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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  So far, so good! - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Matt - May 16 - 10:00 am

  After trying to talk each other into other Saturn models we compromised on the VUE. So far, so good! The ride is comfortable and quiet for the most part. Fit and finish is very good despite reviews from various auto magazines in the past. We chose our VUE in Polar White, and believe me when I tell you that this is the color to chose down here in sunny South Texas. We had wind noise while driving home on the interstate. We came to the concluson that it was due to the angle the wind was buffeting us, since the noise came and went. Well have the retailer look at it soon.

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  Awesome Saturn - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By cookeja24 - May 13 - 10:56 am

  This is the second Saturn VUE Ive owned and they are truly the best midsize SUV on the road. I can tow a 12ft utility trailer with ease and still have the ride of a luxury vehicle. They get great gas mileage and the 3.5L V-6 has more power than I know what to do with. I cant wait to see the redesigned 08 VUE that will be out this fall. I also see that GM has a 2-mode Hybrid VUE that will role out in 08 that keeps the V-6 power plant and is combined with two electric motors and gets 45% better gas mileage. I cant wait, I would by one tomorrow! GM rules!

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  Best I ever bought! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Linnea - May 13 - 7:20 am

  I went from a Dodge Caravan to a Saturn SL in 2000, thought Id died and gone to heaven! When that lease was up, I needed something larger for my family so I invested in the VUE. It may not have the best mileage (it is a mini-SUV you know)but its Way better than the Caravan I had and I havent had a single problem with it since I bought it in 2004! I really didnt think I would like an automatic transmission but it drives almost like a 5 speed and gets me everywhere I need to go at economy prices. Dont change your product Saturn, we have a winner here.

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  Lucky Lady - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Joanne - May 13 - 2:16 am

  This is by far the best car I ever purchased, I owned every model Cadillac, & never was as happy as I am with my Aura XR. I am noticed by everyone. It drives so smooth you can drive for hours & not be tired. Very proud to drive my Aura XR. She has style & grace, just like a lady

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  I Love this Vehicle! - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By leisa - May 12 - 12:13 am

  A terrific little SUV. Make sure you give it a look when considering small SUVs, I think youll be surprised! I swore Id never drive another truck, but this one changed my mind. The comfort may be better for other folks, I have MS, and nothings really that comfortable to me.

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  Drive Every VUE that you can - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Jonj - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my VUE about 3 months ago and have had problems with it ever since. My sister also has the VUE and never has had a problem. They replaced my steering shaft, my leather, turning links, you name it. I really like my car but cant seem to stay out of the dealership. My car does not ride or feel like any other VUE that I have been in. Drive more than one before you purchase this automobile.

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  America can Compete - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By thomas - May 9 - 8:20 pm

  I bought my fully loaded Aura XR for $21K. The Cadillac engine is smooth and very responsive. The stiff suspension works well for me. The neighborhood teenage kids have already complemented me for having "one bad car". And these kids wont drive anything but an Audi A4 or a BMW 3 Series. I am truly impressed with my Aura XR. I come from a Lexus ES300.

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  great car - 2005 Saturn ION
  By mikefazz - May 9 - 5:13 am

  this car has made me want to drive everywhere, and its easy to customize

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  Better with Age - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Adam - May 8 - 10:00 am

  I wasnt sure about this car when I first purchased it, having come off of 10 years of German cars. But I can say that I have grown to really like the car. Great power, ride, and comfort. MPG is ok if youre nice to it. On highway road trips, Ive gotten close to 30 mpg. Just recently started to have one issue with the car, cruise control occasionally does not work. Have to take it in to get it looked at. Other than that, no problems at all. I get a lot of compliments on it. The Red Jewel paint is awesome. The car looks more expensive than it is. Many people are surprised its a Saturn. Too bad Saturn went away. They finally had a good lineup of cars.

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  05 VUE AWD V6 - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Bill - May 7 - 5:06 pm

  I bought this car new in June 2005 when I traded in my Nissan Maxima. The Vue is no Maxima. It has great power, reasonable fuel economy, looks great and has more room than the other vehicles in its class (Santa Fe, Xterra, CRV) The only issue Ive had has been with wheel bearing/strut assemblies, they covered it under warranty but I had to fight like hell to have it covered. Im at 83k now and it is still fun to drive. Id like to go for something larger but who can afford it let alone the fuel. I can get about 600kms on a tank of regular going about 97km/hr on the highway, big difference in fuel if you drive 120k/hr. You gotta take the V6 out for a drive if your looking at this segment