10:00 am

  being that I am 6 3", 250+lbs, I was sold on the VUE as soon as I sat in it. I had sat in many oter makes and found them to be cramped.

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  my view of the vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Nanakat - October 16 - 10:00 am

  As a Saturn owner since 1992,the Saturn VUE was high on my list of SUVs to consider when I started shopping for one and I have not been disappointed. The VUE is comfortable, roomy enough for 5 adults and handles very well on country roads or highway.

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  What a car! - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By scottresti - October 11 - 9:13 am

  Looked at them all and have owned Lexus RX & Honda Pilot in past. This SUV is the best I have owned so far. Only have 3000 miles on it but have nothing but praise for performance and quality. First US made car in many years. The VUE brought me back. Did 2000 mile trip in first 2 weeks and it was flawless. GM can compete if they keep the mentality they put into the VUE. Stopped by dealership on a lark and owned the car in one day. 4 cylinder just didnt make it, but 6 is a dream. Make sure you drive it before you buy anything else, I know you will love it.

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  6+ months - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Sjones - October 10 - 10:53 pm

  I am re-rating the car after 6 months. The same things I liked when new are impressive now. The car looks expensive and I always notice other XRs on the road. The car is very quiet and the ride quality seems European. The stereo system is top notch and the seats are very comfortable. I know they have made some minor changes to address a few issues for the 2008 model year and I hope they continue to do so for the 2009 model year to make this a nearly perfect midsize sedan. Some folks are mad about fuel economy but the sticker said 17/26 for the XR so they should not be surprised. The car is heavy and has 252hp so you cannot expect 25mpg in city driving.

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  I love my Vue - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By jlongstreth1 - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful vehicle, comfortable little SUV that pampers my bad back by providing a car-like ride. Very fuel efficient, with the five-speed manual transmission I get almost 30MPG. Excellent highway ride, great visibility. Limber in the city, easy to park, easy to drive.

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  Update at 5k miles - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By MGGDTW - October 9 - 7:50 pm

  Astra owners, check to make sure your lights, exterior and dash lights are not flickering when using your intermittent wipers feature. I also noticed a relay clicking when this happens. It has been addressed at my local dealer and after 2 weeks in the shop now its been determined that its a faulty part called the VEC module. Other than this small bug the car has still been on par and very fun to drive. Just a faulty suppliers part that has nothing to do with build quality. Im still 100% happy with my Astra!

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  I love my ION 2 - 2004 Saturn ION
  By BLACKBEAUTYION - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car since 2008 and besides the little problems I love it I have had just the normal maintenance done to it and I think Saturn should have been around still the have great long lasting cars I would have bought another Saturn I loved the whole car line I have talked to other owners who say they have never got the mileage out of the other cars they have owned

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  ONE GREAT CAR - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By ONE GREAT CAR - October 4 - 6:23 pm

  I have owned this car since 01/08 and bought it new. i am extremely happy with it in everyway. it rides as smooth as all of the other cars that i looked at in the $40 to $50,000 ranges and looks just as nice if not better. I have had hundreds of people looking at it and asking what kind of car it was and who made it because of its beauty. I am especially impressed with its smoothness and gas miledge. others may have rated this Saturn low but as for me two thumbs up Saturn.