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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  Great Mieage with soft foot - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By IlliniJoe - April 19 - 2:33 pm

  Traded in 2006 Tiburon for more space. I was hesitant because I was getting 30 mpg with the Tiburon. I only have 400 miles on the VUE so after it breaks in I am sure I will get at least 1 mpg better. So far I drove 102 highway miles filled up with 3.3 gallons and got 30.7 mpg. Then I drove 59.5 city miles filled up with 2.02 gallons for 29.5 mpg and finally 82.2 mostly highway miles filled up with 2.7 gallons for 30.4 mpg. Granted I havent gone faster than 65 mph but usually dont. I think the main factor for the mileage is resisting the temptation of accelerating hard. Nice and gradual and it pays off! So far I really enjoy the VUE.

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  Nice look, but... - 2007 Saturn ION
  By bmcewen1513 - April 19 - 6:03 am

  When i first learned to drive when I had my drivers permit my mom had a 2004 Saturn Ion 2, so I am familiar with the performance and drive of the vehicle. I love the way the car handles, smooth drive, and no noises. One thing I have noticed that I am not fond of is the MPG it seems to get. I had a 2001 Chrysler sebring Conv. with a 6 Cyl engine... it seemed that I got more MPG with that vehicle however it could be due to the fact that in the ION I dont notice when I am driving faster so I feel the need to push the gas harder. Id say for a 20 yr old college student its a great car for the money.

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  Watch out! - 2007 Saturn ION
  By JL - April 19 - 4:10 am

  I bought new in 10/07 and only after one month, problems arose. Poor gas mileage for city. It tries to stall while idle, multiple steering issues, vibrations, rattles, plus a knocking sound coming from the back of the car and now, poor acceleration with 4th gear. Replaced headlight, grill, fuel pump, whole exhaust system, power steering- column, shaft, four new tires (two tires separated (bubbled). Overall service received POOR. I just want the car fixed! No dealer will pay a descent trade value. Saturn wont fix tranx unless it codes on computer. "I have to wait for it to get worse before it can get better." I hate this car! BBB doesnt even consider it a lemon, because it hasnt stalled.

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  What Relay did I Buy?? - 2006 Saturn Relay
  By SpanglishScienceMom - April 15 - 11:46 pm

  Wow! After reading all these great reviews, Im wondering if we are talking about the same vehicle. The mpg has never been over 16.8, and thats w/all freeway driving. In the summer during the hotest days of Aug, the A/C refused to work twice. When usung the A/C mpg tops out at 15.1. Lots of minor molding, door sticking, cup holder derailing issues. Met other Saturn owner at dealership w/ identical issues plus they suffered oil leaks that were not satisfactorily handled. I miss my 91 4-Runner!

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  18 trips to the shop in 2 yrs. - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By J Robinson - April 13 - 10:40 am

  Ive bought 2 relays. My 1st was totaled in an accident so we bought a 2nd. Ive been to the shop 18 times in 2.5 yrs. Ive had my rotors replaced 2x, 5 drive belts in 8 wks., 2 tensioner in 8 wks., new heater system, onstar unit, side panels, wood trim, pwr steering unit. Ive had my computer reset so my headlights dont fail. My pwr doors open when driving, (with my 3 children in the back.) those are just some of the problems weve had. Ive dealt w/ Saturn assistance & they offered me free oil changes to make it right. I will never buy another Saturn again. I may never buy gm b/c of this. I no longer support Saturn in anyway. They do not take care of their customers.

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  Works for Me! - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By ShellJay1 - April 13 - 7:23 am

  This vehicle is great. Handles really well once you get used to the electric power steering, very unique! Looks great with the chrome package and rails. OnStar free for 1 year. Excellent!

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  Saturn ION review - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Ron - April 12 - 12:23 pm

  The interior quality of the ION is poor. However, the engine runs well, is reliabile, and has fairly good MPG for a small car.

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  Love My Saturn, sad I 2 have to replace - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Mandy - April 10 - 12:33 am

  I bought my Saturn new with 4 miles on it, it now has 140,000. Never done a thing to it except change oil, new tires and 1 battery! I live in the country and this tiny car has no problems handling the dirt roads. Great in ice and snow too! Great gas milage. Sad they wont be making Saturn anymore. With 140K its time to replace it while I have the finances to.

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  Good SUV - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Jean Lee-Jackson - April 8 - 2:00 am

  Very good auto, no problems to date, good dealer support

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  Nice ride! - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By techman3006 - April 7 - 4:10 pm

  I was hesitant to purchase a Saturn at first until a coworker talked me into visiting the dealership...Im glad I did. Im very satisfied with my new car. In two months of ownership Ive actually had 2 different people stop me after parking my car so they could ask me about the vehicle (which is a first for me). Anyway, the car is great and Im very impressed with the performance, styling, features, etc. for the price. It really does seem like it should cost around $10K more. The all around mileage has been decent (around 24.6 mpg) and it has been a joy to drive. DidnÂ’t feel the extra $4K was worth it to go to the XR..