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:

• 

  Love my VUE - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By grouchiesmom - April 6 - 6:30 pm

  Looked at this car 2 years ago and didnt think power was good but wow the 05 has all the power you need and then some. Just had 6000 mile checkup and like the car more now than I did when it was brand new.

• 

  Nice Car,bad mileage and glass - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By DR35150 - April 5 - 3:00 pm

  This is my second Saturn. I upgraded from the Ion as it had no traction in the Michigan winter. First off, I love the look and feel of the Aura.I get a lot of compliments. Unfortunately just like my Ion it has substandard glass. Both cars within 4 months of purchase a small pebble caused a instant chip then crack all the way across the windshield. No problems with replacement windshields from outside companies. Biggest complaint is that the sticker said 24/30 mpg. At first the best I got was 24 mpg with 100% highway. And it has gradually gotten worse. Now Im averaging 17 mpg and the dealer only can say:"Scanned ENG No Codes Unable to verify concern" so tough luck. This is my last Saturn.

• 

  My Saturn Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Thornie - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The comfort of the ride is outstanding. Side air bags give me a feeling of safety since 2 children under five ride with me. The dealership is great.

• 

  Satisfied Owner - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By g20gal - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I needed a new vehicle with room for the long legs of my growing son, to haul my thrift store finds that had style and was economical. I found all that in my Saturn Vue. And the price was perfect. I could hardly believe that the insurance on my 2004 Vue was less than my 1993 G-20.

• 

  2004 Saturn Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Joel Moon - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The Saturn Vue is an absolute blast to drive!!! The V6 is fast and nimble. 250 horsepower pushing this light weight vehicle will allow you to humiliate any Jeep, Tahoe or Explorer in your path. The exterior design is beautiful. The Vues distinctive design is both modern and unique. The interior is a disappointment compared to the rest of the SUV. Although I like the design of the interior, the materials used make it look cheap and "plasticy". Also the "fit and finish" of the passenger areas needs much improvement.Youd think Saturn could have spent a couple of bucks on better quality plastic. The switches, gauges, A.C. and stereo all work well and are easy to access.

• 

  Its the Color for Me - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Sonja Pasa - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Though this may seem shallow in the purchase of a car, I guess I am a typical woman as color always matters to most of us I understand. However, when the Lime color came out in 2004 I was so hoping to get it however I was not ready to not ready financially to do it. Then I decided to buy the 2005 in hopes the color was available, it was not. I decided on the Pepper Red, however, as I was walking out of the dealership, I spotted the Lime green one and purchased it instead, though it was only a 4 cylinder. I am so happy with the color and constantly get told its such a great color! You should bring it back! Get more good comments on it.

• 

  My retirement vehicle - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Biker Bob - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Im an old fart moving south for retirement. Didnt like any of the colors offered so settled on white. It actually looks better than I thought and it is easy to keep clean. Was looking at mini vans but decided on the Vue because it had a higher horsepower engine, 5 speed auto, (both by Honda) side curtain air bags, was a bit more compact, and has good towing capacity for my soon to be purchased Aliner camper. Gas mileage was also important and the Vue does come close to the sticker estimate. The Vue could be quieter at highway speeds but considering my previous vehichle was a Lexus LS400 its no wonder I feel that way.

• 

  Saturn ION3 Sedan 5-speed - 2003 Saturn ION
  By praecelsus - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Sold my BMW 540i to go back to a Saturn; my first Saturn SL1 ran 170k miles with little non-recurring maintenance. Vehicle is solid, runs quieter than the original SL series. 5 speed transmission much smoother with easier clutch than original SL series. Handling is a little soft, but adequate feel for the road makes it from the tires to the steering wheel. Decent options for sound and safety. Excellent GMAC incentives for current Saturn owners, insurance is low, economy high. Doesnt perform like the 540i, but much easier on the wallet in terms of fuel, maintenance & insurance. It is fun to drive too.

• 

  the vue revue; a great ride! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By oldbronx surfer - March 7 - 10:00 am

  m

• 

  Love the car, minus the Kazoo noise - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By k2az - March 4 - 11:06 am

  We have had our RELAY for 9 months now and we absolutely love everything about it except a very loud and annoying "kazoo" noise. We love the way it looks, the way it drives, and all the toys that come standard as opposed to other makes who charge for every little extra add-on. However in the last 9 months we have had our van in the shop 7 times! Ridiculous for a new vehicle. 4 times for this kazoo noise. It literally sounds like someone is playing an obniouxiously loud kazoo above the drivers head. The dealer has had GM engineers to look at it and no one can figure it out. After 4 tries they basically said we cant fix it deal with it. We are currently filing a lemon law claim.