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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  Best performance sedan for your dollar - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By phaetondriver - April 19 - 6:10 pm

  I bought my Saturn XR with 5000 miles on it, but it was in 100% perfect condition. It has features I would only expect on much more expensive cars, like electronic traction and ride stability control. It has a six speed automatic with paddle shifting on the steering wheel, which is fantastic for mountain driving. This car accelorates better than a 328, corners better than an Altama, and rides better than a Camry. Surprise is that it costs so much less than any of them. There is just to much to talk about here, let me just say that if you want performance, looks and ride like a $35K car and you like German auto engineering, but dont want to spend over $27K, then the Saturn XR is for you.

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  Great car - 2005 Saturn ION
  By john - April 19 - 1:23 am

  It is a joy to drive. i love the power and handling. The Recaro seats are a great touch. The ABS 4 wheel disk brakes stop like no other car Ive ever driven. An awesome car.

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  Love It! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Leslie - April 18 - 6:56 am

  I shopped around at the Nissan Murano, Mazda CX-9, and several other vehicles. I think I drove them all! The Saturn Outlook was the best all around. Bigger than the Murano and better mpg. Seats are really comfortable and it is very affordable even with all the bells and whistles! I couldnt be happier. This one is a keeper!

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  The V-6 is the one to get - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By jer2315 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had this vehicle about 4 weeks, but it is already one of my favorite vehicles ever. It is fun to drive, has a kick to it and is roomy. I am 65" and I have the legroom ive been longing for in a Saturn vehicle. I have read very few problems with the V- 6 Honda engine in the 2004 - stay away from the Vti (4 cylinder automatic models)

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  Best Car I ever Had - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By Donn - April 14 - 9:56 pm

  This is my 4th Saturn car and I loved them all never a problem. I now have the 2008 Aura XR and we just love this car.Very comfortable to drive the stereo system is a delight for a great sound. Leather seats are very comfortable and in our cold climate the heated seats are just great. Gas milage is acceptable and the 6 cylinder engine a dream to drive.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By KCook - April 10 - 12:10 am

  We have had our Saturn XR for just over two weeks. We have just come back from a 2,800 mile trip with two of the grandkids. We could not be more pleased. The mileage on the road was almost 22 mpg with the car loaded down and the AC going the entire trip. No, it is not a powerhouse but I found that it has more than enough power to handle the mountains of Colorado and plenty of juice to pass without fear. The “manual shift" is activated by putting the gear into low. You then have the option to shift from first to sixth gear by pushing a clever thumb control up or down to handle mountain driving. We looked at everything and just could not resist the size, style and quality.

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  Saturn VUE Better value - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Mike Nigara - April 8 - 3:46 am

  We chose the Saturn Vue over the Chevy Equinox because of the better value.The Bigger 250 Hp engine cost less than the smaller 185 hp Equinox. The Vue was more carlike and has a luxUrious interior versus the Equinoxs more industrial interior.The Vue has more standard features, less cost.The traction control system comes std on the Vue. Easy to drive ,easy to park, love the rear door access with the clever grocery-package compartment.Plenty of power with extremly smooth shifting.Go anywhere do anything with very good Standard value should make the Saturn Vue the right choice when deciding on a new SUV.

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  What a Blast! - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By Ross - April 7 - 12:30 am

  This car is just so much fun to drive! If youre looking for a 2 seater that will bring a smile to your face every time you get in it (or just look at it), this is the car youre looking for!

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  I love my Relay - 2005 Saturn Relay
  By Lisa - April 5 - 9:40 pm

  I am torn with the gas prices skyrocketing. but I love the car so much, so much room, comfort for 7 adults, removable seats, storage, there are so many great things about this car

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  Youre Going to Love It! - 2006 Saturn Relay
  By ShuShu - April 2 - 5:33 am

  This ride is so smooth. I love to drive it as well as ride in it. The outside noise in minimal to none. And DVD comes standard. It is just a nice fun reliable car.