Fuel-Efficient Saturn Models included in Cash for Clunkers Law

[Saturn team]

The Car Allowance Rebate Program – more commonly known as the "Cash for Clunkers" law – goes into effect today.

We already told you a little bit about the law, which gives vehicle owners a rebate of $3,500 to $4,500 for trading in their current cars for new, more fuel-efficient ones.

ImSaturn members will be happy to know that five Saturn models are among the new cars included in the program. To make it easy, Saturn has created a summary of the models and configurations that are eligible under the program. It also includes a guide to help you calculate your rebate based on your trade-in vehicle and the Saturn model you select as its replacement.

The National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration has more information on the program at its web site.

[Christopher Gyure]

I agree with James Austin, for those of use who currently own Saturns we need not worry. We always have and always will get great gas mileage. As for Jason J. with the two defective 2008 Astra's and one 2009 Vue; please keep in mind they aren't true "American" Saturns. They're the rebadged Opels. The Opel Astra is shipped over as is with a new badge slapped on it. The 2008 and newer Vue's are rebadged Opel Antera's. Anything 2006 and older is a true "American" Saturn. I've had six Saturns now, all of which have been no newer than a 2006, and all have been wonderful for me. No problems whatsoever.

[Chris A :-)]

I do a lot of combination city/highway and average 28-32. It's so much better than my old Buick which got 22 on a good day (no cruise control on that beast). It is unfortunate that many people will use the program even though they really don't need to (they bought a dog, probably a foreign guzzler, and are only using the program because it's "free" money), and that those who should can't because they have no $ or jobs to pay for a new car.

[Gary Nantt]

I have not even paid any attention to the Cash for Clunkers because my 1997 SW2 stick with over 200k gets 35mpg and even when I was towing a small enclosed trailer still got 25. With a car like that, I don't need a new one!

[Donna Samuels]

It is dependant on the engine and the transmission in each VUE - one will be eligible where another may not...

Go to www.cars.gov and do a comparison.

[James Austin]

Folks this isn't so you can trade in your Saturn, this is so your neighbor can trade in that 2003 Volvo, or Mercedes, and get a Saturn....

[Vuemaster]

My 2008 Vue only gets 17 MPG highway14 City. I checked with Saturn they said no because my window sticker states 24 highway and 19 City. The goverment goes by what the car is recorded at not what you get. So be careful in what you pick for cash for clunkers.

Vuemaster

[William Filber]

You know, it is really too bad that Saturn from the start was selling great fuel efficient automobiles, we had the technology just not the willpower to purchase fuel efficient cars, we all wanted big gas eaters. So, now today our children and those even yet born will pay for our ignorance's and greed along with big government spend and spend some more attitude.
It is really too bad that we just cannot bite the bullet and be responsible for our own actions, that we must push this debt and this responsibility on to our future generation, this problem must be face with self-reliant and determination, not socialism and more taxes. Free market or free entrepreneurialism and less government not more, and not more entitlements, God Bless America and God Bless the Nation of Israel.

[Brian]

My 2004 Ion averages 26 mpg weekly and on my recent trip to Colorado it averaged 35 mpg. My 1992 Nissan P/U averages 21.5 mpg weekly and both pass smog with flying colors. No way I'm going to have another car payment just becuase the government hasn't figured that lending money like banks is not a good idea and expecting US tax payer to bail them out. This is no benefit, it's a scam.

[Vegas Linda Lou]

Ha! I called it a "law." Not too bright. Good thing I'm pretty.

[JASON J.]

This bill won't help me either. The two new defective 2008 Astra xe's with complete transmission failures in the first one thousand miles and a defective 09 saturn Vue V6 cost me over eight thousand dollars in a year for the priveledge of owning. Hopefully, I can write off some of this loss on my taxes for 2009. I mean, the Government gives huge sums of money to GM and GM does nothing to help retain their long term customers. Instead they do everything in their power to blame the customer for having problems that should not have been problems in the first place. I don't presently own a Saturn( I do miss my 2004 Vue Sports plus with manual transmission) but, I am keeping touch and keeping my account here because I want to see what happens with a company I used to love. After buying four brand new cars from the dealer in St. Petersburg since 2004, I was forced to walk up to another dealer in 100 plus degree temperature to buy a new car (that doesn't have any defects and cost a lot less as well). I find Saturn's and GM's lack of good customer service just plain greed at work. Neither Lokey Automotive Group or GM/Saturn will get another penny of my hard earned money until they take back some of their founding values and put them into play. Lokey automotive group owes me eight oil changes as well and when I find the "we owe slip" that was given to me. If they fail to honor their contractual agreement, I will be contacting the BBB and demanding what is rightfully mine. Saturn of Port Richey can continue to write letters defaming my character as well but, they will have little to no effect on my excellent reputation in this community and many other parts of the world as well. I happen to know many people in this community and will be forced to share my experiences soon if what is mine is not returned to me. Jason and family.