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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  Review of my first real car - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By 20yrold - December 12 - 3:30 am

  I purchased my Saturn in 2008 and was a little worried from all the stories that I have heard. But to my relief none of them were true. I have had my car for almost a year and I have no no complaints. The only work that I have had to do was replace the front left wheel bearing, but i bought the car like that so I know what I was getting into. I love the way it rides and the way it feels like a small car when its not. My only complaint is that the dash is a little hard to dismantle when trying to put in a cd player, I lost 2 screws that I recovered and the hazard light button, and have no clue where it went, and no clue where to get another one.

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  I like it! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By August75 - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Vue for about a month now and Im really getting a feel for the car. Ive read the reviews that say the 4 cylinder is a little loud, but this is the quietest car Ive ever driven. I feel so safe with my new baby in this car! I also dont feel like I pass 50 Vues on the way to work each day like some of the other small SUVs I see. I definately think she stands out a little. Im happy with my purchase because I love to drive it as well as my husband who drives a truck. It fits both of our styles.

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  Love the Saturn Vue - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Kirsten Hughes - December 9 - 9:00 am

  I first drove a Saturn Vue rental in 2007 when I went on an unexpected road trip. I was impressed with the comfort and performance. My daughter and I felt safe and the vehicle handled so well. In addition, it is so easy to get in and out of the vehicle without having to struggle.

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  I love this car! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By miss_tarabull - December 8 - 7:43 pm

  This is the 2nd car Ive had, Im 17 and its totally perfect for me! Its so cute and fits me. The performance is great, I havent found any problems with it at all; even my mom likes to drive it. Its super fun to drive, and Im pretty protective of it. My last car (Ford Contour) was a dud but this car is awesome!

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  Happy - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By brad - December 4 - 3:43 am

  I just purchased my VUE and so far so good. I am nervous though since this is my second Saturn in a row that has squeeky seats and I hope that isnt a sign of things to come. Moderately quiet car, some wind noise but not too bad.

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  GREAT CAR!! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By daisy111 - December 3 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE MY CAR!

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  Saturn is a solid car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By joew44 - December 3 - 10:00 am

  This is my first manual transmission in a while. I like having the control over the engine so I can take it easy for great gas mileage or power when needed. The 2.2 has a flat torque curve with plenty of power in the low RPMs for easy shifting. Car very smooth on road. Special features like the electric steering and center mounted speedometer get more natural and easier to use as I drive the car. Definitely if youre thinking of a Saturn take advantage of the 24 hour test drive.

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  The best sedan - 2007 Saturn Aura
  By Jimmy Flitts - December 1 - 4:53 am

  I really love the Saturn Aura. it drives like a car that cost thousands more.The interior is sleek and stylish, as well as the outside. I have recieved many compliments on this car.

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  Has been a reliable car - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Karen - November 30 - 8:20 am

  I bought by car used and have driven it everyday for work and on trips and have never had any mechanical problems. I had some leakage in the sun roof but removed the wind deflector & problem gone. The security alarm sensor is malfunctioning & will cost $100 to fix but I just dont turn on the alarm and it doesnt go off randomly. Sometimes the engine sounds like it is struggling when accelerating. Everything else is good. I have the extended warranty up to 75K and now I have 70K, so I will probably trade in for a diff. brand b/c Saturn is now out of business. I need a reliable car for my job & this one has been a good one for the last 3 yrs.

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  Good - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By bombaybistro - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Good for the price