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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  Definitely a Fan - 2003 Saturn ION
  By kevinthenerd - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I was worried than an economy car wouldnt be quick. I was certainly wrong. Several times during the last week, for instance, I ACCIDENTLY chirped the tires coming off of traffic lights. Thats fantastic considering I drive the automatic. I can burn just about any Civic out there, and I still get amazing gas milage.

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  Much better car than they rated it as.. - 2003 Saturn ION
  By n3srj - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Not sure what edmunds was thinking when the reviewed this car but i disagree with 90% of what they say. This car is very inovated,extremely powerfull for its size, and just an extreme pleasure to drive. Handles and drives far better that what you pay for this auto. I rate it a 9.5 out of 10!!

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  Great car! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By John Deere - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I really like this car. I was really suprised to find that a Saturn was this good. The service at the dealership is wonderful, even at a different dealership than the one where it was purchased. I am very satisfied and will only buy Saturns from now on.

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  Live the Saturn way - 2006 Saturn ION
  By John Stevens - December 25 - 12:03 pm

  When you make that first initial decision that its time for a new car, you always wonder whats next. Well from now on, its always going to be Saturns. I have had so much enjoyment so far with this vehicle. I have had the rest and now have the BEST!! Go and see for yourself. Its one of he best decisions I have ever made. I LOVE SATURN!!

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  Fun, Fast, and Fierce! - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By MM - December 25 - 8:33 am

  Ive been test driving cars for months now and taking the wheel at many varities of autos. The Aura was by far my favorite, so I took the plunge the other night after seeing the massive rebates put out. I have a feeling I will not regret it. I have a grey/black leather combo with multiple add on features (including the Panoramic Roof) and have loved every mile. Its quiet, feels sturdy and tight on the road. The mileage is OK, but its a V6! The exterior is fierce with the alloys and leds. I love the interior lighting and read-ability and user friendliness of the panels. If youre going to do a midsized sedan, do it right and get an Aura fully loaded for less than a mediocre Camry/Accord.

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  So far so good - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By dmzempr - December 19 - 7:13 am

  Just purchased this car used with low miles on it. Excited to see how it handles. So far I love the interior, the solidness of the build and the way it looks. Its really starting to shine. Ill be doing some good detailing on it since I am somewhat compulsive when it comes to cars. Replacing a 05 Ford Escape base model. I dont think even the 09 version of the Escape XLT matches this car.

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  Fun & affordable - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By retired - December 17 - 1:36 am

  This is the second VUE that I have owned. I know Edmunds rates it a little above average for mileage. Comfort , looks, and service. I cant say enough about the service. Its 5 star. I took it on a trip to FL and averaged 27mpg. That 3.5 l v6 is great.

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  The Honda engine is great - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Jim - December 14 - 8:03 am

  I really like the way my VUE accelerates. The 250hp V6 Honda engine makes it by far the best Saturn Ive owned (the VUE is my third Saturn). Its exactly what I wanted: nice styling, great pick-up when you step on the gas, and a good value. Oh yeah, smooth ride too.

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  Great buy - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By LFK - December 13 - 8:43 pm

  Picked up our 2008 Saturn VUE XR AWD last week and are loving it! Great ride, toys, size, comfort, quiet ride. Engine pick up is quick but for this the gas mileage suffers a bit but its hard to find it all in one vehicle- power, economy and versatility. I would suggest the $595 convenience package as it provides a couple of nice additions- rain sensing wipers, heated washer nozzels and remote start system. I would have liked a back-up sensor or camera available like is offered in the Outlook. Overall very satisfied so far.

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  Amazing Car For Price - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By exm22psu - December 13 - 5:43 am

  I have found the Aura to be beyond the Camry, Accord, and Altima, even if they were at the same price, which they arent. I didnt like the Altima as much for steering, although the engine is at or beyond the Aura in some refinement aspects, and Camry for ride and road noise. The Aura is more quiet, has better steering feedback, and more tight suspension and seating. Only thing that needs attention is a rear center armrest, move high mounted stoplight to top of rear window, and improve quality of rear seat cupholder.