Why Are Saturn Cars So Bad

Introduction

Saturn cars have been around for a few decades now, but they’ve never been considered as a top of the line car. Many consumers are well aware of the issues that Saturn cars have and the reputation they’ve gained throughout their lifespan. So why are Saturn cars so bad? Here are 20 reasons why.

Poor Reliability and Quality Control

The most obvious issue with Saturn cars is their poor reliability and lack of quality control. Many owners report issues with their Saturn cars across the board, from electrical problems to engine issues and more. To add to the woes, consumers often report that Saturn customer service is not up to par and that they are often stuck with costly repair bills due to manufacturing defects.

Lack of Innovative Features and Technology

Another problem with Saturn cars is the lack of innovative features and technology. It’s clear that the company has been lagging behind other car makers when it comes to introducing new features, such as autonomous capabilities, smartphone integration, and more. This has meant that Saturn cars are often viewed as outdated compared to competitors, making them less desirable.

Poor Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact

Due to Saturn’s lack of focus on fuel efficiency and environmental impact, their cars are often considered less desirable by people who are concerned about their carbon footprint. Many Saturns have inefficient engines, meaning that they guzzle more petrol than other cars and increase the environmental impact of their vehicles.

Limited Model Range and Lack of Consumer Choice

One issue that has plagued Saturn cars for years is the limited model range available. The company does not seem to be investing in new models, meaning that consumers can often get a somewhat limited choice when it comes to their cars. This has a big impact on the attractiveness of Saturn models, as it prevents many potential consumers from getting the car they want.

Poor Resale Value and Depreciation

Finally, another important problem with Saturn cars is their poor resale value and depreciation. The resale value of a Saturn car is typically significantly lower than other cars in the same class, making them less appealing to buyers as well as less cost effective for those looking to resell their car.

Lack of Dealer Support and Service Availability

One of the main issues people cite when discussing why Saturn cars are so bad is the lack of dealer support and service availability. Due to the fact that Saturn was owned by General Motors until 2009, Saturns can’t go to just any dealer for service and repairs. This makes it difficult for Saturn owners to find a reliable place to get their car serviced and can even hinder their ability to get parts for their car. Furthermore, in the event of a major malfunction, there may be limited help from qualified professionals due to the lack of dealer support and service availability.

Limited Marketing and Brand Recognition

Another reason why Saturn cars are so bad is due to the limited amount of marketing and brand recognition they have. Saturn never had the same kind of advertising budget that its competitors did, meaning that the company had difficulty spreading the word and educating people on their cars and what made them different from other vehicles on the market. This limited amount of public exposure meant that Saturn was never able to truly get its foot in the door when it came to competing with the big names in the automotive industry.

Limited Warranty and Consumer Protection

One of the most common complaints against Saturn cars has been the lack of a strong warranty and consumer protection. As a General Motors brand, Saturn cars come with the same warranty protection as other GM vehicles, which includes a limited powertrain warranty and a basic bumper-to-bumper warranty. However, these warranties are nowhere near as comprehensive as the ones offered by other car makers and don’t protect Saturn owners nearly as much.

Poor Handling and Performance

Due to the fact that they are made with lower-cost parts, most Saturn cars suffer from poor handling and performance. The engines, brakes, and steering systems generally feel underpowered, and the cars lack the responsiveness that many drivers have come to expect from modern vehicles. Furthermore, the ride quality of a Saturn car can feel stiff and uncomfortable, leaving many drivers feeling dissatisfied with how the car handles and performs on the road.

High Maintenance and Repair Costs

Finally, the repair and maintenance costs of Saturn cars tend to be significantly higher than that of other brands. This is mainly due to the fact that Saturn was not as generous with warranties, forcing owners to pay for repairs and parts out of pocket. Furthermore, since many parts stores don’t carry Saturn-specific parts, owners often have to pay extra for things like filters and spark plugs, further driving up repair costs.

Safety Features and Equipment

Saturn vehicles generally lack the safety equipment found in many other vehicles, such as anti-lock brakes, traction control, and side airbags. Many Saturn models don’t even come standard with a rearview camera or rear parking sensors. In addition, the overall construction of the vehicle is somewhat lightweight and lacks the durability of other cars.

Production Costs and Pricing

Costs associated with producing Saturn vehicles tend to be high and this is reflected in the vehicles’ prices. Although the cost of buying a Saturn is generally less than other vehicles, the overall quality and performance is also lower. In addition, parts and service are often more expensive due to the limited availability of parts.

Customer Service and Support

Customer service and support for Saturn owners tends to be inadequate. Although many dealers try to help, it has become increasingly difficult for owners to find competent service staff or purchase replacement parts for their vehicles. In addition, owners have reported issues with dealers overcharging for parts or repairs.

Production and Availability

Due to the high production costs associated with Saturn vehicles, production was limited and most models were produced in limited numbers. As a result, it can be difficult to find certain models or parts in the aftermarket, resulting in long delays in repairs or service.

Aftermarket Support and Upgrades

The limited production and availability of Saturn vehicles means that aftermarket support and upgrades are limited. Owners usually cannot find parts or upgrades for their vehicles in the aftermarket and often have to buy directly from the manufacturer.

Off-Road Capability and Durability

Off-road capability and durability is a major concern with Saturn vehicles. Many cars lack the capability and strength to handle off-road terrain and have a tendency to be overly susceptible to breakdowns and damage. In addition, many cars lack the power and suspension to tackle tougher off-road conditions.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Saturn vehicles also lack the comfort and convenience of other vehicles. Seats are often uncomfortable and lack adjustability, while large A/C systems tend to be noisy and inefficient. In terms of modern convenience features, many cars lack features such as cruise control and rear window defrosters.

Cargo Space and Utility

Cargo space and utility are severely limited in most Saturn vehicles. Trunks are often smaller than other vehicles and lack the ability to expand the storage area. In addition, cargo space is often limited to the rear seating area due to the presence of a small engine compartment.

Towing and Hauling Capabilities:

Unfortunately, many Saturn cars have limited towing and hauling capabilities. Although many models have a towing capacity of up to 1000lbs, the overall strength and power needed for such loads is still lacking. In addition, many models lack the suspension and brakes needed to handle large loads.

Visibility and Ergonomics

Finally, visibility and ergonomics are not great in Saturn vehicles. Many models have large pillars and C-pillars which reduce visibility and create blind spots. In addition, the interior of the car often lacks proper ergonomic placement of the driver’s seat and other controls.