If You Didn't Buy Your Current Saturn, Which Would You Have Bought Instead?

[Charlie]

If you didn't buy your current Saturn, what would you have bought instead? A foreign or domestic model? Which one?

Thanks for posting!
Charlie

[Xanatos]

A GM Domestic.

Most likely a Chevy or Pontiac.

I'm getting to the point of wanting a Saab 9-3 or Caddy CTS. Would Saab be counted as Domestic cause it's owned by GM or Import?

[Charlie]

Originally posted by Xanatos
Would Saab be counted as Domestic cause it's owned by GM or Import? Good question... I know my answer is debatable, but for this question I would consider it a GM product. Also... only Ford, Dodge, Plymouth (RIP), and Chrysler products should grouped in the 'Domestic (Other)' category.

Hope that helps,
Charlie

[lamoore]

Well, as the last two cars I owned before the Satty were both Toyotas, and with a even Honda before them, I think I'd have been back in one of those.

That of course, because the neither the WRX nor the EVO were available back then.


Lawton



'98 SC2, intake and wheels, Clarion Pro audio, Clifford security

[walt]

I was considering the Ford escape and chevy impala.

[kilcher]

Most recently was considering a Pontiac Vibe.

[ricksLS1]

The other choice was a CRV.

[y2chuck]

I gave the Celica a good hard look before getting the coupe but it was just too small. If I didn't get the SC, most likely would have been a Chev Monte Carlo or Astek.

[Roly]

A Toyota Matrix; great and practical little car, but was out of stock......

[eRic 02sc2]

none of the other GM products interest me at all. ok maybe a v8 powered Pontiac Firebird Formula or Trans Am but I wasn't ready to pay $2000 or more a year for insurance.

[FL ION BY]

If Saturn did not exist I would be a Toyota customer.

[ksteward]

2003 Honda EX-L
~$24,500

[03VUEAWDVTI]

Volkswagen Jetta wagon TDI. Luckily for Saturn though, the Element wasn't yet available, or I would have had one of those in the driveway instead of the VUE.

[got2fly]

I probably would have bought a Toyota or Honda. I hated my Chevrolet, and I don't like the way most domestic dealers treat you.

[bennett9000]

Originally posted by Charlie
only Ford, Dodge, Plymouth (RIP), and Chrysler products should grouped in the 'Domestic (Other)' category.

And Lincoln and Mercury, Charlie.

I voted "Domestic-Other". I can't bring myself to go all-out import, and GM really doesn't inspire me these days, apart from the GTP and the Vibe GT (which is an import).

That's why I bought the Cougar instead of a second Saturn. I wanted a V6, and I can't see myself driving an L-Series (no offense- just personal taste).

If you ask my dad, the L-Series is an import as well with their euro V6 (not to mention the Honda V6 in the upocoming VUE models :whoa: )

Soon it will all be a moot point.

[IndyVUE]

We had a Toyota, would have probably replaced with another. (If I could have justified a Sequoia to my wife!)

Impressed with the Saturn, would not trade it for another make, Saturn should ALWAYS keep the plastic!!!! :yes:

[fotovue]

I was torn between getting a Volvo XC70 or an Impala 9c1. But I fell in love with the Saturn Vue. I'm considering getting the XC70 or XC90 next time I'm in the market for a vehicle...

[benpatient]

actually, the vibe is domestic. yes, it's a matrix, but the matrix is also domestic.

in fact, a lot of "imports" are made here.

[swoker183]

i would have probly went to V-Dub way

[Charlie]

Originally posted by bennett9000
And Lincoln and Mercury, Charlie.Yes, you're right. In my haste, I neglected to mention those as well. Good catch!

Charlie

:zzz:

[Qlara]

No Saturn?

Believe it or not, Hyundai Elantra.
Good warranty, Good deal and the super un-reliable days had long gone in this Korean car company.

[SL2Ghost42]

If Saturn Never Existed:

I probably would've bought a Mitsubishi Eclipse of some sort. I never really had a "backup" dream car except for a Mustang Mach-something that looked really cool. i forget what it is.
But anyway, I like japanese stuff anyway (Big anime fan here) and so I probably would have gone with a Japanese car, plus I've heard good things about the three companies- Mitsubishi, Hyundai, and Toyota.

Just a warning to anyone THINKING about a Chrystler -
OH MY GOSH NO! The chrystler manufacturing plant is here in St. Louis. I know a few workers, and MANY MORE past laid-off workers. No job security there!
But not just because of that. They do not make good cars. My dad the insurance investigator/automechanic, sees more of those cars than anything and they are mostly all pieces of cr*ppily built parts. In his opinion.

[L300Boy]

Except Saturn, i dislike american cars.....I can't explain why. So i would have bought an import. I really couldn't say what one exactly. Something between $25k-$35k ..

[sandybright]

Probably a Ford Focus or something like that. :)


Sandy
:p

[Galileo]

I probably would have gone with the Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg Edition. I saw one at a car show when that version came out before I got my '01 SC2. It had all the options I wanted in the Wolfsburg package (1.8L turbo, sport suspension, BBS wheels & sunroof to name a few features) except the upgraded Monsoon stereo..... which could be added and it priced out around $20k. But I'm happy with my Saturn! :cool:

[THX712517]

Would have gotten either a Mazda Protege, Mazda Miata, a Mitsubishi Mirage, or an old Mustang. If I had time, I probably would have waited until the new Mustang GT comes out, with the 5.0 Cammer and the cool retro-future styling.

[mikthehickNC]

I would have an Olds Alero or a Camaro SS. If not those, then an Acura RSX

[SteveP]

At that particular time it was down to a Nissan Sentra SE-R or a Mazda Protege LX.

[Cap138]

I grew up around GM vehicles so I tend to have a bias towards them. I'm not saying they're the best, but since I was more familiar with them then any other make, that's probably what I would've bought if not for the Saturn.

Those imports (don't look at where the manufacturing plant is, but look where the profits go) are pretty neat looking but I always shyed away because of the higher cost of repair. And I decided I'm not cool enough to drive a VW. I also looked at the Nissan Sentra.

For other domestic brands, I was considering a Ford Focus because I liked the styling, but I was scared off by the that fact that they are Fords! :D (It's justified, my dad has owned, a '87 F150 and a '95 F-150...both were problematic.)

[wei_]

Unfortunately, many Saab purists see the 9-3 as a GM. Well, at least it's a BMW killer. Next car will be another Saab or a C70 HPT convertible.
Wei

[94sc293sl1]

Mazda Protege, preferably an ES.

[saturnfreak01]

Toyota Highlander ...

[Nuke-Em]

I really hate the offerings from American car companies. If Saturn didn't exist, then I probably would have bought an Acura RSX.

Matt

[SilverNickelQC]

I'd probably purchased a Gran Prix or Impala if Saturn was never a co. but when i went to the Chevy dealer he tried to put me in a Pontiac Sunfire or a Chevy Cavalier PUHLEASE i am glad i walked away.

[tightsaturn96]

I think if Saturn wasn't around I'd probably be in either a six Mustang or some Pontiac/Chevy. Who knows--maybe even an S10!!!

[GR898SL2]

If Saturn did not exist?

I would be driving an Accord.:rolleyes:

:flag:

[trunx]

I apologize in advance for being long-winded:

I was originally going to buy a Protege5, but got rejected for financing after 3 days of haggling. I was looking forward to having a stationwagon. I really liked the Focus ZX5, but it was way too expensive and I couldn't get it the way I wanted. I also really liked the Vibe + Matrix but found the Matrix to be painfully uncomfortable. The other subcompacts and compacts were eliminated either because the dealer didn't take me seriously and treated me poorly, or there wasn't enough car for the money. I almost got an Alero, but the dealer tried to pressure me into a quick sale by stating that the deal was ending the next day, despite that more than a week later the same deal was still available (that, and they trash-talked my Grand Prix). I didn't even bother to look at a Civic, since virtually everyone else I know was all about Civics, and I really didn't want what everyone else had/has. So, I ended up at the Saturn dealer despite that I said I would never buy a car with a "Toyota Echo wannabe dash". The amenities, exterior styling, and $3000 in discounts pulled me in, and less than half an hour after I agreed to take the car, I was approved for financing. However, I am only leasing my ION3, but should I decide to purchase at the end, I will only end up paying about the same amount as the original sticker price (unlike the Protege5, which would have cost me almost $30000 in the end). It seems like I had no choice, even my friends say that the car is "totally me".

Therefore, I don't know where I'd be without my ION; I probably wouldn't have gotten another car.

[ProDarwin]

Honda CRX followed by a B-block swap.

[metgol]

Originally posted by Charlie
Yes, you're right. In my haste, I neglected to mention those as well. Good catch!

Charlie

:zzz:

but you also said brand products. where lincoln and mercury fall under ford.

[patrick35]

I was seriously looking at the Toyota Celica but I came to the conclusion that I couldn't afford the monthly payments at the time.
But my brother's good experience with his saturn inspired me to take a look at the SC2 and I am very happy that I decided to buy one and I still love my car!

[YELO_SC2]

When I got my SC2, I was also looking at the VW Jetta with the turbo, but decided to go with the coupe. I figured that I was young and needed to get a sporty coupe before time ran out! :o:

[Privix]

If I did not get a Saturn or if Saturn did not exist I would have probably gotten either a Chevy Malibu or Some type of Toyota minus the Echo. I don't the word "Echo." It reminds me of that SEGA Genesis game "Echo the Dolphin":whoa:
Also, I was thinking about getting, if I did not get the Maiibu or Toyota, was the Chevy Camero and Pontiac Firebird. They were cheep back then before their demise.:yes: :cool:

[silverplum]

I was looking at Subarus, Nissans and Toyotas.

[ralheid]

If I didn't buy my 2002 SC2 I would have bought a Porsche Boxster.
I would never, never, never buy a Jap car (I am Extremely prejudiced),
even if suposedly made in America.

Buying habits run to a three car family,

present, 94 K2500 Chevy Suburban - 98 Buick Riviera - 02 Saturn SC2

in past, 80 K2500 GMC Suburban - 89 Pontia Turbo Trans-Am - 94 Saturn SL1

more in past, 72 Chevy K1500 Blazer - 84 Camaro Berlinetta - 89 Geo metro

[Cap138]

Originally posted by Privix
...I don't the word "Echo." It reminds me of that SEGA Genesis game "Echo the Dolphin"...

You didn't like that game? I thought it was awesome. I must've played it for weeks...

[zborgerd]

It al depends on how much I wanted to spend. I can get substantial discounts off of GM cars, so that's bonus points for GM. In the current GM line-up, only a few of the small cars interest me.

I don't typically care for Pontiac's styling, but the Vibe is a nice car. I'd probably go for that, with AWD and the 6-speed manual. Unfortunately, I'm turned off by the fact that the AWD model only comes with a 4-speed auto (to my knowledge).

I like small AWD cars, so even the Aerio would be a good, inexpensive choice for me. That is, if I wanted a small car that looked like a penny-racer.

Another option for me might be a hybrid vehicle, perhaps as Prius. I'm not sure about that one though.

I also like some Toyota offerings and some cars from Nissan and Mitsubishi. Subaru also makes some fantastic AWD cars, but the Impreza WRX that I'd like is a bit out of my price range.

I chose the ION because I loved the price (especially after discount) and I loved the engine and chassis (which are much better than the competition's in this price range). My family has owned a total of six Saturns now, and they are fantastic cars. Plus, the ION really has soul. It's unique in a boring market of clone-me-Civic-wannabe-cars. Plus, you can't beat the polymer.

I'll likely keep my ION until I send it to the graveyard. In a few years, I may buy a Redline or a different car. Or, I may just keep driving the ION as my primary car while I restore an old car. Perhaps it will be a late-60s Olds Cutlass Convertable (I'm talking to you, Benson500). Those things are awesome with shiney black paint and chrome, and who can forget the powerhouse 455 big-block?

[dcp]

me,my wife and daughter all drive saturns! love the exterior panels . We would have owned other GM cars

[Byrd112]

I'm in loooove with the Mercury Cougar and the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder. Another fave, Camaro SS.

Go figure that two out of three aren't being manufactured anymore.

[bennett9000]

Originally posted by metgol
but you also said brand products. where lincoln and mercury fall under ford.

...but he did mention Chrysler, Plymouth, and Dodge ;)

I DEMAND EQUAL RIGHTS FOR MERC!

[Spazie]

Grah... hard to think about that one. I've wanted a Saturn since before I even had a learner's permit. I'd probably have either a Honda Civic or Toyota Celica, Supra, or Cressida. (I like my brother's Cressida, still wouldn't mind having one, but would never take it over a Saturn.)

[kknobl]

This might get long, so beware...

If Saturn weren't around, I would definitely own a GM product, (although I will admit that ever since I got my learners permit, I've liked Saturns and always wanted one). Not saying that they're the best in the world (although they have made tremendous strides in recent years) but I've grown up with GM cars. My parents always had them. My grandfather worked for GM for 45+ years, so I do have a bias.

Unfortunately, I think the idea of brand loyalty is an antiquated notion to a lot of people. I guess maybe I'm a little old fashioned, but I am proud of the fact that I will stay loyal to GM for as long as I buy cars. To me, it's never a question. I originally thought I'd stick with Saturn in particular, but am REALLY liking a lot of the other products GM is churning out (i.e. the 2004 Grand Prix). That, combined with the fact that GM has made tremendous quality improvements in the last decade and the fact that Saturn will be sharing GM platforms anyway, makes me a little less reluctant to go to a GM product that isn't a Saturn.

Kevin

[rossao1]

For the car buying decision in Oct '91. Was between the Saturn and Grand Am. I dumped my '96 Olds Achieva for a USED 95 SW1. I have not regretted that decision.

[XtremeGrandAm]

Well my 2nd choice for a vehicle when i had my saturn was the car I have now (grand am) so domestic GM.

[Hiddenlites]

I've alway been biased towards GM I grew up with them and five of the six cars that own or have owned are GMs (my first car, an '87 Plymouth Duster, was a big mistake.)

I bought my SC2 used last year. It was really a second choice. I was looking for early to mid '90's Front drive GM with a V6 and a manual tranny. In my area those are very difficult to come by, as I imagine they are elsewhere. When I first started the search I found a '92 Sunbird SE that fit my critera, but it was already sold when I inquired about it. I was also was considering a Fiero GT, but couldn't find any for sale.

Back in 1999 when I was looking for a new/used vehicle, I test drove a '95 SC2 5-speed. I loved how it drove and handled, and it had quite a bit more pep than the '89 Sunbird (2.0L auto) it would have replaced. I have always like pickups, and I ended up going with a brand new Sonoma pickup.

When I decided that I wanted another vehicle to eat up some of the mileage I was putting on the S-10 I have now, I remembered that SC2 that I drove. I decided that an SC2 would be a good alternative to the V6 GMs I was looking for, and I'm glad I went with the Saturn. It's a hell of a lot easier to work on than any of those other GMs would have been.

[GreyDuck]

My next car will either be a Saturn or a Honda. The next time I buy a car, I figure it will be right out of college, so I want to get a 99 Accord V6 2dr.

[Twin_Cam]

Import...a '90 BMW 325i or a VW Jetta or Golf.

[Miso]

Mazda, but the 6 wasn't due out for a couple years so I chose
my L200. If its reliability holds up and nothing else goes wrong
my next car will be another Saturn.

[bspencer]

I actually wasn't even looking at a Saturn. I was looking at a Chevy Malibu but the payments were to high and then the dealer showed me the used Saturn they had just gotten in and I fell in love before I even test drove it! Plus it was a good deal, 1 year still left on the factory warranty and 24K on it for 11,500. I will more than likely buy another Saturn unless they do away with the platic panels.

[piney]

Since mine is provided by my employer, it would have been a newer Taurus or Intrepid - neither of which I really care for.

[socketz]

My next car (if I'm still in the Sedan Market) will be a 2-3 year old Saab 9-5 Aero.

http://www.saabusa.com/main/image/photo_gallery/2003/95_S/95_S_AE_silver.jpg

I believe that's what cued me into the L so much in the beginning. Very Saab-like in appearance.

[Mr Mehoff]

Looked at another dub... a Jetta Wagon. The VUE was bigger and cheaper. Now I think I would consider the PT Cruiser too.

[96goldSC1]

i wouldve bought GM. always been a GM guy. Loved Camaros, Corvettes, Cavaliers, Luminas, and especially the S-10s and Berettas. i never really understood why.

[ChrisION]

Originally posted by FL ION BY
If Saturn did not exist I would be a Toyota customer.

if saturn didn't exist, i would be a VW coustomer :rolleyes:

[shift]

Originally posted by Xanatos
A GM Domestic.

Would Saab be counted as Domestic cause it's owned by GM or Import?

Yes it is still considered an import. Just like Ford owns Mazda,,, they still say its a JAP car.

:cool:

[TheSaturnKid]

Hate to say it now, but probably an eclipse gst or gsx.

[silverbullit2000]

Mazda 6, If I could afford one.

[Grandpa]

I was really considering an 04 Mustang.

[Caprice]

If it had been purely my choice, I probably would have gone with a Civic SI, however, my wife can't drive manual and we needed something she could drive "now" without learning anything new.

[PowerByBrower]

I was considering a used WRX but I decided against that because of price and insurance.
Now that I can afford a decent Scooby, I'm going to get a used WRX STi this year. :yes: I can't wait...

[04BlueVue]

I was going to get a new Ford Escape until I found out Honda made the engine in the 04 Vue V6. Took another look and ride in it and bought it the next day.

[JuicedL200]

i would be driving a 92 240sx w/ silvia conversion and sr20det, but i have my satty instead, yet im happy :)

[JDRedline]

I was getting set to buy a red Infinity G35 sports coupe right before I heard about the Redline.

I had been driving my 93 SC1 for 11 eleven years and was definitely ready for a big upgrade. At the time, Saturn had no such product.

Luckily, I heard about the Redline just in time, because today, still, I haven't seen another Redline driving around besides my own. Whereas, every 12th car I see driving around is a G35 sports coupe.

[BlackRedline04]

If I had more $$, TT mkiv supra or STi..

Almost bought a used jetta, but wasnt approved for the loan (12k, come on..)

Test drove the Redline, realized it was MUCH faster than a 2.0 Jetta...
Went back 9/1 (first day of rebates), was approved on the spot for 5 year/ 0% apr...

Am very satisfied. Still want a supra in a few years (wanted one since 2000), but im still gonna keep my RL. I'm attatched to it now ;)

[Niteshooter]

Doubt I'd buy any other GM product. Only other car that turns my crank is the Jaguar X type but you can buy 3-4 Saturns for that much $$$.

I like the look of the S series Saturns, probably why we have so many! Maybe a Redline Vue but the Ion just doesn't do it for me. Almost think someone at GM trys to do one thing to each of the new Saturns to turn off buyers. For me on the L series the lack of rear polymer panels killed them. The first Vues were kind of funky looking, but the Redlines fixed that. Guess with the Ion it's that center mounted instrument cluster. I can't say I like it in my Jeep and the Ion's didn't do anything for me either.

Kevin

[y2chuck]

weird, last July when I replied to this thread, I still had my 02 SC2 and said I woulda picked an Aztek or Monte Carlo.

Still like both of those, but a new Monte is being unveiled in Detroit in January...can't wait for that.

As of now, It'd either be a G6, Altima, Maxima, Monte Carlo, Solara Coupe, CTS, Grand Prix or Acura TL. Love all those cars but a test drive would seal the deal....

[mikthehickNC]

a Mazda 6 5 door

[scotsman]

Probably gone with a Mazda of some form.

[Specialist]

It was the Saturn or a Pontiac Vibe (Toyota in Pontiac clothing).

[micah_sl2]

maybe a honda, but i probably couldnt find anythinhg as cheap as a saturn

[DanCBJMS]

Let me think.

If Dad didn't purchase a Saturn then, he would've gone for an SVX or a Legacy, since my mom then had a 1990 Subaru Loyale. And, since before that he had a Camaro, if he never purchase a Saturn at all and if right now he wanted to buy a car, Mom wanted to fix him up with a Volvo S40 (the Euro Focus-based one, not the Mitsu-based one).

[occupant]

At the time my friend purchased the Saturn she sold to me, I helped her pick it out. At the time, I wasn't shopping for a car. But given the opportunity, I would have purchased the medium blue 2000 SL that was at the same tote-the-note lot with the same options and a few thousand fewer miles.

When I took over the payments on this car, I was shopping for a 2003-2004 Cavalier 2-door 5-speed in black, and would have bought one had I been able to. But I like this car better, and will drive it 'til the wheels fall off, then buy new wheels and keep going.

I would consider trading this 2000 SL for another 1996-2002 SL or SL1 5-speed. I wish they made them in black. Black Blue, Black Gold, and Black Cherry aren't close enough to "Black" for me.

[AzBlondeRocket]

I've wanted a Saturn since they came out. When it came time for a new car, there was no other choice. If Saturn hadn't existed, I would've gone with Hyundai. I had two Excels (an '87 L and a '93 GS) and they were both excellent cars.

Lovin' my SL2...

[Grainchaser]

Seriously considered V6 Hyundai Tucson. I liked the fit and finish of the Tucson better than the Saturn. However, I do tow a trailer at times and the Tucson was only rated for 1000 lbs., or 2000 if the trailer had brakes. V6 VUE rated 3500 lbs. towing capacity.

[eRic 02sc2]

I was close to getting an RSX-S or a SVT Focus but the dealer... UGH.

[SaturnVLN]

What?!!! No Saturn? If that were the case I would have looked for a pre-owned Chevy Cavalier or Pontiac Sunfire. I grew up in a houshold with at least one small car. I took to that idea well. I've owned a Chevy Cavalier, two Ford Escorts, and a Subaru Impresa. Now with two Sattys at home and a Honda Accord, I am happy. :yes:

[FL ION BY]

I am really totally happy with the Saturn I just bought, a QC 2005 ION3 in red. However, I would have gone up to a redline if the budget would have allowed.

[gyrlspeedrt]

If I hadn't bought my Sattie, I would have picked up a 2000 Mazda Millenia, leather seats, tint and all. Then I came to my senses and realized that the Sattie was easier on the pockets and repair list, including insurance. I will never sell nor trade my ride no matter what cuz since day one she's been good to me. All she asks for is oil changes, 89 gas and a clean filter.[well yesterday she asked for a battery but that's fine since her original one was in there]

[rgnelson]

Nissan Sentra- liked until the dealer started playing games and I realized it is assembled in Mexico (the dealer insisted it's assembled in Tennesee).

Toyota Corolla- overpriced and sleazy dealer.

[SaturnWife]

Chevy Equinox

[ewalani]

Volvo S70 :D But I'm glad I found my L200!

[zeissheadreggie]

If I did't buy the REDLINE VUE, I probably would have bought a used '03 Acura MDX.
However, I figured, I could have a new loaded vehicle, with the same engine, less curb weight, regular fuel, lower cost of ownership and lower insurance cost for the price of a '03 Acura MDX. The Saturn REDLINE VUE can't beat it. :yes: :yes: :yes:

[Token]

I would of bought a 1995 Camaro Convertible 3.4

It's the "Poor Mans Corvette"

Plus it's 10 years later and I have never seen one of these in the junk yard, which says alot.