The Saturn car company was founded in 1985 as a subsidiary of General Motors, and released their first car, the S-Series, in 1990. They released nine different car models throughout their existence. Saturn suffered from multiple factors, most notably increased competition from foreign auto makers, struggles within the GM umbrella and a drop in sales figures in the early 2000s. At that time, GM announced that Saturn would be “winding down” production and the last Saturn car rolled off the assembly line on October 10, 2009.
Though the production of Saturn cars stopped in 2009, the company still exists today. It may not produce any cars, but it continues to honor warranties and customer service plans. Saturn owners can still get discounts on GM parts and services, and they still have access to the company’s tech advisors, 24-hour roadside assistance and owner support.
Experts point out that Saturn still has a loyal fan base around the world that still actively follows the company. A great example is the Saturn Barternet, a forum for Saturn owners to talk about the cars and discuss repair information. Members of this online community are still very active, and it helps new and seasoned owners stay connected and informed about the cars.
Many experts point out that Saturn cars have been viewed as a good value for the money over the years. They’re reliable vehicles with good fuel economy, and generally have low repair costs and good resale values. This continues to be true today, and many Saturn owners are still satisfied with the performance of their vehicles.
Though GM announced that Saturn was winding down its production in 2009, the brand still has a strong presence in the automotive world. Saturn owners continue to be loyal to the brand, and the company still honors warranties and offers discounts on parts and services.
Competition Impact
Saturn faced intense competition throughout its existence, most notably from foreign auto makers. While Saturn was able to carve out a niche in the automotive market, competitors like Honda, Toyota and Nissan had already established a firm foothold. These companies were less expensive and offered more features than Saturn. Saturn responded to this competition by introducing a lineup of new cars, most notably the S-Series in 1990, but their attempts to compete with foreign auto makers wasn’t enough.
At the same time, GM faced financial troubles in the early 2000s, and the decision was made to discontinue the Saturn brand. The automaker believed that it could save money and increase profits by focusing on fewer brands. This left little hope for the future of Saturn, and GM officially announced that it was “winding down” production of the brand in 2009.
Aftermath of Wind Down
Though the production of cars ended in 2009, the Saturn brand continues to live on in the form of owner support, discounts on GM parts, and the Saturn Barternet, an online forum for Saturn owners. Experts point out that Saturn cars were always viewed as good value for the money, and this continues to be true today. Many Saturn owners are still satisfied with the performance of their vehicles, and the brand still has a strong presence in the automotive world.
In the aftermath of the wind-down, GM placed an emphasis on the company’s other brands. Chevy and Cadillac, in particular, have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, and both have become more competitive in the global market. While the wind-down of Saturn had a profound effect on the auto industry, it was ultimately a necessary decision for GM.
Aftermarket Support
Though Saturn no longer manufactures cars, the company still provides aftermarket support. Saturn owners can access discounts on GM parts and services, and they still have access to tech advisors, 24-hour roadside assistance and other forms of owner support. This can be a great help for current owners, and makes it easier to keep their Saturns running smoothly.
Saturn owners can also find a great array of aftermarket parts and accessories. Companies like PartsGeek.com specialize in Saturn parts and accessories, and offer a wide selection of items for every model. This makes it easy for owners to find the parts they need to keep their cars running in top condition.
Saturn owners can also find helpful advice and technical information on the internet. Online forums like Saturn Barternet are a great place for owners to get advice and tips about their cars. And owners can also find sites dedicated to Saturn parts and accessories. This makes it easier for owners to stay informed and find the parts they need to keep their Saturns running in top condition.
Consumer Reviews
According to owner reviews, Saturn cars were reliable and affordable, with good fuel economy and low repair costs. They also had good resale values. This continues to be true today, and many Saturn owners are still satisfied with the performance of their vehicles. The forum Saturn Barternet is a great resource for owners to get help and advice about their cars.
Consumer reports have largely held Saturn cars in good regard throughout their existence. They’re reliable vehicles that are easy to maintain and have good performance. They also have good fuel economy, so they’re great for long trips and daily commutes.
Saturn cars also had unique design elements that some owners found appealing. Their bodies are made of a lightweight polymer material, so they’re strong and durable, yet still lightweight.
While Saturn cars may have been the victim of increasing competition from foreign automakers and struggles within the GM umbrella, they still enjoyed a good reputation among owners and auto experts. This is how the company continues to be remembered and celebrated today.
Legacy of Saturn
The Saturn brand may no longer produce any cars, but it still has a strong presence in the automotive world. The company still honors warranties and offers discounts on parts and services. And it still has a loyal fan base, who are actively involved on forums like Saturn Barternet.
While Saturn cars may not be in production anymore, the company still leaves behind a legacy of reliable, affordable vehicles that offered good value for the money. Owners have been satisfied with their performance, fuel economy and resale values, and many still stay connected and informed about the cars on online forums.
Saturn enjoys a strong legacy of making reliable and affordable cars. Though the production of its cars stopped in 2009, the company still honors warranties and offers discounts on services. It continues to have a loyal following, and its legacy of providing good value for the money lives on.
