Every Saturn car model (1991–2010)
Saturn car models fall into two eras. From 1991 to 2002, GM's Saturn brand sold essentially one car, the S-Series compact built in Spring Hill, Tennessee. From 2000 the lineup grew with the L-Series, the Vue SUV, the Ion and the Relay minivan, and then, from 2007 to 2010, with a run of Opel-influenced models: Aura, Outlook, Sky, a new Vue and the Astra. In all, Saturn sold nine model lines before it closed in 2010.
Contents
At a glance
| Model | Model years | Type | Platform / basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| S-Series (SL, SC, SW) | 1991–2002 | Compact | Saturn-designed (Z-body) |
| L-Series (L, LS, LW) | 2000–2005 | Midsize | Derived from the Opel Vectra |
| Vue | 2002–2010 | Compact SUV | GM Theta |
| Ion | 2003–2007 | Compact | GM Delta |
| Relay | 2005–2007 | Minivan | GM U-body |
| Sky | 2007–2009 | Roadster | GM Kappa |
| Aura | 2007–2009 | Midsize sedan | GM Epsilon |
| Outlook | 2007–2010 | Large 7–8 seat crossover | GM Lambda |
| Astra | 2008–2009 | Compact | Opel Astra H |
S-Series (1991–2002)
The car that founded the brand. The SL sedan, the SC coupe (which gained a small rear-hinged driver's-side access door from 1999) and, from 1993, the SW wagon. It used a steel spaceframe clad in polymer panels and Saturn-designed 1.9-liter four-cylinders with single or dual overhead cams. Several restyles came and went without major changes to the underlying engineering. Simple, frugal and durable, it built Saturn's reputation. See the full story of the Saturn brand.
L-Series (2000–2005)
Saturn's first move upmarket, the L-Series was a midsize car derived from the Opel Vectra and built in Wilmington, Delaware. It came as a sedan (L, LS) and a wagon (LW), with a 2.2-liter four-cylinder or a 3.0-liter V6. Sales disappointed, and the Aura replaced it.
Vue (2002–2010)
Saturn's first SUV and the first model on GM's Theta platform. The first generation, built in Spring Hill, gained a Honda 3.5-liter V6 from 2004; the second (2008–2010) was derived from the Opel Antara. Engines, trims and known issues are covered on our Saturn Vue page.
Ion (2003–2007)
The S-Series replacement, the Ion rode on GM's Delta platform, shared with the Chevrolet Cobalt. It came as a sedan and as a "quad coupe" with rear-hinged back doors, with 2.2- and 2.4-liter Ecotec engines. A Red Line version used a supercharged 2.0-liter. Critics faulted its interior and center-mounted gauges, and it was among the models covered by GM's ignition switch recall announced in 2014.
Relay (2005–2007)
A minivan on GM's U-body platform, shared with the Chevrolet Uplander, Pontiac Montana SV6 and Buick Terraza, powered by 3.5- and later 3.9-liter V6s. The Relay strayed furthest from Saturn's identity and was one of the brand's slowest sellers.
Sky (2007–2009)
A two-seat rear-drive roadster on the Kappa platform, sibling of the Pontiac Solstice and Opel GT, with a 260 hp turbocharged 2.0-liter in Red Line form. See the Saturn Sky page.
Aura (2007–2009)
A midsize sedan on the Epsilon platform, related to the Opel Vectra C and the Chevrolet Malibu of the period, built in Kansas. It offered 3.5- and 3.6-liter V6s, later a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, and a Green Line mild hybrid. The Aura was named 2007 North American Car of the Year, a rare accolade for the brand.
Outlook (2007–2010)
A large seven- or eight-seat crossover on the Lambda platform, shared with the GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave and later the Chevrolet Traverse, powered by a 3.6-liter V6. After Saturn closed, the platform carried on at GM's other brands.
Astra (2008–2009)
The last model Saturn launched: the third-generation Opel Astra (Astra H), imported from Antwerp, Belgium, as a three- or five-door hatchback with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder. It was the culmination of the plan to make Saturn Opel's showcase in North America, cut short by GM's bankruptcy.
One lineup, two identities
Saturn's model history tells the brand's story: a single clean-sheet compact sold in a new way, then a badge drawing on GM's global platforms, and finally a late attempt to become "America's Opel." For the background, see Saturn, GM's car brand. The name sits alongside the Sega Saturn and the Saturn V rocket that inspired it in our pop culture section.
FAQ
How many Saturn models were there?
Nine model lines: S-Series, L-Series, Vue, Ion, Relay, Sky, Aura, Outlook and Astra, each in several versions and body styles.
What was the best-selling Saturn?
The S-Series, built for twelve model years (1991–2002), was by far the brand's best seller and the car that built its reputation.
Which Saturns were really Opels?
The L-Series (Vectra-based), the second-generation Vue (Antara), the Sky (sibling of the Opel GT), the Aura (Epsilon platform shared with the Vectra) and the Astra, imported from Europe largely unchanged.
What was the last Saturn car?
The last models built were 2010 model-year vehicles such as the Vue and Outlook. The last model the brand launched was the Astra, in 2008.
Sources
- GM Heritage Center, Saturn brand archives
- North American Car and Truck of the Year, 2007 results
- NHTSA recall database (nhtsa.gov)
- Saturn Corporation on Wikipedia