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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  36,000 Miles In - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Tom - April 18 - 5:53 am

  This is my second review. Ive had the car for 2 yrs and 36,000 miles. While I still like it, Im looking to get rid of it now. Still have the same interior rattles plus some new ones. Had to have the drivers seat cover replaced, never had one of those wear out before. AC is now "pulsing" but after my lousy experience with the local Chevy dealer as an "Authorized Saturn Service Center" Im afraid to bring it in for service. My mileage has gone down, I think its because there is ethanol in the fuel, but 25 mpg on the highway, I might as well drive an SUV.

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  Would recommend - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Jaymie - April 18 - 2:20 am

  Bought the car because we had our third child and Im really happy with it. I enjoy driving it and it is very reliable the only time it never started was when i left the radio on (my mistake). Had to replace the hub and bearing at 75,000. It does have trouble with stalling my mechanic told me what the problem was something with the electric fuel something with aftermarket part still on the expensive side but if you give it a little gas when you start it. Yes i know its not ideal but for what i paid for it. I guess i got one of the good ones. Look, its not a Lincoln or Mercedes you do get what you pay for stop complaining and get a more expensive car if you want perfection.

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  My Saturn Review - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By andisnyder - April 15 - 10:00 am

  I feel that this vehicle is more of a sporty SUV than a luxury SUV. It would be nice of Saturn could make a smoother riding SUV such as the trailblazer, etc. You can feel every bump and hear every rattle. Road noise is very loud and when the wind blows it does not handle very well.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Anthony LaRusso - April 9 - 2:33 am

  After driving higher-end, foreign vehicles for the past 12 years, I decided to give an American-made car a try. Before I decided on the Saturn Aura, I already tested a Saab 9-3, Mercedes C, Audi A4 and Lexus IS250. The Aura was roomier, quieter, more comfortable and almost as nimble as these much higher priced cars. Its fresh exterior has piqued the interest of many fellow motorists, who have stopped me in parking lots and at the car wash. To a person, folks were very impressed and even more so, when I told them the cost of my XR which is equipped with every available option Saturn offers.My other vehicle is a pricey foreign make yet I get as much a kick from the Aura as I do from it.

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  A delightful change - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By umgrad - March 31 - 10:00 am

  We switched from historically buying minivans to the Vue and it is a great vehicle. Driving in the Vue with 2 kids is very comfortable for long trips.

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  Great! But... - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Trent - March 25 - 6:36 pm

  This car handles surprisingly well off-road, though I when I wrecked the passenger side ball-joint, it was making a standard turn on a paved road. The trim rattles a little while driving, and putting er in first gear or reverse during a Minnesota winter is tough initially, but fine when its warm (heated seats are a huge plus). Overall, a very good purchase, especially during the employee discount period. I do wish I wouldve waited a month for the 06, however.

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  Good Commuter - 2003 Saturn ION
  By smithbr - March 15 - 4:00 am

  My ION has passed 87000 miles and has not given me any problems. The only repair issue has been a faulty oxygen sensor. The engine is decent for power and gets 30 mpg. The transmission does well enough but doesnt impress. The interior is touchy. The center instrument panel takes getting used to. The cup holders are badly placed, the seats are stiff and anything will stain the upholstery. The plastic interior and fans develop squeaking problems that require some mild garage rework to silence. The trunk has lots of space but has a small aperture. This was my first Saturn and the car has been very loyal, but it hasnt sold me on Saturn - the next car will be an open field.

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  room for improvement - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By RWood - March 15 - 12:06 am

  vehicle rides good but needs more power.I have brought it to the dealership 3 times with under 7,000 miles for a transmission problem,and they keep telling me all the codes are good.It feels like the trans is slipping and it over revs during shifts on the highway

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  Great SUV - When its Running - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Layton - March 9 - 8:20 am

  I have had this since 2004. It had 24,100 miles and now 55,000 in 2008. I love the handle, feel, and roominess; however, it should be painted lemon yellow. 2 months after receiving it there was a recall. No big deal. One year and a month later it was creaking and the front stabilizer was replaced. 5 months after that it howled and a wheel bearing and driveline support needed repaired. 1 year later - new rotors & pads In 2007, it was in the shop 3 times - a front pipe separated from the flange so they replaced the pipe and catalytic convertor (remember that), the crank position sensor went, and then the accelorator sensor. Just now - a new catalytic convertor. Ive been stranded 4 times

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  Visability problem - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By 1st Time Saturn buye - March 5 - 4:46 pm

  The front pillar posts are too wide making blind spots when turning. Rear visablity isnt as good as my Caravan or Forrester. My right leg rubs against the center console. The Vue V6 has great pick up, but I expected better gas mileage. It has much more back seat room than the Forrester. The optional floor mats are great in lousey weather. I dont like the self- dimming rear view mirror; it doesnt darken fast enough. Only the dealer can provide an oil change? Come on!