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:
Showing 991 through 1000 of 1,730.00-
Eh. Just Ok. - 2003 Saturn VUE
By 2vues - April 13 - 2:00 amIts loud. Its rough. Its sluggish unless you floor the pedal. It seems to get stuck between gears. It seems to built like a toy. I dont really like it.
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Bang for your Buck! - 2006 Saturn VUE
By Angela - April 6 - 5:13 pmThis has been a great starter family vehicle for my family. It has a spacious interior and a comfortable ride. Simple styling, not over done. With a 5-star crash test rating to boot, this is an all around great vehicle.
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ONE YEAR LATER - 2005 Saturn VUE
By LIBBY - April 6 - 2:16 pmI wasnt planning to buy a Saturn, but after test driving the competition (Honda CRV, Toyota RAV 4) I was more impressed with better ride and handling of the Vue. It has a bigger feel to it. I got the Sport package that gave me alot more for the price than the other vehicles. The gas mileage is great, and I have plenty of room to haul stuff around. Customer service is tops. I put on a lot of freeway miles, so the handling issue and safety rating was a key selling point. I traded in a little Sentra. What a difference for $7 more a month in car payment which includes the Car Care service.
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I love my VUE - 2003 Saturn VUE
By cxc7936 - April 2 - 10:00 amMy VUE is my second Saturn. I chose the V6 for its additional power without giving up fuel economy- 20 city 26 highway. I wanted a larger vehicle because I now have a bad back, and the seat on the VUE adjusts to the perfect height to minimize the strain on my lower back. Also it is the perfect size for me and not too huge, like a Suburban or something. It handles very well for an SUV and I love it. Way to go Saturn and thank you for my VUE!
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New Vue Owner - 2007 Saturn VUE
By Rick - March 29 - 4:30 pmRecommend over the Equinox. V6 has much better performance and fuel economy versus the V6 in the Equinox. Very quiet car. Transmission shifts very smoothly. Seat arm rests need a bit more length. Foglamp performance is terrible.
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offroadvue - 2005 Saturn VUE
By offroadvue - March 28 - 10:00 amthe vue drives very quiet and smooth almost like its eletric it shifts so nice and easy you cant hardly feel it accels pretty nice also I rearly drive it but my wife loves it plus it has massive safty features thats what i love about the Saturn VUE good job you all! THUMBS UP!
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Best small SUV out there - 2003 Saturn VUE
By c1carroll - March 28 - 10:00 amThis SUV has something for everyone. Its the perfect all weather vehicle. Heats up so fast in winter (get the heated seats too!) and a/c chills it fast in summer. Excellent for light towing and camping. Plenty of cargo space (get a roof rack..cheap). Sound system is excellent, fit and finish, ride quality all terrific after 20K +. Great in snow with AWD, and the mileage is still pretty good (20-26 MPG). The paint quaility is worth mentioning, and the polymer body panels have saved it more than once from dings and scratches. Ive recommended to MANY people. Im a Saturn convert.
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Saturn VUE - 2002 model - 2002 Saturn VUE
By jhs0463 - March 25 - 2:00 amThe Saturn VUE 6 cylinder AWD vehicle handels like a car. Front seats are comfortable with easy access to controls.
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power - 2003 Saturn VUE
By A. J. Cupps - March 25 - 2:00 amMy wife was looking for a SUV for the purpose of driving in the winter. We tryed a Honda, Vue, and a subura forester. We checked all the spects on the three vech. and test driven each one. The honda was a great vech., but she dicided on the Vue because of the power. She has a hevey foot for a 60 year old. We didnt like paying $2000 for leather on the Honda. The only draw back on the Vue was the noise of the V- 6. She liked the steering. We read that there was a prolem with it that we didnt find.
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Saturn VUE - 2006 Saturn VUE
By Richard - March 23 - 11:16 pmThe car on smooth surface is really nice, no excessive road noise. When driving on bumpy surface it rattles like an old car. Fuel mileage was the reason I purchase the VUE. I am disappointed. The best miles per gallon that Ive gotten on the highway is 4 miles per gallon less than the sticker, 24 vs the stated 28.
