Saturn was discontinued back in 2010, but many of these former cars from General Motors continue to orbit around the used car market, including their manual models.

If you’re a longtime automobile aficionado, then there may be nothing you appreciate more than the manual gearbox. With close to 99% of all new cars sold in the United States being automatics these days, you may be wishing the world’s automakers shared your love for manuals.

If you’re looking to stick with the stick (shift, that is), the

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can help you get the right car in your clutches while saving you money on

Saturn insurance costs

In this article, we’ll explore some classic manual models from Saturn, like the Ion and the Vue.

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Does Saturn still make a manual?

Unfortunately, Saturn doesn’t manufacture anything anymore. General Motors halted production of Saturn in 2009 and completely shut down the brand a year later. That may be tough to swallow if you’re in the market for a manual Saturn model, but the good news is you can still find a quality stick-shift Saturn in the used car market.

MORE: 7 things to look for when buying a used car

Saturn S-Series

List Price Estimate: $818 - $1,893

General Motors launched Saturn in the 1990s to compete with the automakers of Japan who were producing cheaper and better quality cars. These futuristic-looking S-Series models with their classic Z-shape design were the first to hit the market.

Offering a five-speed manual transmission, this daily commuter available in a sedan, wagon, or coupe tops out at about 124 horsepower. It’s not just the speed that makes the S-Series unique, it’s the body. Designed with plastic panels rather than metal, Saturns can absorb impacts better and keep your ride from getting all scratched up.

Newer models refined this polymer exterior to give the S-Series a more sleek and angular appearance that you can show off as you shift from one gear to the next.

Saturn L-Series

List Price Estimate: $992 - $2,354

The L-Series models are full-size versions of their compact siblings that comprise the S-Series. Not only are they more spacious, but the L-Series offers a V6 engine. Even better, the L-Series costs thousands less than the comparable models like

Honda Accord

and

Toyota Camry

Like the S-Series, the L-Series has a wagon model in addition to the sedan—both of which offer a five-speed manual transmission and get up to 182 horsepower.

Despite its reliability and low price point, the L-Series only had a five-year run before Saturn replaced it with another model equal in class, which may make finding one on the market a little tough.

Saturn Ion

List Price Estimate: $1,335 - $2,686

If you didn’t know, Saturns were famous for their dent-resistant side panels. Their marketing campaign made that clear back in the early aughts when they introduced the

Saturn Ion

The Ion, a compact line of models that replaced the S-Series line, is equipped with a 140 horsepower engine with two options for manual transmission in the 5-speed Getrag F23 or 5-speed F35. Although the Ion sheds a bit of the iconic Z-shape that made the brand famous, the spirit of the S-Series lives on in this 21st-century redesign.

The Ion series also features a more performance-oriented model of the Ion. Known as the Red Line, this sporty Saturn is only available as a quad coupe and houses a 2.0L supercharged I4 engine. Plus you’ll garner some extra curb appeal with the Red Line’s rear spoiler and stylish cloth interior.

Saturn Vue

List Price Estimate: $2,833 - $4,442

For most of its run, Saturn was all sedans and wagons, along with the occasional coupe. Ultimately, the

Saturn Vue

marked the beloved brand’s arrival to the SUV/crossover scene.

The Saturn Vue comes in many fun, bright colors that make the mid-size SUV pop. The eye-catching styling both inside and out isn’t the Vue’s only attractive feature, it’s also equipped with a powerful V6 engine that can reach up to 257 horsepower!

The Vue may not offer the most cabin space or have the most impressive mpg, but this Saturn favorite makes up for it with its agile handling, stellar safety performance, and super competitive price point. And yes, the love of clutch lives on with many trims offering a 5-speed manual transmission.

MORE: How to drive stick or manual cars

Benefits and drawbacks of a manual transmission

Whether you prefer a manual or automatic ride, each one has its pros and cons. There may be no changing your mind, but if you’re on the fence, take a look at some of the advantages of manual transmission:

Pro: Manual transmissions are more affordable.

Pro: Between

44%

and

84%

of US drivers don’t know how to drive stick, which can help you in the theft department.

Pro: Lower repair costs on the transmission are a plus for a manual over an automatic.

Pro: Not only are they nostalgic, but they’re also a joy to drive!

While you may not be able to shake your nostalgia for the clutch, you should consider these pitfalls that come along with the manual gearbox:

Con: Three-pedal driving can be daunting in rush hour traffic.

Con: Manuals are becoming a lost art, and finding someone to teach you how to use one can be a challenge.

Con: Say goodbye to better fuel economy—manuals no longer

save money on gas

these days.

With just

27 new cars with a manual transmission

available in the US as of 2021, one of the biggest snags of manual transmissions is being able to find one.

Key Takeaway Manual transmissions are hard to find and even harder to drive, but they can offer lower repair costs and more fun on the road.

MORE:

Should I buy a sports car?

How to find affordable Saturn insurance

Saturns, especially models with a manual transmission, can be hard to find these days. Once you get your hands on one, you can rest assured the search for affordable

car insurance

will be over before you know it.

Your best bet? Use licensed broker and super app

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All you need to do is download the app, answer a few quick questions, and then let the team at Jerry work their magic. Jerry presents you with competitive quotes from top insurance companies. Choose which works best for you, and Jerry will handle the rest.

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FAQs

Is a manual or an automatic better?

Budget and driving preferences can answer this question best. If you want to keep your costs low and have a blast on the road, you might opt for a manual.

Is a manual transmission Saturn more reliable?

With simpler mechanics, the manual gearbox won’t need as many repairs—which means you can save on maintenance costs with a manual Saturn.

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