GM's downward spiral: A timeline

1989

Saturn, an attempt for GM to revitalize its image by producing smaller, less expensive cars, goes into orbit. The brand's claims to fame are its plastic, dent-free bodies, and friendly, haggle-free dealerships. But after GM sinks an estimated $15 billion into Saturn, the cars don't sell nearly as well as planned and Saturn is slowly integrated back into GM.

NEXT: Stempel resigns