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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  Great Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Beagle - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I owned 3 Ford Explorers before the Vue. The last Explorer was totaled in an accident when I was broad sided. I cant downplay the Ford, but dollar for dollar, I really like the Vue. It has been fun to drive, reliable, and 4 people I know have now bought Saturns because of my opinion of the Vue. The latest bought a 2004 Vue and they Love it. By the way.... we bought a Saturn Ion Coupe at the same time. Great vehicles ! ! ! ! !

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  Very Pleased - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Ms_agape - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I very pleased with the vehicle. Gas mileage is great for a SUV.

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  Not worth the trouble - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By mdgirlcheryl - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2003 Automatic V6 after test driving and going on Saturns reputation. Big Mistake. After the sensor being replaced in the gas tank, the side mirror cracking for no reason, the faulty console latch and transmission leak, now Im dealing with the noise that sounds like the frame is falling off of the axle. I would not recommend the VUE to anyone, unless you like spending alot of time at the dealership. Just hope all of this stops before the warranty is up!

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  Back to American Company - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By JoJo - January 13 - 9:46 am

  I traded my first 98 Saturn SL2 for a 02 VW Jetta, huge mistake. By 30,000 miles and 2 years, I had to get it fixed 15 times. So I traded for a 06 Saturn Vue AWD V6. I had the vehicle for 3 years, not one stinking problem. We had a foot of snow, this vehicle did amazingly well and no worries. The gas mileage is like a car, so Im not paying any more than I used to. This is a very reliable vehicle, only had to get oil changes and new tires. The power windows did not get stuck in the frost/ice like the Jetta did (three times). I have done LONG road trips and no problems with cruise control or comfort. I am extremely happy with my Vue, with the help of Honda under the hood.

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  Very Satisfied - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By EC Saturn - January 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle because I needed something with a little more room and better ground clearance than what I had in my Olds Alero. Of all the SUVs that I drove, only the Saturn was able to provide me with AWD and an exterior that would be able to resist the light offroad use I would be incurring. It hauls everything inside that I need. The interior is a nice plastic that I havent been able to tear up as aposed to former vehicles. The engine and the 5 speed automatic have been able to provide me with enough performance and economy to be very happy.

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  LEMON - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Blessedmann - January 8 - 10:00 am

  I had my Saturn Vue V6 for about 1 month it has been in the shop 8 different times sense I am now going to use the LEMON Law on this vehicle.

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  SATURN VUE-2004 - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By EDNA HESSER - January 2 - 10:00 am

  GREAT RIDE-PLENTY OF MOTOR POWER WHEN NEEDED-GOOD GAS MILEAGE-COMFORTABLE TO DRIVE.-USER FRIENDLY ACCESSORIES.

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  Red Line Rocks! - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By RJ - December 21 - 11:00 pm

  Chose this over the RAV4, and its the right choice. The cars performance has been flawless, and Im getting about 26mpg in mixed driving. The car is a real eye-catcher, and has started several conversations already with people in parking lots. Got the Red Line with Sun & Sound package, and I cant imagine having more fun in a car. The Honda V6 is worth the extra $, thanks to its fuel economy and especially its passing power. I drove sedans all my life, and thanks to the VUE, Ill never go back. Make sure you check it out, as I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a feature-packed SUV for a very reasonable price. Oh, by the way, did I mention it comes with a free year of OnStar?

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  After three years... - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Vince M - December 21 - 9:33 am

  Overall it was a good vehicle, better than my 04 Vue. Quality is average, still a lot of cheap plastic throughout the interior. No major issues. Only a few trips to the dealer for minor repairs. Kids didnt like the back seat, not comfortable and not enough cup holders. mileage is OK but not great. Ending the lease soon and would consider buying the car if the price was right.

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  A different kind of SUV - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Al - December 16 - 1:06 pm

  The 2wd, 4-cyl model we are leasing is basically a station wagon on stilts. This is for hauling groceries and kids, not off-roading, which is fine, because thats what most folks use their SUVs for anyway. Before this, we had the V-6 L300, and the VUE feels underpowered in comparison, but its an SUV that gets good gas milage. The reviewer commented on the cheapness of the interior, but that was the 2002 model. I think the brushed aluminum look in the 2006 model is very nice. The armrests on the front bucket seats are really the only plastic bits that seem cheap to me. For some reason, we have the woodgrain from the v-6 model on one of the doorhandles in the rear.