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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  Do it, you will not regret this car - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Dave - March 15 - 4:33 pm

  I was a little leery to buy a Saturn, boy was a wrong after taking a closer look. These things are built well for the most part. Theres a couple things that could be refined like the doors having to be all the way open or closed to open/close the hood, and the window controls being to far back on the doors, but this thing is a ton of fun to drive. It handles like its on rails, has a nice solid feel, decent power for a NA engine (I plan on putting a big turbo on it in a few years). With the sub its stereo has an excellent sound. This thing kicks the heck out of the Miata. For the price this car is fun, reliability will be proven, but with 6 year 100K mile warranty Im not worried

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  Love it ! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Simon - March 14 - 7:00 pm

  Great SUV! Interesting design and confortable interior. A little heavy on the gas but its not too bad. Superb cargo capacity.

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  Great value! - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Spike - March 13 - 3:06 pm

  Excellent value. When you consider gas mileage, comfort, power of engine, and pick up, all on top of a great price, you have to call this vehicle a great value.

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  A perfect first time car buy - 2003 Saturn ION
  By SuthernCharm - March 10 - 10:00 am

  The Saturn Ion is a great car for someone just starting out. It has great get up and go power (for a domestic) Personally, I was very skeptical about buying a Saturn over a Toyota, but when it came down to it Saturn was willing to bend over backwards to give me what I wanted in a car. Its a nice stylish build, smooth ride and all the service can not be beat.

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  Tried them all before I purchased - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Bill D. - March 7 - 6:33 am

  I researched and test drove all the small Suvs and I chose the Saturn XE. Just returned from a 4,000 mile trip and I couldnt be happier with this vehicle. Mileage 24+ on highway and very comfortable with a good ride for a small SUV. Looks great and for me has plenty of power, I wanted good mileage and ordered the 4 banger with front wheel drive which has plenty of pep for me. Love the OnStar and satellite radio. One thing that I do wish this vehicle had and that is a pop-up rear window for hauling those over 8 feet items.

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  Yes, Its Really a Saturn! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By tabjaxx - March 7 - 4:23 am

  Test drove GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, Chrysler Pacifica, bought a 2008 Outlook XR FWD. The Acadia didnt ride as nice as the Outlook and had a few rattles to it. One practically melts into the Outlooks leather seats. Nice leg room in 2nd row. The ride is smooth, but can be rather stiff over bumps. It is quiet--you can hardly tell the engine is running; road noise is minimal. The interior is handsomely designed and the amber lighting over the front seat console is a nice touch. Impressive fit and finish. Engine power is adequate, although it is not the quickest out of the gate. Transmission is smooth but is hesitant to downshift. Not bad gas mileage (18 cty, 21 hwy). Nice vehicle. Good job GM!

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  Civic Killer - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Astrabuyer - March 5 - 6:50 am

  I finally found a car that beats out the peoples favorite Honda Civic. This car is better in every way, especially handling. I also really like the cool unique features like the remote roll down windows and monster sunroof.

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  I love this SUV - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Chris - March 2 - 11:46 pm

  Ive had this SUV for a little over 3 weeks and so far its been exceptional. No concerns here. If your looking into getting a resonably priced full size suv than the Outlook is the way to go.

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  SatisfiedVeryI bought a preowned - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Maclary - March 1 - 10:00 am

  Very happy with car but disappointed with a squeaky brake pedal. Dealer says it is a faulty booster and cannot do anything about it. Been greased two times and still squeaks.

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  GM got it right! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By John - February 25 - 3:10 am

  Finally General Motors has built a vehicle that is outstanding in every way. I read the review on the GMC Arcadia and went to my local Saturn dealer to see the outlook. I was very impressed. I went back a month later and drove one. That was it I was sold. This SUV performs like a car. Great power from the engine, great amenities, quiet and a well thought out design for the interior and exterior. Very comfortable on long trips. The HID lights, 19inch wheels, dual sunroofs are great touches that you dont see a lot in General Motors vehicles like this. They didnt hold back with this one.