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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  2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By Mike - January 31 - 5:53 pm

  I bought a Saturn Vue Hybrid recently. I only have about 1300 miles on it so far. I like the auto engine stop when the car stops. I like the quick re- start. It happens so smoothly that you hardly know it. I needed an SUV for camping and bad roads, but didnt want the bad mileage of other SUVS. This car has done well no bad roads and also gets good mileage. 28 MPG on the first tank. 29 on the second tank (including some back roads). 30 on the third tank. It is light at about 3,800 pounds. Has a useable area behind the second row of seats. Has a bigger back seat than the Escape or many other small SUVs. Unlike many hybrids, this does well on the freeway. Great car.

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  Better than I thought - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By KKMC - January 31 - 10:00 am

  The VUE was not my first choice, but with all the incentives and the GM Card points, I had to go for it. The pickup from a dead stop is very good, and the gas mileage runs between 21 and 26. The VUE has a ton of interior room; adults can actually sit comfortably in the back seat. My wife and I are very pleased with this vehicle.

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  2005 Saturn VUE FWD V6 Value - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By BDub - January 28 - 11:03 pm

  With the employee pricing and cash rebates, the VUE offers a fantastic value for the money. I purchased the V6 FWD model with optional leather seats, head curtain airbags, sunroof, alloy wheels, and MP3 CD player, all for under $25k out the door (including tax and title). The engine is smooth and refined. The Chili Pepper Red has received compliments from friends and pedestrians alike. Saturn has done a good job designing a car that provides the necessary features in a nice little package. I have read others comment about the gas mileage, and I, too, have not been getting the sticker, but then, it is summer in Southern California, and I have the air conditioner blasting!

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  My first SUV - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Flo - January 27 - 10:33 pm

  This is my 2nd new Saturn. I had my SL2 for 10 years. It still ran great, I just wanted to take advantage of the 72 months of free financing. I love my VUE. Great fun to drive, just the right size for me. The chrome pkg, roof rack and bigger wheels makes for a sporty look.

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  My First Car! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By KRamos - January 26 - 6:10 am

  this was the first car that i got to buy by myself...i have driven many, many miles - long highway trips between texas, utah, colorado, and idaho, and have never had a problem. I had over 100,000 miles on it and had owned it for 5 years before the air conditioning went out and needed to be fixed...absolutely nothing else has gone wrong with the car! i have had no engine problems...i have kept it maintained and took it in for all its "check-ups"...the only reason i even traded it in was because i now have four children, and my whole family no longer fits in!!

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  Replacing with Same - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By luvsaturns - January 25 - 7:02 am

  I loved my VUE until it was totaled in a side impact accident two weeks ago. Despite the 180 degree spin and a roll over onto the driver side - I was left in good shape. No broken bones or cuts. And the safety glass and airbags did their thing. This was my 2nd Saturn - have a 95 SL2 that I also loved - and I cant replace it with anything but another VUE. Weve had it camping, to the beach, and on many road trips. Have compared it to many other SUVs Ive rented for business over the years and nothing has ever measured up for ease of use, simple ergonomics, and just plain fun. Ill really miss that truck - but look forward to the new one.

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  02 Saturn Vue - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By dqpryor - January 23 - 2:16 pm

  Certainly had some first year bugs (windshield not set correctly, computer had glitches, etc.) but its been a very functional vehicle. We got a lot of utility out of it.

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  Buy the VUE - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By GoodDriving - January 19 - 3:46 am

  The 6 cyl has exceptional pick up for passing. The dashboard controls are all easily accessible for the driver. The no-dent no-rust side panels and doors should add to the resale value

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  ECONOMICAL - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By jojo - January 13 - 10:00 am

  the vue is certainly ergonomic on gas, especially with gas prices increasing. there is plenty of room for 5 good sized adults. the folding rear seats come in handy for the larger items. the front wheel drive i would find would do better in areas where it is less inclined to be on snow. the front end handling feels to be loose at times, especially with take. Noticeable shift to the left or right in steering is also noted upon take off. Overall, its a decent family starter suv with plenty of room and safety features.

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  My VUE - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By HiFlier - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Really like the vehicle. Only 2,500 miles so far, so will reserve final opinions until about 10,000 miles.