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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  This Is My 4th Saturn... - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Robert - May 27 - 1:13 pm

  This car has a nice road presence, fun to drive... I wish that my 1st (92 SC2) had the power of this 3.6L! The Formula-1 paddle shifters are nice when in a sporty mood; I believe this is the same 6-speed transmission used in some BMWs (for those who didnt know- BMW does get 1 of its 3 trans. models from GM). The Goodyear Eagle LS-2 tires (OEM) handle well enough. Once accustomed to the Understeer (all FWDs have it, RWDs have Oversteer), winding roads are fun, too. Bred from GMs German Car Group (Opel), its a nice follow-up to the L300. Saturn Service Depts. treat me like a king. Ive owned Fords, Chevys, 1 Dodge, 1 VW... Ive been driving for over 30 yrs.

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  Best Car for the Money - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Jason - May 27 - 8:10 am

  Ive had 2 IONs and now I have an 08 Aura XE with the V-6. It is by far superior to other cars in the same class with similar equipment. It is much more comfortable on my back that any Ford or Toyota and it actually feels like there is something behind the wheel. The Saturn team really nailed this one and I hope to see the Aura aroudn for a long time!

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  Really Happy! - 2006 Saturn ION
  By branman102 - May 27 - 6:04 am

  Might as well start with the problems. AC compressor went, but was under warranty, the alarm is activated in cold weather due to thick lubricant in the ignition cylendar (common problem) and the clutch that is auto adjusting is set too close to the floor for my liking. Now the good stuff. Good looking car. Better looking than the comperable Japanese models in my opinion. Good gas mileage. I upgraded my plugs, keep it well maintained, use Lucas products, adjusted my driving habits and get about 20% better mileage than the EPA rating. Comfortable with plenty of room in the back for my kids. Lots of trunk room. Lots of pep in the city and on the highway when you need it.

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  Very Nice - 2003 Saturn ION
  By cn - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I love the drive and handling of this car. The gauges took me awhile to get used to, but they are growing on me. the car has planty of room for a small vehichle.

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  Love My Saturn Vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By GHStaples - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Bought Saturn Vue 3 months ago as winter 2d car to my Mercedes SL500 convertible. The Vue is fun to drive, safe, economical on gas, nice youthful appearance,and plenty of room. Pleasant back-up vehicle for bad weather and everyday hard chores. Four cylinder AWD has more pick up than traditional Saturns I test drove. Glad I bought it.

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  Best Ever!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By mnorad2002 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  The salesman are top notch,, by far the best buying experience Ive ever had. They are the leaders in the industry. Hihgly recomend you give them a try.

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  Excellent Car. Saved my life. - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By rjf - May 23 - 3:20 am

  Enjoyed driving. Solid ride. Was just involved in accident where a Dodge Ram truck slammed into the rear of my Vue. I was stopped at a light, they estimate he was driving 50+mph. My husband and I walked away from that accident without a single scratch. Unfortunately, my Saturn was totalled. Heck, the Dodge Ram Truck that hit me actually looked worse, and Im quite sure it was totalled also. Going tomorrow to buy my new Saturn Vue!

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  Love this car - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By MuzMan - May 22 - 12:26 pm

  This is the first Saturn I have owned and I dont know why waited so long. The car drives very smoothly and handles extremely well. The 250hp motor is more than enough for most people. The only negitive I have is the cargo area could be a couple inches wider and then it would except my golf clubs better. I drive the car normaly, that is I dont excellerate hard and keep a steady speed. The around town average is 20mpg. Thats not bad for a 250 hp V6. I love this car.

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  Unsure - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By zap strap - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Have owned the VUE for just over a year now. The front end squeeks and rattles over bumps,dealership replaced the front struts noise still there. Vue is going in again next week (for the 3rd time for same problem) Squeek in the rear when going over bumps, Rattle and vibration from front end over bumbs, Squeek in steering column when turning. Should be fixed next week as well (again)

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  If you like sitting in the waiting area. - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By T.C. - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I"ve had my VUE less than a year and have taken it in for the "Service Engine Soon" sensor light 5 times. The 1st three times it was the emissions, the 4th time was the coolant, the 5th time was only one day after the 4th time. They still can not figure out what is wrong and I have to take it back for a 6th time. The gas mileage is not the greatest. The AWD has kicked in unexpectedly when it didnt need to. I cant wait to get rid of this lemon.