make_info.name

Saturn: A Bold Experiment in American Auto Manufacturing

Saturn Corporation, a former division of General Motors (GM), was founded in 1985 as a response to the growing success of Japanese automakers in the United States. Positioned as 'A Different Kind of Car Company,' Saturn aimed to revolutionize American car manufacturing and sales practices.

The brand was officially launched in 1990 with its first model, the Saturn S-Series. This compact car quickly gained popularity due to its innovative plastic body panels that were resistant to dents and rust. Saturn's approach to customer service was equally revolutionary, featuring no-haggle pricing and a focus on customer satisfaction that was uncommon in the industry at the time.

Throughout the 1990s, Saturn expanded its lineup to include additional models such as the L-Series midsize cars and later the Vue SUV. The brand's peak came in 1994 when it sold over 286,000 vehicles. Saturn's unique corporate culture and customer-first approach created a dedicated fan base, with owners participating in annual 'homecoming' events at the Spring Hill, Tennessee factory.

However, despite its initial success and cult following, Saturn struggled to maintain profitability. The cost of developing unique platforms and powertrains for Saturn, separate from other GM brands, proved to be a significant financial burden. In the early 2000s, GM began to integrate Saturn more closely with its other brands, sharing platforms and designs.

The 2008 financial crisis dealt a severe blow to the already struggling brand. Despite attempts to revitalize Saturn with new models like the sporty Sky roadster and the hybrid Vue Green Line, GM announced plans to discontinue the brand in 2009 as part of its restructuring efforts. After a failed attempt to sell Saturn to Penske Automotive Group, the last Saturn vehicle rolled off the production line in October 2009.

Saturn's legacy lives on as a bold experiment in American auto manufacturing. While ultimately unsuccessful, many of Saturn's innovative practices, such as no-haggle pricing and a focus on customer satisfaction, have since been adopted by other car manufacturers and dealerships across the industry.

Sales Count 65
Average price € 338
Lowest Sale € 20
Top Sale € 2330
From
To

Filters

Sold date
From
To
First registration
Price, €
Mileage, km
Engine size, cm3

Saturn Astra 1.8L 4 2008

Sold date: 15.01.2025

Saturn Sky 2.4L 4 2007

Sold date: 15.01.2025

Saturn Ion 2.2L 4 2004

Sold date: 15.01.2025

Saturn Vue 2.4L 4 2008

Sold date: 15.01.2025

Saturn L series 2.2L 4 2002

Sold date: 15.01.2025

Saturn Aura 3.6L 6 2007

Sold date: 15.01.2025

Saturn S series 1.9L 4 2001

Sold date: 15.01.2025

Saturn Aura 2.4L 4 2009

Sold date: 15.01.2025

Saturn Vue 3.5L 6 2006

Sold date: 15.01.2025

Saturn Vue 2.2L 4 2007

Sold date: 15.01.2025

Saturn Vue 3.6L 6 2008

Sold date: 15.01.2025

Saturn Vue 3.5L 6 2006

Sold date: 15.01.2025

Saturn Aura 3.5L 6 2008

Sold date: 15.01.2025

Saturn Vue 2.4L 4 2008

Sold date: 15.01.2025

Saturn S series 1.9L 4 1997

Sold date: 15.01.2025

Saturn Aura 3.5L 6 2007

Sold date: 15.01.2025

Saturn Vue 3.5L 6 2006

Sold date: 15.01.2025

Saturn Astra 1.8L 4 2008

Sold date: 14.01.2025

Saturn L series 2.2L 4 2003

Sold date: 14.01.2025

Saturn S series 1.9L 4 2002

Sold date: 14.01.2025

Saturn Sky 2.0L 4 2007

Sold date: 14.01.2025

Saturn Outlook 3.6L 6 2007

Sold date: 14.01.2025

Saturn Vue 3.6L 6 2008

Sold date: 14.01.2025

Saturn Vue 3.5L 6 2006

Sold date: 14.01.2025

Saturn Ion 2.2L 4 2006

Sold date: 14.01.2025

Saturn Ion 2.4L 4 2007

Sold date: 14.01.2025

Saturn Vue 3.5L 6 2004

Sold date: 14.01.2025

Saturn Ion 2.2L 4 2007

Sold date: 14.01.2025

Saturn Ion 2.2L 4 2004

Sold date: 14.01.2025

Saturn Vue 3.5L 6 2008

Sold date: 14.01.2025

Saturn Vue 3.5L 6 2007

Sold date: 14.01.2025

Saturn Vue 3.6L 6 2009

Sold date: 14.01.2025

Saturn Vue 3.5L 6 2009

Sold date: 14.01.2025

Saturn L series 2.2L 4 2003

Sold date: 14.01.2025

Saturn S series 1.9L 4 2001

Sold date: 14.01.2025

Saturn Vue 2.2L 4 2002

Sold date: 14.01.2025

Saturn Vue 2.4L 4 2008

Sold date: 14.01.2025

Saturn Vue 2.4L 4 2009

Sold date: 14.01.2025

Saturn Vue 3.0L 6 2002

Sold date: 14.01.2025

Saturn S series 1.9L 4 2001

Sold date: 14.01.2025

Saturn Ion 2.2L 4 2006

Sold date: 14.01.2025

Saturn Ion 2.2L 4 2004

Sold date: 13.01.2025

Saturn Vue 2.2L 4 2006

Sold date: 13.01.2025

Saturn Vue 3.5L 6 2007

Sold date: 13.01.2025

Saturn Vue 3.6L 6 2010

Sold date: 13.01.2025

Saturn Aura 3.5L 6 2007

Sold date: 13.01.2025

Saturn S series 1.9L 4 2001

Sold date: 13.01.2025

Saturn Ion 2.2L 4 2006

Sold date: 13.01.2025

Saturn Aura 2.4L 4 2009

Sold date: 13.01.2025

Saturn Ion 2.2L 4 2004

Sold date: 13.01.2025

As Saturn was discontinued in 2009, current pricing information is not available. However, during its operational years, Saturn was known for offering affordably priced vehicles that competed with other compact and midsize car options in the American market.

In its final years of production (2008-2009), Saturn's price range was approximately as follows:

  • The compact Astra hatchback started around $16,000
  • The midsize Aura sedan ranged from about $22,000 to $27,000
  • The Vue compact SUV was priced between $21,000 and $29,000
  • The Outlook larger SUV started around $30,000
  • The Sky roadster, Saturn's sports car offering, ranged from $26,000 to $32,000

These prices would have varied based on trim levels, optional features, and local market conditions. It's important to note that these figures are historical and do not reflect current market values or inflation adjustments.

In its final years, the most affordable Saturn model was typically the Astra hatchback, with a starting price of around $16,000 for the base model in 2008-2009. However, throughout Saturn's history, their entry-level models were priced competitively to attract budget-conscious buyers.

The exact price of the cheapest Saturn model would have varied depending on several factors:

  • Model year: Newer model years generally saw slight price increases
  • Trim level: Base models were the most affordable, with prices increasing for higher trims
  • Engine options: Smaller, more fuel-efficient engines were typically less expensive
  • Transmission type: Manual transmissions often cost less than automatic options
  • Additional features: Basic models without extra amenities were the most budget-friendly
  • Dealer location: Prices could vary slightly between different geographic regions

It's worth noting that Saturn's no-haggle pricing policy meant that the advertised price was generally the final price, unlike many other brands where negotiation was common.

In Saturn's final years of production, their most expensive model was typically the Outlook, a larger SUV that competed in the midsize crossover segment. The top-end versions of the Outlook could reach prices around $40,000 or slightly higher when fully equipped.

The price of Saturn's most expensive models depended on various factors:

  • Trim level: Higher trims like the XR for the Outlook included more luxury features
  • Drivetrain: All-wheel drive options increased the price compared to front-wheel drive
  • Engine choices: More powerful engine options generally cost more
  • Luxury packages: Premium audio systems, leather seating, and advanced safety features could significantly increase the price
  • Technology add-ons: Navigation systems, rear-seat entertainment, and other high-tech features were costly upgrades
  • Exterior enhancements: Larger wheel sizes, special paint finishes, and other cosmetic upgrades added to the cost

It's important to remember that these prices are historical. Saturn's pricing strategy aimed to offer well-equipped vehicles at competitive prices, so even their most expensive models were often priced below comparable luxury brands.