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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  Pauls Review - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Paul - June 10 - 5:00 pm

  Owned for 2 yrs, purchased as demo with 9000 miles. The AWD 4 cyl is underpowered, mpg approx 22. Engine strains to maintain speed with cruise control. Car is noisy and has intermittent rattle under rear, warranty replacement of rear drive modules solved problem for a few thousand miles - but rattle is back and dealer can not find cause. Do not like blind spots due to front A pillars. Overall, the car dirves fairly well and has good room for family of four. Luggage carrier on top is easily handeled. Instrument cluster is nicely arranged but climate control buttons are too small. Now have 46,000 miles on car, not sure if VTI transmission will hold up over the long run.

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  Never again - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Millner - June 6 - 8:56 am

  Will never buy this SUV again. I have owned several good quality automobiles, but the Saturn Vue turned out to be the nightmare of my life. Transmission has failed for the fourth time since I purchased this vehicle. Repairing it has not been helpful. This is the third winter I am riding the bus to work and still paying a note on this vehicle. The cost of the transmission is more than the vehicle is worth at this point and it seems like a bad investment anyway to pay that much for a transmission that has not been designed to hold up.

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  Wonderful little car - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By happyAstra08 - June 3 - 5:43 pm

  I have had my Astra for 2 years now. It has always been a pleasure to drive. In SF it fits in all the small spaces, yet holds a ton of stuff. If GM can build cars like these in the states I will definitely look at them when I am choosing my next car ( I have had hondas and mazdas for the last 20 years) so good job on the Astra! A few minor quirks that were repaired at the dealer when I got the car was the only reason it did not get a 10 on reliability.

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  My blue baby - 2003 Saturn ION
  By thielgrad04 - May 20 - 10:05 pm

  I love my car. I have had it 8.5 years. I had 0% for 60 months. I paid it off. I did have to put a new tranny in for like 3k in 09 at around 80k miles and a new (used) ac compressor for about 420$ in 2010 as well as a new tail pipe/catalyc converter due to a tiny hole in the muffler that midas said wouldnt pass inspection, but other than that I havent had any major repairs. I never broke down because of a car problem. In summer 2011, I was rear ended because the girl behind me didnt stop when I stopped behind a school bus and she cracked and messed up my back bumper on the drivers side. Bent the tailpipe (another replacement) but HER cars front end smashed up like an accordion!

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  Make Mine Sky - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By tom w. - May 11 - 5:33 pm

  I considered several roadsters before selecting the Red Line Sky. I knew soon as sat in a display model that his was it. My Sky is powerful and handles curves beautifully. I love the way it handles in town as well as on the road. I waited several months after placing my order but the wait was worth it.

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  1st American made - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By akjagarcia - May 4 - 6:43 pm

  Ive had my XR just under a month now and aside from the horrible MPG I love this car. The V6 is a little under powered for a vehicle this size. Im averaging 12 MPG city and 21 on the highway.

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  Worst new vechicle ever owned . - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Mike - April 29 - 5:56 am

  We bought a Saturn SL Car new in 2002 and it has been the one of the best vehicles we ever owned. So when it was time for a second vehicle,we thought we would try a VUE.Out the of ten brand new vehicles we have had,it has been the worst! Here are the parts that have been replaced: 3 strut mounts,1 strut,sway bar busings,tailgate rusted..painted 3 times in 18 months! both lower seat cushions..cracked, drivers seat mechanism..still rocks side to side, doors adjusted, weather stripping & cowl..for wind noise, pass side exterior door panel, rear end clutch pack,transmission torque converter..still growls between 1100- 1300. 28 months old..35,000miles! Maintained regularly and not abused.

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  The Redline Lives Up to Its Name - 2006 Saturn ION
  By SaturnTuners - April 26 - 11:36 pm

  I have had my car for over a year now, and put nearly 19,000 miles on it. It is by far the best car you can buy for the price. I got mine for around 20k, with a killer trade in deal on my last car. This car beats 03 Mustang GTs no problem, and it gets twice the mileage! The supercharger whine is amazing, especially with the intake. I also got the thermal R&D exhaust, and it sounds really nice; unlike a Civic hatch. If you are looking to pick up a really good deal, now is the time. You can get a very high performance grocery getter for around 15k loaded.

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  Saturn Ion 2003 - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Forest - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Just bought an Ion and I want to tell you that GM has done it again. It handles like a dream and the interior is the best. I just recomended one to a guy at the gas station and he really like the car. Especially the bright blue color.

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  Stout and Steady - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Mr Borg - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Has been a dependable performer since its purchase. Like 3.0L six but wish I had waited for the 3.5L for the towing capacity.