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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  AWD Worth the Wait - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By njrazd - February 19 - 8:40 am

  I also fell in love with the Enclave, but the price was more than we wanted to pay. We had to order our Saturn AWD with a 8 week delay, but it was worth it! I drive on some awful dirt roads down in Mexico and the Outlook handles very well. I do notice some reduced power going uphill, but does not affect the overall enjoyment of the ride. Im getting 16 mph around town, which is what they advertise. I love having all the interior room and my 6 son has room to spread out in the 2nd row bench seat. And our three dogs enjoy all the room in the spacious cargo area. Were very happy with our purchase.

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  THIS CAR IS OK - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By WENDY - February 16 - 4:43 am

  I traded in my saturn ion for this vue for myspace due to adoping a child, but feel that i less space than i did. It is very sluggish going up hills and i agree that for the weight of the vehicle i am not sure making a 4 cyl was a good idea.

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  Leaks and scratches - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By jwa287 - February 15 - 4:20 pm

  Second time in 2 months we brought our Outlook in for a water leak. the first time, the rear sunroof leaked and absolutely soaked the carpets, mats, and center console in the front of the car. The second time, water was dripping from the drivers side near the side airbag hn to my wifes lap. We were told "dont park on an incline!" The back hatch door has no clearance, so it is wearing a groove into the rear bumper. We were told, "nothing we can do." The remote start didnt work for months. Plastic holding the seat belt was "razor sharp (Mechanics words) and is cutting a groove into hard plastic interior surfaces. No more Saturns for us!

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  Worst Vehicle Ever Owned - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By TL in Wichita - February 15 - 4:16 am

  The only good thing about this car is the looks. Performance is good when it works. From the beginning, this vehicle has been in the shop for numerous maintenance issues from suspension, to leaking antifreeze, and many other problems. This car is so poorly built that as soon as it was paid off, I took it the following day and dumped it. Maintenance costs are very high. Was quoted $400.00 to replace a faulty thermostat because much of the engine would have be be broken down to get to it. Same with changing the spark plugs. I will never purchase another Saturn again. To think I traded a low mileage Camry for this piece of junk! I guess we all make foolish mistakes. I now own a Toyota again!!!

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  Former CTS owner. - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Lew - February 14 - 4:50 pm

  Thought I would never get anything but another CTS when my lease ran out, not so. Checked out the Camry,Fusion, Mazda6 and the Passat, the Aura XE had just about everything we wanted. We had to go with the XE due to the need for a lower payment. The XR would destroy all other rivals in almost all comparisons including the CTS. What a nice sedan at a great price. Quick and responsive with a real nice ride.

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  It is GOOD. - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Michael Yeoman - February 13 - 4:56 am

  I bought my Saturn VUE New in 04/2003 fortunately I got a stickshift 5-Speed. Had to put new brake shoes on at 115,000 miles, today I am going to the dealer and get a quote for rattle in front end (Been doing it for 2 yrs. Bushings) and a whining noise (probably wheel bearings) the steering wheel squeaked really bad 2 or 3 yrs. ago and Saturn Dealer fixed it = now it comes and goes with the weather & same with front end squeaks (I have lived in Leesville, LA. for 5 1/2 yrs now. Overall I got a Good Deal:) KEEPER oh, yeah did get the recall done on rear control arms or whatever they r.

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  Saturn Aura XR - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By T. Wendel - February 11 - 1:26 am

  The car is incredibly quick considering it weighs in at 3700 pounds. Handling is superb as is braking. Transmission shifts so smoothly (perhaps the computer is smarter than old technology) and the ride is incredibly quiet, probably due to the sheet metal and the construction of the windshield. Interior is finished so very well although the rough plastic might leave something to be desires. The trunk is huge and the back seat folds down for extra space. The ride is firm, perhaps firmer than many would expect given the cars size and weight. The radio is great and the satellite stations really enhance the selection and the sound. A beautiful car with so many standard features included.

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  Started every day, outdoors, in Twin Cities winter - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Tommy Boye - February 10 - 12:23 am

  hard to get into and out of.

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  Comfortable ride - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Patrick Catena - February 9 - 3:26 pm

  I am very comfortable driving and riding in the VUE. It handles very well. I like the amount of room you have. The 6 cyclinder has excellent power. I like the body style and the design. It catches your eye,

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  A Fine SUV - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Steve Walker - February 8 - 2:00 am

  A great suv for a small family. I live in northern Maine and the vehicle has worked flawlessly. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a compact suv with real world usefullness. I owned a 01 RAV4 prior to the VUE. The VUE is alot more usefull and alot tougher suv than the RAV every was!!