[Tomko]

Dear GMi colleagues:

My brother keeps insisting that the original Saturn automatic transmission, as used on the SL, SC and SW models, was sourced from Honda.

I don't believe this to be true. My recollection was that it was a unique product supplied by GM's Hydramatic Division, and that it included an unusual, for Hydramatic, spin-on ATF filter.

But I cannot positively refute my brother's claims of Honda parentage. I've googled extensively to no avail, excepting to confirm that a Honda AT was mated to the Honda V6 optional in the first gen Vue.

Any help that you - now paging GMCSonoma - can offer me in clarifying the supplier of the original Saturn automatic will be truly appreciated.

Thanks,

 

[eurohazard]

I seriously doubt it....and here's why. Honda's engines spun backwards (compared to every other manufacturer) for many years, including vintage Saturn SL, SC, and SW. So I do not see how it's even possible.

 

[Citation84]

The trans was designed in house by Saturn itself. It was never supplied by Honda. Check out www.saturnfans.com and do a search or ask there

 

[spencerb]

I remember reading literature from Saturn touting all the patents they got on the transmission they designed.

 

[91 s-10baja]

the only honda collaboration was the VUE's engine in the latter years of the first generation, in trade for some diesel motors over there. No trannys'

 

[eurohazard]

the only honda collaboration was the VUE's engine in the latter years of the first generation, in trade for some diesel motors over there. No trannys'

FYI, the Vue that did use the V6 Honda engine also had the Honda AT. But I know the OP wasn't talking about that.

 

[subfan1]

My daughters 2004 Ion has a 5 speed Toyota auto trans

 

[spencerb]

My daughters 2004 Ion has a 5 speed Toyota auto trans

It's actually an Aisin brand tranny.

 

[caddycruiser]

It's actually an Aisin brand tranny.

Correct. Oddly, this is the second time I've seen someone say "my Ion has a Toyota transmission". Uh, NO, it's a brand called Aisin...nothing to do with Toyota.

As for the Honda info, only the last gen Vue with the Honda 3.5L also had a Honda transmission--no others.

 

[Hudson]

The original Saturn automatic transmission was said to be similar in design to Isuzu transmissions of the time.

 

[eurohazard]

Correct. Oddly, this is the second time I've seen someone say "my Ion has a Toyota transmission". Uh, NO, it's a brand called Aisin...nothing to do with Toyota.

They have been building Toyota parts for a long time. But you're right, they aren't a part of Toyota.