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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  Not totally convinced ... - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Salar - January 30 - 10:00 am

  Having owned my Vue now for over six months I am not totally conviced it was the best decision. The starter does not turn over as quickly as it should and the rattles in the front end are non stop and quite annoying. The cheap interior plastic does not hold up very well to every day wear and tear. Small scratches when removing items from vehicle often leave deep gouge marks in cheap plastic interior. The most recent recall for an overhaul of the rear supsension has left me wondering if I made the right choice when purchasing this vehicle. I guess you get what you pay for ... in this SUV segment of the market I didnt pay much.

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  OK Car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By jmccrury - January 29 - 1:50 pm

  I bought this car used with only 19,000 miles on it. It has been a good little car. Ive had it for two years and put 24,000 miles on it. It now has a small oil leak which has to be fixed. Overall, its been good. Its fun to drive and little maintenance is required. The interior definitely needs improvement. The seats are uncomfortable and there isnt any leg room for the driver or passenger. The upholstery also stains very easily(even with water). This is very annoying, especially with a child.

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  Its a strong buy - 2008 Saturn Aura
  By jb - January 13 - 8:50 am

  Dollar for dollar the Saturn Aura is an outstanding car. The lines of the exterior really look like a more expensive car. We drove the XR and found that there was too much torque and HP for our needs. Also, drove the Malibu. Chevy has more interesting interiors, but, the people at Saturn seem a bit more consumer friendly. The inline 4 has good power and the sound and vibration damping are really well done.

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  Plastic Vehicle - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Charles Newbold - January 12 - 7:40 pm

  I like the Saturn to look at and to drive. I was surprised to discover the amount of plastic used in the body. Sure hope I never get hit buy a volkswagon. Also the seat on the passenger side is very uncomfortable as compared to the drivers side. I find the power very good.I like the saturn,but they could improve the quality and safety if more metal was used in the construction of the vehicle.

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  Good Value for the Money - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Mick - January 11 - 10:13 pm

  After somebody cut out in front of me and my 10 year old used car got smashed up, I applied some of the insurance money towards a new 2007 Saturn ION. The Saturn dealer let me have it for under $12,000 and Ive been happy ever since. It came with cold AC, a decent radio with CD player, 1 year of FREE OnStar service, and dark tinted windows. It drives well, has pep, and it cruises at 80 so well that it feels like youre going 60. Ive put almost 19,000 miles on it in 17 months and its been a very good car.

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  Good car, but needs Critical Improvement - 2003 Saturn ION
  By sack - January 10 - 10:00 am

  The Saturn 2 Ion handles well-- with cornering and with highway /city driving. Sound system is also quite good. The center-mounted console one gets used to very quickly...dont let that issue put you off. Overall, a nice car and a good value to boot!

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  Vue - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Dave Y. - January 7 - 8:40 pm

  The Saturn Vue is on the comfortably small side. It is very quiet, smooth riding and sure footed. I would recommend that if you live in hilly country, move up to the V6 with the 6 speed automatic. Gas mileage has been between 24 and 25 miles per gallon mixed driving with the 4 cylinder, 4 speed auto. The only thing I would add would be a temperature gauge

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  Improve performance/forgo boyracer looks - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By saturnalia - January 4 - 2:00 am

  The Saturn Vue is one of the few vehicles that a 6 footer will enjoy space to stretch. However, it drives likes a much larger vehicle rather than a nimble SUV that it seems to be.

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  I Own One - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By mark anderson - January 4 - 2:00 am

  The 4cyl Saturn VUE should only be available with a manual trans. as the performance is sluggish at slow speed. However, the combination of economy and good performance at higher speeds is a winner. Quality is excellent. Were a high mileage user and would recommend the car to anyone.