Two braking systems are available for Saturn vehicles. The conventional (base) brake system consists of front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, with power assist. Optional is an antilock brake system (ABS). This section concerns itself with the conventional brake system.

Front calipers on Saturn vehicles are single piston, sliding caliper units; they are fastened to the caliper support with two bolts. Brake pressure, created in the master cylinder, acts equally on the caliper piston and caliper body (in the bottom of the caliper bore). This causes the piston to move outward (pushing the inboard brake pad against the brake rotor) and caliper body to slide inward (pushing the outboard brake pad against the brake rotor), creating stopping force. The front calipers are serviceable to the extent that they can be disassembled, cleaned, and fitted with new seals. However, since the piston bore cannot be honed, if extensive bore damage is present, the caliper body must be replaced.