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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  True enjoyment! - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By Darksky - March 8 - 11:46 pm

  I fell in love with the looks the minute I saw my first one! Its one of the best looking cars on the road and for the money a lot of car and a great buy. I dont understand the reviewers complaints about the manual top. Its simple, fast and reliable to operate. Its so small I cant see the need for motors and a drive system. The performance, handling and braking are exceptional. The car is a constant hit with everyone you meet. I love the XM radio and all the small speakers. Even with the top down at 80 sounds are still clear and strong. Its fun to drive and the enjoyment factor is way high. A bonus is the ease of manuevering and parking such a small car.

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  Great European cummuter car - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By TortoiseMe - March 8 - 4:13 pm

  I traded in my Ford Escape V6 for this car when gas prices spiked. I also checked out the Mazda3 sport and Hyundai Elantra, but the Astra was the most fun to drive and best built by far. I opted for the automatic - which is well matched to the engine but like all GMs it really, really should be 5 or even 6 speed like many competitors. I have commuted in it for a month now and taken it on 2 long road trips and it has been great! - Comfortable, economical, stylish, what more could you ask for?

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  2004 sautrn vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By jbk - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The response, while not high performance, is exceptional in the 6 cylinder motor. Gas mileage is surprisingly as promised at the dealership (24 town, 26 highway). Steering response is acceptable, while not oversensitive.

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  A seat with a Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By yhensley - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I really have enjoyed by Vue. I have had many people stop me and ask about my experience with my Vue. They also comment on its sporty look. I must agree.

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  Love It - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Amee - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun to drive around. It is a small car, but when you drive it, you forget you are in a small car. Nothing can compare to the costumer service you get when you go to a Saturn dealership too. The best part is no haggling. While this if my first Saturn, in all liklihood it will not be my last.

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  bad paint job - 2004 Saturn ION
  By cindy vogel - March 8 - 2:00 am

  my paint job is not to good has some scratches on it saturn says due to ice storm insurance adjuster said bad paint job

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  VUE THIS ONE - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By ROOM 4 A VUE - March 4 - 10:00 am

  BEST SERVICE DEPARTMENT GREAT SUV GREAT ON GAS COMFORT DONT EVER GET ANOTHER DING HAD 2 YEARS NEVER GOT A SCRATCH YET GREAT PAINT QUALITY

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  Great Car - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By tuco - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Excellent UTE! Great price and lots of room. Love the 5 speed, sports package and no dings. Outstanding value and reliability. Saturn takes care of their customers and treats everyone with respect. Lots of return buyers.

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  First SUV, second Saturn - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By SecondSaturn - February 20 - 2:00 am

  I narrowed my choices to the 2008 Vue and Rav4 months before they hit the lots, test-driving them both the same day. Id also narrowed my choices between Toyota & Saturn 10 yrs earlier when I bought a Saturn SC2, and for pretty much the same reasons the Vue was an easy choice. Saturn makes good-looking vehicles w/superior color choices, that come well-equipped with lots of luxuries that make them especially fun to drive. I was impressed with its nimble handling, tight steering and solid stability at cornering. The 4000-pound 6cyl can haul 3500 lbs. Between OnStar and standard alarm, its safer from theft. I upgraded to the premium package, and now own one stellar car.

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  Whats an Astra? - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By mikeski - February 19 - 5:36 am

  Needing to replace my sons 94 Bonnie with 190 K and two bad cylinders, the choices seemed overwhelming. I suggested a Mailbu or an Elantra, and we drove both, but my son did his research and wanted a Saturn Astra? Never heard of it! Since he couldnt drive a stick, I did the test drives and was blown away. The handling is superb, shifting easy, seating comfortable, brakes excellent, fit and finish excellent and it made me feel like I was 25 again. No wonder its the best selling car in Europe. Why is GM keeping this car a secret here? You owe it to yourself to test drive this car. It blew away the Elantra. Thanks to those who posted reviews, you helped in our decision process.