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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  Orange- thats not orange! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Donna Gilbert - March 8 - 2:00 am

  We have the color(ORANGE). Who named this "orange"? Shouldnt it have been Cinnamon or something similar? Dont get us wrong, we love the color.Nobody we run into says its orange. Thankyou.

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  We love this car! - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By rognrose - March 7 - 1:33 am

  Weve driven Saturns for the last 5 years and have never had any problems. The VUE is definitely the best experience weve had with them. It is very spacious and comfortable. Its such a sharp looking car and drives so beautifully. It even takes speed bumps smoothly. The staff at the dealership was fantastic.

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  Do not but a saturn vue - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Janice - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for less than a year. With in that time it has been in the shop more than I can count. I have put over $2,000 in repairs with in the past 6 months. All of the parts that were needed had to be purchased from the dealer as they dont sell after marker parts as it is too new and they "ASSUME" you wouldnt need to replace parts. The main problems are in the front end. I have replaced both sway bars,axle boot, muffler ($610), battery, rear wiper, not just the blade as you MUST buy the entire wiper as well as they dont sell just the blade. It looks like a very sharp vehicle but mechanically it is bad news.

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  Love my first SUV - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Hector - March 3 - 6:40 pm

  For long I have wanted a SUV, but It seem to me that there was not one available with a gas conscience. I always thought that GM made big, clumsy, thirsty, cars, boy was I wrong. I just love my new VUE. The looks is great, the interior is amazing, and the quality is reaching the same quality demanded from an average consumer. The engine is powerful and you can barely notice at the gas gauge, like in the old days. The VVT seems a bit slow to react when going to high revs, but when it gets there you will notice. The heated seats are not very useful down south, but came standard with the trim package. The 6 six speed transmission sometimes is also slow to react, ( My previous car was a 5 speed

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  Vue Red Line Sieres - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By VUE Red Line Series - March 3 - 2:50 am

  The vehicle is still pretty new with 800 plus miles but the things I like the best are the comfort of the heated leather seats. The drivers seat is electrically 6 way adjustable, and is comfortable for a big man like myself at 64" and 200 lbs. It has plenty of headroom and you dont feel cramped. The power from the 250 HP V6 engine is great, and the economy is good. Im getting almost 29.8 miles per gallon on the highway. It drives and handles perfect on curves and winding roads, and the supension is impressive. The VUE is good for the times I haul kids and gear. With the roomy interior, its very functional for a mini SUV. I wanted something sporty looking, yet able to fit the bill for family needs and be easy on the wallet.

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  Great little SUV - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By frank giuliano - March 2 - 3:26 am

  The is a great all around fun SUV. I have the yellow, and everyone seems to love it. The mileage is really around 20 MPG general driving. I have not had any problems with this SUV.

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  Love the new VUE - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Doc1969 - March 1 - 2:00 am

  This is our second saturn, and we love it. Great power, handling, and braking. Has plenty of interior room with some great features. Very smooth powertrain.

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  Nice car, but many mechanical flaws - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Mark - February 26 - 3:43 am

  Shopped around test drove the Saturn Vue Redline and fell in love with the car. The car has been in the shop the past month. CD player doesnt work. CD freezes and you cant eject it. Door handles stick making it difficult to open the door. Creaking sounds between the dash and the windshield. Currently in a loaner Saturn Vue XR and everything works fine. I actually prefer the XR. The Redline is a Red Flag.

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  Saturn does not get enough credit - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By AJ - February 25 - 9:16 pm

  I love my VUE. Saturn prices are reasonable, we were able to get the top of the line vehicle at a reasonable price compared to other car manufacters. It is fun to drive. I feel safe. It has awesome pick-up, and a smooth ride. This is the second Saturn Ive owned and I am hooked.

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  Great Mid-Sized SUV - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Buzzy66212 - February 21 - 8:03 pm

  I just love this SUV. Its great looking, easy to drive and very roomy. It was the best car buying experience I have ever had. The Saturn dealerships are wonderful!