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 example of thinking outside of box - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Sidney - June 19 - 9:43 am

  Great car. Great example of thinking outside the box. It is an example of what I used to like about Saturn, not afraid to try something new. How many times have you bought a new car and only months later, find that you have door dings all over it from parking? Solution: Polymer body panels. The center console some people hate but I just love it. So much easier to see the instrumentation without having to look thru the steering wheel. The engine is smooth and refined, but the trans could use a bit of tuning. 2nd to 3rd shift is a bit abrupt when cold. The only service issue I have had in 50,000 miles are loose front stabilizer bushings. Front seats a bit soft. Very reliable so far.

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  Not for Winter - 2007 Saturn ION
  By KJC - June 18 - 8:50 pm

  This car is actually very nice to drive in the summer (or places that do not get more than a few inches of snow a year). It is great on fuel. I drive it about 3,000km a month. However saying that, I live in Southern Alberta this car is horrible to drive in the winter. It can get stuck in as little as 3 inches of snow with a slight drift. I have had this car for 2 winters now, one not finished yet and I have had to call road side assistance 3 times to get it unstuck and had to push it out about 30 times it high centers easily as well. In winter the only redeeming quality it isnt to heavy for 2 to push it out. Snow tires a must and youll still have problems.

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  I need my space - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Layorm - June 16 - 7:50 am

  I previously had an 06 Vue but had problems, enough to trade in on new. the 08 drives great, handles curves, is sporty enough. The storage compared to the 06 stinks, there are lots of storage places but theyre not big enough to hold neccesities, like sunglasses for example. I stay on the road and carry books, binders, and other school items, no room for any of it now. Gas mileage was better in the 06 too. I didnt ever get below 20 mpg, now I dont even see 17.

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  Good car for the money - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By driver75 - June 8 - 12:43 pm

  Much cheaper than Toyota and Honda. Have only had a few minor things that the dealer repaired quickly. A/C could be colder, but other than that it is great for long trips.

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  Who needs therapy - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Shpchngr - June 6 - 4:56 pm

  ...when you have this car. I love it! I have never had a convertible before. When I put the top down and drive down a country road...every day is a good day. It has been a major conversation starter every where I go. Starts out...what kind of car is that and then there is astonishment over it being a Saturn. I have taken a 5 hour trip in it and packed everything I needed for a weekend in the trunk. That being said, this is a second car so there is a bigger vehicle available for longer trips (but not nearly as much fun).

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  Great in snow and rainy conditions - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Paul from D.C. - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Having an AWD on my V6 Saturn works like a charm. Drove yesterday on packed snow up a steep gradient without any slippage. The VUE handles really well in wet and sloppy snowy conditions due to its wide tires and the AWD. Great all aroud visibility and acceleration; a must in any Metro are full of cars.

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  After 65,000 Miles - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By aura0709 - May 30 - 3:13 pm

  OK so Ive had this car for little over 2 years and have driven the heck out of it. Ive had my share of minor fixes with the car...computer issues, remote keys not working, airbag lights coming on...etc. But I will say that over all this car has been very reliable and a great car.

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  Frustrated & Deperate! - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By mandis - May 29 - 3:57 pm

  I just started having steering problems. The steering wheel jerks hard while driving down the road and it feels like the steering is going out and I am going to loose control. When I come to a complete stop and let go of the wheel it starts shaking all by itself. It seems to only happen when I am driving it. I have taken it to a shop 2 times and both times they say there is nothing wrong. I am not imagining it and I am scared to death to put my kids in the car. Has this happened to anyone else and what did you do?

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  Problems - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By warren smith - May 26 - 4:36 pm

  The batteries for the elec eng have been replaced 2 times check eng light will go on after only a few miles after leaving the dealer when it has been reset gas cap has been replaced 2 times has been in for repairs 4 days after arriving in PA from Fl in July and now the ch eng light is back on will be returning to PA next wk for CT have a 3rd appointment with dealer to fix I hope I get 36 miles to a gal using cruise control at 65 and under when all is working I would suggest any one buying a hybrid car to get the extended warranty as I did

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  SUV that aims to please - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By GeneF - May 22 - 2:00 am

  handles very well, with very good acceleration. Comfortable and fun to drive.Vue has very good clearance and drivers will love being able to see all around them easily.