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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  Love this SUV! - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By jimbodean - August 16 - 1:27 pm

  I have had quite a few different vehicles over the years. I traded in a 2009 Malibu, loved the car but have knee trouble and could not climb out of it anymore as it was too low to the ground. Looked at all the small SUVs and nothing compared to the Vue. Gas mileage is adequate compared to the wifes 2009 Dodge Journey R/T. She actually likes driving the view more than her car as she says it looks like a Lexus. 47,000 miles on it and still drives like a dream. I would by another if they were still making them.

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  So far - Great! - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Joe - August 13 - 7:03 am

  After test driving the alternatives, the Aura XR blew me away. I was a confirmed Toyota fan but the new Camrys and Avalons did not measure up. The Aura has been a pleasure to drive and the dealer experience great. Only time will tell if longer term reliability will rival the Toyota and Honda.

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  Stylish and commanding - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By JAMESBOND - August 12 - 5:53 pm

  Incredible machine for the money, beautiful ecotech world engine. Strong great on gas. Stlylish design, handles great, fun to drive and extremely dependable! Have put it in rough conditions and stills pull through with out a cough. Wow impressed with this gas saving SUV.

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  Steal of the year - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Hoagie - August 11 - 11:36 am

  I just picked up a brand new 2008 white XR 2 door. I believe it was the last 5 speed manual in Michigan. I had driven the same exact car in black in May of 2008, but wasnt ready to pay almost sticker for it. With the $8k off, I couldnt say no this time. I love the leather heated seats in the Michigan winter. I dont love the summer wheel package and bought some Goodyear F1 A/S the minute I left the dealership. With the price I paid, I can overlook the small issues, like the cupholder, and the 5 speed makes the engine tolerable. I find no fault with the ride or comfort. It is a beautiful car, and 2 guys at work told me so the first day. so far I am very pleased.

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  Happy owner - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Flatlander - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Bought it while on vacation in Pensacola Fl. We are very happy with the VUEs power, ride, and gas mileage. It has a unique look and we have had several complements since driving it back to IL.

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  Excellent Overall Package - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Anthony - August 6 - 7:43 pm

  My wife and I just bought our first Saturn. Very pleased with the buying experience, which is another first for me. The Vue is an excellent choice for a family of 4 that needs a vehicle with extra cargo room or light towing capability(we will tow our 2 jet- skis), but still want some sporting character. I love the VVT V6 with 6spd automatic! Tapshift feature makes it more fun/engaging to drive and give an extra measure of control over the driving character. The Red Line has minimal body roll, very good handling for an SUV, solid brake pedal feel, good steering feel, and an awesome interior. Seats are supportive and comfortable. There are many thoughtfull touches/features in the interior

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  Enjoyable car - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By pepmac - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Comfortable, medium sized with room

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  I love my catmobile - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Catwoman - August 3 - 3:43 am

  Triple black sleek cat. Love her! She gets the looks, but thats not the best part. Shes fun to drive. Handles like small sports car but rides like a big luxury car. Hugs the turns like shes glued to the road.

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  Satisfied Owner - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By John1096 - August 2 - 1:36 pm

  Its been two weeks and about 700 miles. This vehicle is a pleasure to drive. Mileage (mixed 50-50) is 19.0. Had some second row passengers and they commented "Why are you going so slow?" This was on a back road, 40 mhp limit, which I was doing and told them to their surprise. The Outlook soaked up the bumps and took turns with ease. The large isolated wheelbase contributes to the slow feeling. Yet the handling is solid. I would recommend this to the Highlander and Pilot seekers who may now be able to consider an American product in the fastest selling segment class of vehicle.

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  Solid little car - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Matt - July 28 - 6:43 am

  Only 1,000 miles driven, but so far I have been very pleased. For 16K, car feels very solid, handles surprisingly well, and gets good gas mileage. Acceleration is about what would be expected. We looked at a lot of 5-dr hatches and the Astra just looked better/sportier than a lot of others and still delivers lots of space in a small package. Back seats have a fair amount of room. With mostly highway, but some stop and go city driving we have averaged 31.4 MPG the 1st 1000 miles driven. So far it has been a great little commuter.