I was poking around the SaturnFans website to see threads regarding
tires, and noticed another thread: "The Death of Saturn". It was started
by what appears to be a fairly new saleslady who was tired of seeing
negative posts lamenting the direction GM has Saturn going in. Even
though I thought she came across as a bit arrogant, I understand she's
defending her (new) employer. She's excited about working there and is
defensive. That was my take anyways. It started a debate that was
interesting to read from some of the long-time Saturn owners.

For one thing I didn't realize Saturn was doing away with the Polymer
side panels that help prevent dents. According to the saleslady it was a
"division that was losing money" and the owners who don't like the
change are basically crybabies. hah.

Some of the owners seem to believe that GM is ruining Saturn.

I bought my car 2nd hand from a friend because he gave me the trade-in
price he was offered for it when he bought a new VUE in 2003. I had
always said I wouldn't have another 4-cylinder but the deal was too good
to pass up and I needed a better car at the time. Once I started driving
the SW2 I enjoyed having it. As much as I hated (and still hate) how low
the wagon sits, I still have really enjoyed having it. It's roomier than
it looks from the outside. And to me the Polymer is a bigger draw than
that lady seems to think. It set Saturn apart I thought. And Saturn's
prices seemed competitive at least.

Me personally, I'm waiting for a new American car company to start up
that'll give people the opportunity to buy a very reliable car, that's
very affordable, and is simple for an owner to work on without
everything under the hood being crammed together, and still be one
that's stylish and attractive. I'm not crazy about having computers run
things in cars either. I'd like to see a car being sold for $8,000 -
$10,000 that a family could feel safe in and have it not be a piece of
junk. With the exportation of American jobs overseas there there's a
bigger market than ever for a really affordable car.

Whenever I see on tv the old American cars from the 50's still being
worked on and driven by Cubans on the island, I wonder if that could
happen with today's cars in a similar situation.

I got a little sidetracked, but I'm curious about what you all think
about how GM is running Saturn.

Thanks, Jeff