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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  XE - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By D van Galen - September 17 - 9:43 am

  After 10K miles on this car I have to say it has been one of the best cars I have owned.I will put 18k-25K rep yr on the miles. A real pleasure to drive. I average 2-3 years on a car.The ride it the best feels like a BMW sport sedan. Comfortable and has style. I would have prefered the simulated wood trim to the silver interior trim but it is clean. Radio is great. Not bad on mileage 22-26 around town, 25-30 on highway. Very quiet ride for a $24K car.

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  Astra-nomical fun! - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Joe Astra - September 17 - 8:10 am

  I have owned my new Astra XR 5 speed manual coupe for about a week. I have put 200 miles on it so far. It is the best riding/handling small car I have ever driven. It also has an outstanding quality interior, and features that you typically only find on a luxury car. I could not be more impressed. I was concerned about the 138 horse power engine having enough power to climb the foothills of the Rocky Mountains where I live. This car eats up the mountains like a piece of cake.The highway I take most frequently that has the steepest grade has a 75 mph speed limit. The Astra takes this hill in 5th gear doing 80 mph, no down shift and plenty of additional power to give if needed.

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  Great Value - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Paul - September 15 - 7:03 pm

  Coming from a line of luxury German Brands, a Saturn was purely and economic move that I honestly resented. I bought it for looks and price, but love it for the way it treats me. In the nearly 75k miles in nearly three years, it has not needed service at all other than normal maintainance and a persistent squeak from the rear seat, despite the heavy footed daily commute I put it through. The dent resistant panels have keep looking virtually brand new despite spending most of its time in a cramped busy garage. There are more comfortable, faster, and maybe better looking cars out there, but not at this price and reliability.

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  Buy at your own risk - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Suzanne - September 14 - 1:53 pm

  In the past three years, my car has been in the shop 11 times. Each time for a different reason. The following things have been addressed: driver window leakage, gas pedal module, 4 valves replaced at 40k which then leaked oil, multiple electrical issues, driver visor, computer reprogramming- twice, emission control sensor replaced. There are more issues that I dont care to list at this time. This car has a cheap plastic feel all around, and the seats were uncomfortable. I do not suggest that anyone buy a car of this type.

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  Consider VUE on your list as number 1 - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Tazulica - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Just parked a V6 Vue last night in the driveway. Great dealership experience. What you see is what you get! Salesman drove almost 100 miles to 2 different other dealerships to bring us the silver V6 that we wanted . He delivered the car to my home with a full gas tank. Try this in a Japanese dealership...Other two options were Honda CRV and Xterra. Honda - too pricey for a 4 cylinder/160 hp car; Nissan - pricey, poor built, bad design on the rear seats if you want to fold them down. VUE have a kick-a$$ V6/181 hp with plenty of power, designed in Germany by Opel/GM. 5 Speed auto is smooth. Car drives like a sedan. Plenty of cargo room. Great looking design.

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  Great Car - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By ValKilmer - September 13 - 1:13 am

  This car is slick. It is powerful and very good looking. All of my friends are so surprised when they find out its a Saturn.

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  i love it - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Nate cool - September 11 - 10:00 am

  this is the best car in the world.iwould never

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  Couldnt be Happier - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By Drew - September 11 - 6:26 am

  Ive only driven my new 09 VUE XE enough to exhaust a single tank of gas, but my satisfaction with this car warrants some serious praise. The upscale Euro styling, both inside and out, is simply unmatched within this price range. Fit, finish and interior materials truly are class-leading. The ride is solid, quiet, and smooth. I choose the 2.4L based on both cost and fuel economy and dont regret the decision. While the 4 wont win you any races, its more than adequate for both city and freeway driving. I moved from a Chevy Trailblazer to the VUE and would trade the refinement of this ride over the TBs power any day.

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  New 2 week old Aura XR - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Bob - September 10 - 6:40 am

  After turning in a 2004 Caddy this car is lots of fun. Very surprised so far. Gas mileage in town is not good! Highway was much better. Only problem, rear of XR should have rear seat armrest and also a AC duct for rear A/C to get to! Minor additions but great value to rear passengers. Sound system is great! Only interior part that looks cheap is the interior door panels, other than that great car for the money. Cant compare that to anything out there.

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  the best - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By ralph dunn - September 7 - 2:00 am

  the best american built suv to compete against the japenese