It's not just my favorite planet

Unless you're living under a rock, it's clear that the economy sucks right now. Companies and banks going belly up. GM is one of those companies. Personally, if they weren't smart enough to manage their business, I don't care if they fold. However, their current plan is to stay afloat, but get rid of their Saturn division.

That makes me sad. For I am a Saturn owner and a Saturn lover - both the planet and the car. The planet is obvious - I mean, who couldn't love Saturn!

The car may be different. My daughter had one and hated it. But from the first day I drove Gloria off the lot, I was in love. Gloria was my first Saturn, a 1994 model. I had to buy another car when my Chevy Astro Van bit the dust. I drove for three years without any dashboard lights, the arm rest was on the floor in the back of the car, the rear view mirror would periodically fall off in my hand, the side had a large gouge where a self-service car wash did a can opener impersonation, the radio had more static than sound, the windshield wipers would do their thing when I turned on the turn signal. One day the fan went out so I no longer had air conditioning or heat. I took it to the mechanic and he placed his hand on my shoulder and said, "Sandi, give it up! You need another car!"

I hated to get rid of my van because it had a rich history with me and my kids from Tucson to California. But it was waaayyy past it's prime so I had to let go. And I decided to get a regular car with a trunk this time, no more vans. So I headed to the Saturn lot because I like the planet and it seemed like a good idea. There was Gloria. In all her splenor. Four door, twin cams (whatever that is), sunroof, and a rich plum color. I cleaned out the van (sobbing as I did so!) and drove Gloria home.


We took many trips together and she guided me back and forth to work for 8 years. Oh, there were a few mishaps like when the alternator went out and I was stuck with a friend in the parking lot of a movie theater. Or when the little security thingy on my keychain malfunctioned (actually it may have been user error) and Ed had to break into the battery case to get a new battery which didn't work until we finally figured out that the old battery was fine it was just the dang security thingy!

But, in 2005 we decided it was time for me to get a new car that would last for several years. I gave Gloria to my brother-in-law so she now lives in Yosemite - and seems quite happy there. Back to the Saturn dealership I went and this time I found Lola. She's a shiny Chili Pepper Red Saturn Vue with running boards, leather seats, remote entry system, sunroof, and loads of personality. I love her! And I always knew that when her time was over, I would head out and get another Saturn.


Alas, now that probably won't happen. Damn GM.