Overview & Reviews

Before Saturn was forced to call it a career after the 2009 GM bankruptcy affair, the Saturn Vue was one of the company's more endearing products. The Vue debuted in 2002 as GM's first home-grown entry in the car-based small-SUV segment, it recorded solid sales but not much critical acclaim. To compensate for the latter, Saturn made steady improvements and expanded the Vue's model lineup with the high-performance Red Line and hybrid Green Line variants. Though still not as polished as other top compact SUVs, the first-generation Vue remained attractive because of its low price and Saturn's famed no-hassle buying experience.

Introduced for 2008, the second-generation Saturn Vue improved upon the original's formula in many areas. This Vue shared much of its basic structure with the Antara, a small SUV produced by Opel, GM's Germany-based European division. While we usually roll our eyes at so-called badge engineering, this was one instance where we were flag-waving fans. The second-generation Vue was a remarkable improvement over its forebear, looking and feeling like a European-designed car that just happened to have Saturn badges.

However, Saturn's departure from the scene changes our view of the Vue. Given the first-generation Vue's spotty reliability record and the second-generation's European parts sourcing, we'd advise steering clear of used Vues unless you find an outstanding deal that leaves room for expected maintenance costs.

Most Recent Saturn Vue

The second-generation Saturn Vue was produced from 2008-'09. Compared to the earlier Vue, it was very similar in size, with a nearly identical wheelbase and marginally greater width and height. However, its exterior was constructed of steel body panels. Although the old Vue's plastic ones prevented unsightly dings, they also looked cheap and created huge panel gaps. The second-generation Vue's interior was also higher in quality with improved ergonomics.

The five-passenger compact Vue crossover was available in three trim levels: base XE, midgrade XR and sporty Red Line. A 2.4-liter inline-4 that produced 164 horsepower and 160 pound-feet of torque was standard on the XE and for '09, on the XR. It was connected to a four-speed automatic. An optional 3.5-liter V6 was available on the XE, and it sent 215 hp and 220 lb-ft through a six-speed automatic. A 3.6-liter V6 (also matched to a six-speed auto) that generated 257 hp and 248 lb-ft was standard on the XR for '08 and optional for '09. The Red Line was available only with the 3.6-liter V6. A manual-shift feature for the automatic transmission was standard on the Red Line and optional on the XR. Front- or all-wheel drive was available on each trim.

When compared to other compact SUVs, the Vue was on the small side, with only 56 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, almost 20 cubes less than some of its key competitors. Passenger space was good, however, with a reclining rear seat that offered decent legroom. Front seat comfort was good as well, although some found the bottom cushions a little short and the seats in general lacking lateral and lumbar support.

In reviews of the front-drive Saturn Vue XR, we found it to be a real competitor in the rapidly expanding compact-SUV market. Although others offered more space or a more entertaining driving experience, the Vue made up for it with European-inspired styling, a well-built and attractive cabin, composed handling and respectably strong engine choices.

Past Saturn Vue Models

The first-generation Saturn Vue was produced from 2002-'07 with plastic body panels (the second-generation has steel) and no specific trim levels. Though this Vue's interior was always second-rate, it was notably improved for the 2006 model year; models built previously were even more deficient in terms of interior materials quality and ergonomics. One should also note that Saturn offered a continuously variable transmission (CVT) from the 2002-'05 model years. Fitted to the 143-hp 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine, the CVT provided improved fuel mileage compared to the five-speed automatic. But long-term reliability was apparently an issue and Saturn discontinued it. It was replaced by a five-speed automatic as the optional transmission, while a five-speed manual remained standard equipment.

Finally, Vues built through the 2004 model year had a 181-hp, 3.0-liter V6 instead of the later Honda-engineered 3.5-liter V6 that was more refined and powerful with 250 hp. With this bigger engine came a few more features, including the option of all-wheel drive and the "Red Line" performance package.

In reviews, the first-generation Saturn Vue earned favorable commentary for its strong 3.5-liter V6 engine, roomy cabin, comfortable ride and dent-resistant plastic body panels. Noted downsides included below-average build quality, low-grade interior materials, vague steering and weak performance from the base four-cylinder engine.

User Reviews:

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  New 2007 VUE - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By MarvC - July 6 - 12:13 pm

  My wifes 99 Honda Passport finally died. She really wanted to stay with the smaller SUV. We ended up test driving the Honda Pilot (a little pricey), Rav4 (bumpy short wheelbase not a lot of cargo space). We almost gave up in finding an SUV, friend recommended the VUE. Sales staff were great, the car fit our budget. We added leather, V6, enhanced stereo, alloy 17" wheels, spolier and DVD system. The ride is very smooth, a little more road noise form the 17" wheels. Acceleration is outstanding! Cargo room more than enough for us. We have the Polar White and get many comments on the look of the SUV from others, espically at the car wash.. The car looks like a much higher priced unit!

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  Really A Great Surprise - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By bailranch - July 6 - 10:00 am

  It is a great vehicle! I was shocked to see that I could get in and out with contorting my limbs! Also, when my wife drives, I can stretch my legs out straight in the passenger side (Iam 6ft 2in and a BIG guy) Ive taken 4 road trips already and it averages the 25/mpg and is a treat to drive. The sport package makes it a great car!

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  Sad Sad Sad - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By lostinslc - July 5 - 9:19 am

  I bought this 08 Saturn Vue brand new, first car ever I was able to take off the showroom floor. As a 22 year GM dedicated consumer I felt I was in good hands, boy I was wrong. In 4 years I have replaced the tires three times, the power steering pump twice, the engine mounts, and the battery fried out after one year. GM wont back their repairs and their product and they expect us to be happy with a $30,000 vehicle that keeps breaking down. Sorry to say, I may become a Ford man now, goodbye GM.

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  excellant - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By academy - June 30 - 10:00 am

  i puchased my view about 3 weeks ago and i love it. I drive alot and it is great knowing that i now have a very dependable vehicle that doesnt slack going up the mountain.

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  Not a problem - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By My VUE - June 30 - 6:40 am

  I bought my Saturn VUE used in 2005. It had 42,000 miles on it. I love it. The only problem I had with my is that the battery died last year. That was the first time Id changed it since I got the car. The only complaints I have about the Vue is that you can hear outside noise, it rides a little rough and the interior is cheat. Other than that I love it and have had no problems and I would recommend the VUE.

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  Interior is a nightmare - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By d.riss - June 29 - 8:30 pm

  Very unhappy with interior layout. Car handles well. Mileage fair but interior design is an ergonomic nightmare,ie dashboard hard to read at night and also in bright sunlight. If it wasnt under lease it would be gone by now.

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  Best SUV for t he price! - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Saturnman - June 29 - 7:03 pm

  This is Saturn #3 for me. A 95 S series then a 2006 Vue, but the 2008 Saturn Vue is by far the finest compact SUV for the price. I love the performance, the road feel, the comfort, the styling. Love seeing in my driveway or in the parking lot. Would highly recommend pitting the 2008 Vue against any domestic or foreign competitors. Definetly put the 08 Saturn Vue on your shopping list!

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  Thoughtfully Designed Interior - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Jenny H. - June 26 - 7:43 pm

  This is the most thoughtfully designed car Ive ever driven. Every nook & cranny makes sense to me, such as door pockets that hold a magazine or letter- size file folder, & console pockets that are perfect for a couple of CDs. A 9V outlet hidden deep inside the center stack lets you plug in your cell phone, then the phone cord snakes up through a hole in the bottom of the removable cup holder. Best of all for me this winter are the optional heated seats and fast compartment heater, making my frigid a.m. drive to work a joy. My VUEs ladylike 4-cyl engine is responsive enough, is not a gas hog & is fun to drive!

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  3.5 L. Saturn VUE - Great Vehicle - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By jamfp - June 26 - 12:00 am

  This is a fun to drive vehicle with lots of power and storage room. The Saturn buying experience and service have been nice compared with experiences Ive had in the past. I have had previous vehicles ranging from a sports car to a station wagon. This one is my favorite.

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  A Very Fun Ride - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Salina - June 24 - 1:30 am

  I like many of you had condisered other cars; my first favorite was a Nissan-any Nissan. But one day we had to rent a car and we got the 2008 Vue. I was sold. When I went to the dealership they had the Black Onyx Red Line. This car is sporty upon spory. Right down to its red trimmed leather and suede seats. I have received so many compliments about this car but the outside is only half the story. It is fun to drive and it has great saftey features. Especially the OnStar. It has a quiet interior ride with loads of storage space. Includeing the one under the passenger seat. It is roomy on the inside plus it has great cargo space.