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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  Great Car - 2007 Saturn ION
  By LuvinmySaturn - January 13 - 5:40 am

  This is a great car! It is the first Saturn that Ive ever owned and I love it! The mileage is great. I like the center dashboard and the responsiveness of the car. Currently, my car has a leaking problem, but the dealership gave me a loaner and I have confidence in them to fix it. Other than that, the car has been superb. I like the fact that if I need to accelerate quickly that it doesnt shift in to a "passing gear", but that it just accelerates!

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  Save Gas With a Different Vue - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Cindy - January 9 - 2:03 pm

  The 2007 Saturn Vue is the perfect SUV for the high price of gas these days. When I see everyone out there in their big SUVs I kind of chuckle as I know Im getting twice the gas mileage as they are. The Vue is a comfortable ride for the road and the pocket book. Love it!

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  My Saturn ION 3 - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Aimee Hagerty - January 9 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Saturn. My husband and I traded our 2002 s series for the larger ion because we are expecting our first child. We LOVE this car. But unfortunately, we have developed some problems with this model. We are told that these things can happen with a new model. Although Saturn is doing what they can to fix this. Its still been an upsetting experience. Still, we love the concept of the Saturn car company.

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  Red Ion - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Andy Cooper - January 9 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with this car. My previous car was a 93 Ford Ranger.

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  Yummy Car for Kids - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Sarah000 - January 9 - 10:00 am

  this car is wonderful for teen drivers, their every dependable and comftorble and stylish...i love it

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  Vue XR Love it. - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Jim - January 7 - 5:43 am

  Searched hard for something in this size category. After renting one for a week, I knew this was it. It is quiet! The car is tight and easy to drive, not floaty. The steering remains on center except for full throttle take offs. I find the seats comfortable even though the seat bottom is a little short. Great attention was paid to details, for instance the glove box is lined with a felt like material to keep things from sliding on plastic and be quieter. The gas door is sealed with a gasket. Wind noise is very low. The headlights even come on when the wipers come on.

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  Awesome - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Vinny - January 4 - 11:50 pm

  I love the performance, handling and total driving experience. The better then expected fuel economy was a surprise. The super tight suspension and supreme handling keeps all four wheels firmly on the road. Its low end torque allows the car to jump off the line.

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  2007 Saturn VUE - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Charles Shotts - January 3 - 2:53 pm

  This vehicle is well built and provides a very nice ride. All the controls for accessories are conviently located for the driver. While I have only had this vehicle a few days. I am very impressed with the driveability, comfort of ride, and power of this vehicle.

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  Buyer Beware - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Heather - January 2 - 1:23 am

  What a pile of junk. We traded in our Ford Escape for this and I wish we hadnt. This car has been into the service department 5 times for the stupid check engine light. We have paid them over $1000 dollars and the check engine light still stays on. The car will not accelerate and I was almost run down by a semi truck on I-25 due to this stupid problem. I will never buy a Saturn again!

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  I LOVE MY SATURN!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Kristyg327 - January 1 - 11:10 am

  This is my 1st car that I have bought on my own. I have had it over 3 yrs n not one problem. Monica was PERFECT at her job. I have replaced my tiers a cpl mths ago. Thats the only thing i have needed to do. I want to get a new one but I dont know if im ready to let go. :(