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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  I will never go back to a car again - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By jen - November 6 - 7:43 pm

  Back in July I was looking for a new car. But instead I went with an SUV. I have never experienced the service that I received from this Saturn dealership. Very professional and kind. No pressure what so ever. I love the SUV. I love the style and comfort. I love the gas mileage. I get almost 300 mile for a full tank of gas.

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  Great Little Car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By camille - November 6 - 3:10 pm

  I took it on a 6000 mile trip and averaged 33mpg. It handles extremely well on icy streets and mountain curves. I am a 3rd time Saturn buyer.

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  Saturn Vue - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By t - November 5 - 8:46 am

  We went from a Ford Explorer to the Vue. It is a little smaller, but the wife and I both like it. It has plenty of power. We got one that is pretty loaded and the options that came with the vehicle are nice. It is fun to drive and the new bodystyle is sharp, plus it was thousands less than other comparable brands.

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  Saturn makes a great minivan - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By ken - November 5 - 12:56 am

  The new Saturn Relay is a great new addition to the Saturn Family. It is well made, with a lot of standard features for the price. I looked at and priced several mimivans from different companys. The Saturn was the best value for the money.

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  Aerodynamic Flaw and Transmission - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By Michigan Exp. - November 3 - 2:46 am

  I agree with another review that this cars transmission hunts, is too quick to downshift and would add that it feels erratic (jerky), especially at low speeds; had it checked by dealer, they say that thatÂ’s how it works. Also agree that steering wheel control buttons are too small and hard to use. I would add an item that was not in other reviews. The aerodynamics seem flawed; when travelling at 50 mph or faster, and only the rear window(s) is (are) opened, the closed front windows and closed sunroof vibrate badly and the air pressure in the car is such that it is painful to the ears. Dealers solution, crack the front windows or sunroof; this is not acceptable fix in my opinion.

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  Still Lovin It - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Burbs - November 2 - 2:20 pm

  Have owned my Aura for a year now and I still get excited to drive it. Looks and performs like cars costing twice as much. Great handling and powerful acceleration and people still say "Thats a Saturn?"

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  Saturn scores! What a great car! - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Joe the Astra Owner - November 1 - 9:13 pm

  4,000 miles and no problems. This car is solid. The Astra XR has amenities you only expect to find in a luxury car. The gas mileage has been phenomenal. I have gotten 34mpg or better on each tank of gas in mixed highway / city driving. If you are considering an Astra, go with the 5 speed stick. With the 5 speed, this car has plenty of power, and you get the additional benefit of outstanding gas mileage.

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  High Maintenance for a Cheap Car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Saturn User - October 31 - 10:36 pm

  Any options that are standard on other vehicles cost extra (power anything, auto transmission), boosting the price out of a moderate range for the car. 3 recalls in first year. The brakes squeal loudly all the time, and yet Saturn says this is normal. Goes into overdrive after just a few starts and stops - the engine intensifies. Steering wheel feels like a toy, seats stain easily, seats are hard and uncomfortable. Replaced radio three times because of defective products. Pros: Huge trunk space; reliable to always start up; warning message for low fuel, oil change; plastic body allows for some give and take with bumps and bruises; moderate prices for replacement parts.

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  Best purchase ever! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By garrettham - October 31 - 10:41 am

  I purchaed this car around one year ago adn it has been nothing but a charm! The 2.2 has decent pep when you need it to, and even with my very agressive driving i still average 36 mpg! With 4 Blizzaks this car controls amazing in snow! My car is the 2 with no options but a spoiler in silver. The only bad things about the car are that with the manual mirrors the passanger side one is fixed, so you cant adjust it. Also the head lights are VERY dull, but some new bulbs will do the trick. The only other thing is it used to sometimes not start in the cold, but all you need is a good mechanic to cut some wire in the ignition. Over all if youre at all interested, purchase one, theyre honestly great

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  Best mini SUV period - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By missy - October 30 - 3:46 am

  I originally test drove cars then started with the small SUV. I drove Ford Escape, Chevy Equinox and Jeep Liberty. As soon as I drove the VUE I looked no further. The ride was the smoothest, I loved the interior and it will pass a car without any problem ( I have the v6). Love the built in cargo carrier on back as well as the radio controls on steering wheel. This SUV is 10 out of 10!