It's been 12 years since GM's Saturn division first appeared on the automotive scene in an attempt to compete more effectively with Japanese imports. Unlike Japanese manufacturers who change a car's design pretty much every four years like clockwork, the basic Saturn sedan, coupe and station wagon model, known as the S-Series, remained essentially unchanged. Until now.

It didn't seem to matter terribly as people have chosen Saturns as much for the hassle-free buying experience as the car's actual character and performance. In fact, Saturn has been the only non-luxury make to ever top the J. D. Power and Associates Sales Satisfaction Index and was often ranked with such illustrious makes as Lexus and Infiniti.