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 the VUE - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By David - May 19 - 4:26 pm

  Had it now for 8 years and the only problems I had was the Body Control Module and the Stabilizer links. The dealership wanted $750.00 Canadian total to replace the module. However I ordered the part in the US and saved $350.00!

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  Good Buy - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Kiddo - May 12 - 1:16 am

  Ive had this vehicle for about a month now. It is the second SUV Ive owned and I love it. It has a sharp smooth look to it. Has a powerful engine and a comfortable inerior. Weve just been hit with blizzard conditions in Ohio and I have to say this vehicle handles snow better than my very offroad worthy 96 Rodeo. I don;t think I noticed it losing traction once while driving around friends and family with less road worthy vehicles.

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  05 Saturn VUE - a great car - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By shuffm - May 11 - 4:30 pm

  The 250hp V6 rocks. This is a quick, fast, powerful automatic that you can hardly feel changing gears. The engine is supposedly built by Honda in Columbus, OH. Performance, design, extras, and Saturn experience are awesome. It is easy/roomy for kids and car seats and has more space than most smaller SUVs in its class. The cargo system in the back is so cool. Gas mileage is decent. Seats arent as comfortable as they could be, and interior is cool...kind of like a Civic...but not as nice as some SUVs. A great all-around vehicle, especially for around-town driving and family outings.

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  Beautiful car - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Lucky - May 5 - 1:43 pm

  Unbelivable experience. Pretty comfortble, with good performance. Ive got nothing wrong to say about this car.

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  Just Okay for Me - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By Debbie - April 28 - 1:20 pm

  I traded in my Chevy Tahoe for a Saturn Vue. I wanted something smaller and more economical which I got. Overall, I am satisfied with the vehicle but have some complaints. The windows and/or sun roof cannot be opened without dealing with an excrutiating & painful vacuum feeling on your head and ears. Feels like you are going to be sucked right out of the car. Steerling wheel needs to be tilted down further. Seats are very uncomfortable. Seats and carpets stain very easily. Dust & dirt accumulate quickly on dash and in cup holders. No passenger unlock button for doors. Cup holders in an awkward position.

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  More fun than any other saturns...! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Raj Sakthi - April 24 - 2:00 am

  To keep it simple... Yeas An engine that jumps at your touch. Excellent low end acceleration( much to the dismay of many drag racers..!!) Above par fuel economy Price( Yes price..!! I got mine with full package for about 14.5 Gs...;) ) And of course dealership experience..! ( Me having a friend there makes it even better..! ) Neas Interier – subpar and tasteless. Seats...GM penny pinched and made horrible seats Insulation...you can hear every conceivable road noise. Substandard body panel fittings Bottom line, ION is more fun than the traditional ‘florida’ bound Saturn owners have ever dreamt of…!!.

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  First SUV - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Ebni - April 21 - 7:40 pm

  This is my first SUV. I traded my Honda Civic in last year. I love this vehicle. I have a few complaints but this vehicle made me an SUV lover. I agree seats stain easily and are not very comfortable.

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  03 saturn - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Hard worker - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I got into a drivers side impact accident and the car saved my life. I walked away with just a bruise and the car was totaled.

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  Saturn ION 3 - 2004 Saturn ION
  By drkeer - April 13 - 10:00 am

  Terrible reflections from dash to interior windshield. Dash lighting(red lamps are terrible. You can see them at night but in the day time they are impossible to read. Noisy rude. Interior finish is also below standard. No dash control for Cabin light. Interior room is lacking . Nowhere to put Items when you are traveling. Coffe holders are too small.

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  The Aura is a real winner! - 2009 Saturn Aura
  By Dave - April 12 - 3:56 pm

  I think Saturn (GM) hit a home run with the Aura. Its sleek in an everymans kind of way, has more useful gadgets than my toolbox, and the economy is outstanding. On the highway with cruise control at 70, I consistently enjoy 38 mpg; thats darn good in a non-hybrid mid-size sedan. The 2.4 liter 4-banger does just fine and I live in the mountains - of course, Im not trying to jump every car off the line. The 6 speed automatic is smooth as glass, although with a bit of throttle hestitation - you do have to get used to it. I find the interior to be quite well done and ergonomically laid out. The seat fits me well and has proven quite comfortable on a 6 hour trip. I give Aura an A-.