GM expects its growth to come from Saturn

I guess thats what happens when GM copies German cars....

— KinGofNY (View Profile)

Posted on 2/19/2008 1:32:44 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Saturn has alot of work to do. The Vue since its' inception has gotten poor fuel economy for its' class. In terms of reliability it has not been able to stand up to the CRV and RAV4.

— r_driver04 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/22/2008 10:48:12 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Go Saturn!

I owned a 92 SL1 and a 94 SL1 right after. Loved those cars. The 1.9L was a great little engine, and I got one to 150k with no issues till it was totalled.

As for the new Saturns, they were getting very flaky when they only were updating the S-series and then the L-series which kinda flopped. Then came the ION which did nothing for improvement, and the VUE was their only strong seller for the last few years.

With the new lineup I am very impressed. They have finally answered what people have been nagging companies like Ford for, for years. Bring us your Euro models. So they did, they are now comprised of Opels for the most part aside from the Outlook and Relay.

Opel Astra - Saturn Astra
Opel Antara - Saturn VUE
Opel Vectra - Saturn Aura
Opel GT - Saturn SKY (US exported to Opel)

And all of these new models are great cars, the Astra should be able to do very well in sales against the Mazda 3, Matrix, Vibe, hatchbacks. The Aura won 2007 COTY, and the new VUE is a huge step up from the old one, which was still a very good model.

Expect to see a Redline version of the VUE and Astra, similar to the SKY. Both will have engines producing 240-260hp (est.) with a turbo 4 in the Astra and possible a V6 in the VUE.

I would definitely put Saturn on my list if looking at other comparable models as they have seemed to gotten the formula right, bring over European models with very minimal changes.

— Whelan (View Profile)

Posted on 2/19/2008 1:43:06 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

The 2004 to 2006 Vue used the Honda V6. The only solid part in the Saturn Lineup. I know, I was a Saturn rep.

— r_driver04 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/22/2008 10:50:57 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Just in case you didnt know, Opel/Vauxhall in Europe are considered dull and boring cars. Lowest common denominator stuff. Cheap plastics, average dynamics and cheap arse dealers.

Most people here would rather drive a Ford Focus or Mondeo as they are far better to drive, Toyota it they want something that goes without ever conking out, BMW if the want a badge that drives well and a Honda for a great small engine and good build.

So sorry guys but if this saves the day then be very worried about the state of the US car industry and GM in particular.

— GruntyDieselsRock (View Profile)

Posted on 2/19/2008 4:00:51 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

The Ford Mondeo uses the same underpinnings as the Fusion actually. And if you want a Mondeo, your best bet is to go pickup a new Mazda 6 when they come out.

— Whelan (View Profile)

Posted on 2/20/2008 9:25:27 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Even though the Saturn Aura was designed and checked out in Germany, the factory that assembles the US version here in Kansas cannot seem to get the process right, as seen by many infuriated customers on Edmunds.com !! We manage to screw up even good cars we import.

— dinof (View Profile)

Posted on 3/31/2008 11:17:52 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1