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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  Wow - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By ILOVEVUE - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I drove all the rest and this one is the best!!!!

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  I love my Saturn Ion 2 - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Lou J - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Well, Ive only owned it for a month ... but so far ... I really love my new Saturn. Its fun to drive, incredibly quick and nimble on the road, I find the center instrument console very easy to view, and I really like the external styling of the car.

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  Second Saturn - 2003 Saturn ION
  By jimont - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I ended up with a new, and better equipped, car for over 400 not-adjusted- for-inflation bucks cheaper than I paid for my old 95. Same as last time, I found a car equipped exactly as I wanted on the lot, they didnt try to hit me with the dealer profit pack (window etching fee pre-printed on contract, they crossed it off after asking me if I wanted it-I didnt) and negotiations were quick and pleasant. I got the discount and free 36K maintenance with the coupon they sent me.

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  Great new car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Helaurin - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Wednesday: Old Geo dies at 215K miles. Thursday: Contacted GM dealers (Olds, Saturn, Chevy). Only Saturn offers to drive a car over to me at lunchtime for a test drive. Friday: Test drive Ion; with available options, has all the features I really wanted. Saturday: I looked at other cars on my own. Drag hubby to see Ion for his opinion. He likes it and decides to get one also! ION 3 had all the features I required. But I dont just shop cars; the sales force has a big impact. Saturn was by far the most responsive. Test drive was fine and at $8K off (GMcard rebates, GM loyalty and manufacturer rebates) off, was a steal at under $11K.

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  A Fun, Safe Car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Mark Howard - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I purchased an Ion in January. The car handles well, I really enjoy the placement of the speedometer. The car has a personality and distinctiveness that is very rare to find in a car these days. I own a 5-Speed manual and average around 32 miles to the gallon around town. The car is also safe. Passengers are often amazed at the leg room that is available. I also feel like the dealership has done a great job seeking to satisfy me. The only setback is that there was a problem with the running lights, however, the dealership has been great in dealing with this problem.

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  ION - 2006 Saturn ION
  By CG - May 10 - 9:53 pm

  I got this car used. Only 27000 miles on it. Now it has 35000. It feels like new. it accelerates fast, it might not be the quickest car out there but for the price its the best. I had no problems with it. I love this car. Some of the cons are rear view is minimal (because of the spoiler) and if you mess with the AC too much engine light will light up

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  I love my Saturn - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Wizard - May 10 - 1:23 pm

  I have had nothing but a good experience with my Saturn. It is a very reliable car with great features. The only drawback I have found is the lack of power. I had a hard time driving up the grapevine. The car was struggling to get up the long hill.

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  An Import Beater - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Bobby Kornhauser - May 7 - 10:46 pm

  Once you get over the fact that the Saturn Aura XR is not your typical "panache" import (i.e. Audi, BMW, Acura or Infiniti), then you will be pleasantly surprised by the performance, appearance, features and reliability of the Aura XR. This is GMs best shot at the imports. The car is very comfortable and enjoyable to drive, is loaded with amenities and actually shares the same quality "feel" as my previous Audis and Bimmers. This is a great car for the money.

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  Love my Outlook - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By SUV BUYER - May 5 - 7:46 pm

  Had a 2002 ford Explorer 6 cylinder. I feel this is a far better SUV. Getting better gas mileage with a much roomier car. And it has far better interior layout. The 3rd row seat is a dream to get into compared to other SUVs. I test drove I believe every car in this catagory. And found this to have the most practical layout inside.

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  I Love my Vue - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By jjufon - May 5 - 4:30 pm

  IÂ’m very much enjoying my new 2008 Redline Vue! I traded a 2004 ford Cobra so this was quite a difference, but I couldnÂ’t be happier! My mileage was better in the Cobra but the fit and finish and options more than make up for that. IÂ’ve been in much more expensive SUVÂ’s and IÂ’ve got to tell, ya, youÂ’d be hard pressed to find a better interior and fit and finish anywhere close the this price. The NAV system works flawless and the way it handles MP3Â’s burnt to a disk is second to none too. If Saturn continues to offer this level of vehicle and price, IÂ’ll be driving another new Saturn in three years.