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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  Yet another transmission victim! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Tim - February 1 - 11:10 am

  This past May I had my transmission replaced for the second time within three years. Since May I have had to take my car back to that same shop three more times and now my starter just went on me. This car has given me nothing but grief and if I didnt owe more on it than it was worth it would have been traded in by now! I am absolutely done with GM. Unfortunately, I may be done with American cars period at this point.

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  Outstanding Saturn - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Dana - January 31 - 11:16 am

  I am so happy with this car which is utilitarian, excellent quality, and affordable. It is the finest SUV that Ive ever owned and I recommend it to everyone! Get a Saturn.

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  Better than all the rest in its class! - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By QueenBNYNJ - January 30 - 4:26 am

  After researching small suvs such as the Honda CRV, Toyota Rav 4, and Ford Escape I finally decided on the 2008 Vue. The Vue offers much more for your money. Saturn did a great job on redesigning this model. Looks and drives like a luxury car. More bells and whistles. Saturn customer service is amazing. My experience was stress free. I would have never thought of Saturn before. No one can believe it is a Saturn. Check it out...great buy!

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  If you dont own one, you wouldnt know - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Charlie Brown - January 29 - 2:53 pm

  The Saturn VUE V6 is just wonderful. This is my 8th Saturn. Saturn Corp. builds the very best American cars. I have never had any problems with any I have had. The one before the VUE was a 1997 SL1 with over 200,000 miles, and never a problem, and never even burnt any oil. I would highly recommend Saturn to anyone.

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  Love it! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Kristanlynn - January 29 - 11:36 am

  The Saturn Outlook is a soccer moms dream car. Coming from a minivan, driving the stylish Outlook is as much fun as it is versatile to accomondate my 3 young boys. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a roomy car, with fantastic standard features as well as available upgrades to the base packages.

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  Red Line Vue the Way to Go! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By DJ888 - January 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is very peppy. The Red Line styling is very sharp, with its 18" wheels, lower suspension and chrome tailpipe. Its fun to drive, and very roomy for a smaller SUV. Quite sporty for a Saturn.

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  Family Car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By 6326 - January 28 - 10:00 am

  great power and handling for a family car - 2004 has a nice interior and good ride - great gas mileage - aftermarket wheels/stereo round out the deal - great potential for a smooth family ride

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  Great Car - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Vern - January 27 - 5:10 am

  Had the car about a week now. Just love it. All the controls are much more user friendly than my previous car. Interior lighting at night is terrific. Performance and ride are completely satisfactory. Fit and finish are good. Car feels solid. Like it much better than the Honda I traded in. Would recommend it to anyone wanting a midsize car from an American owned manufacturer. Dont send your money overseas. Buy an Aura.

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  Aura XR - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Andrew - January 27 - 3:33 am

  I recently purchased the Saturn Aura XR after looking for the last 2 months at a number of vehicles. Saturn is comparing the XE to the Camry and Accord...but when I test drove the XR I found it more like an Infinity, Lexus or BMW. The performance that the Aura XR has is incredible for the price. My choice came down between the Infinity G35 and the Aura XR, and the XR was significantly cheaper for similar performance. The more I drive my new Aura the more I know I made the right choice. I love the look of the Aura and the performance is incredible. Saturn has upped their game in the Aura and I would reccomend the Aura to everyone

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  Returned it to Dealer - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By ryanrec - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Had the Vue for three weeks and returned to the dealer under their 30 day return policy. Service engine light and Security light came on at 500 miles. Seats seemed uncomfortable after driving it for a week. Only got 18 miles to the gallon. Fit and finish was poor for a $24K vehicle. Ended up getting a 2003 Accord EX V6. Much better quality.