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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  First Impressions - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By vuedude - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Went to the dealership after an exhaustive research/test drive process. Others considered, Santa Fe (questionable reliability/poor customer service), Honda CRV (arrogant sales staff/lowballed trade/no rebates), Ford Escape (poor reliability, overpriced), Chevy Tracker (too small), Toyota Rav4 (too expensive). We got the Vue for way under 20,000 clams and its loaded. Also purchased the extended warranty. The car drives great, is quiet at speeds (even highway), holds more stuff and actually fits "3" adults in back or in our case 2 car seats with room for a passenger. Wife loves it!! So do I!!

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  Still brand new, but loving every minute - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Landon Pool - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Only had Vue for 2 weeks, but am loving it! Had to keep payments cheap so opted for FWD4 w/ VTi Automatic trans. Was wary of this at first...a mid-sized SUV powered by a 4-cyl., but its very peppy! Rides smooth, & you cant feel it shift w/ the variable trans.. Since we couldnt afford 4-wheel drive, I was drawn to the Vue because the 2-wheel drive models are FRONT wheel drive, which is safer than most rear-wheel SUVs. This car has great safety ratings! Very nice gas mileage too. The only complaint is the door panels on the inside. Construction seems cheap. But this car is economical, but no compromise on safety, comfort, & space.

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  Excellent Saturn Vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Roberts - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Rides very quietly and smooth. Comfortable for traveling and very spacious. Saturn company tries to satisfy customers to the max...

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  Great alt. to minivans and huge SUVs - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Farmasis - July 27 - 6:00 am

  We love our Outlook. The styling and handling is superior to all other vehicles in our budget for our family. The seats are adequately comfortable. The versatility of up to 8 adult passengers, impressive engine and fuel economy is a welcome change to this market.

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  Fun for a second car - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Ohio61 - July 21 - 4:10 pm

  I basically purchased this car to have a fun second car for the summer months. So far its lived up to exactly that. Most reviews would tell you to look at the Miata first before you get the Saturn, but I had to problems with the Miata, styling and size. Styling is pretty obvious, the Saturn is a much sexier car then the now dated Miata shape. Second being the size, I am 6ft+ and the Miata was an impossibility. So if your looking for a well priced sports car that can compete with the Miata and still have room to get in, I would look into getting the SKY.

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  Just Bought - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By kcohne - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love the first time I test drove the new 04 VUE, it is the smoothest drive and effertless electronic steering are wonderfull the roominess and feel are fabulous.

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  New Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Melisse - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Had a 280ZX Turbo and this corners and handles sometimes better. Just returned from snow in mountain and it handled just as good or better than other all wheel drives on the same road. Very impressed.

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  LKLs Review - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By lkl - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This was the most comfortable SUV I test drove in this price range. It is very easy to get in and out of even for my elderly aunts. It handles beautifully in the snow, and goes up my steep snow covered drive with no problems at all. I like the plain interior, but I do not care for the location of the automatic window buttons. I love my Red VUE, and I smile each morning I go out and hop into it to head for work.

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  AWESOME TRUCK - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By jim stone - July 21 - 2:00 am

  LOTS OF POWER! FUN TO DRIVE, NOT SURE WHY THE REVIEW SAYS STEERING SLOPPY. I FIND IT TO BE NIMBLE AND PRECISE.

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  Saturn ion 3 is a excellent car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By William A Comer - July 21 - 2:00 am

  We bought a 2003 ion 3 in March 2003. We were so pleased with the car that when my son returned from Europe and needed a car we bought another ion 3 in September 2003. So far, NO regrets. I would buy again and recommend this car. The Saturn dealership is the very best sales and service I have ever experienced in my 40+ years of car ownership.