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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  Saturn VUE - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Louise - December 16 - 10:16 am

  The VUE is quiet, it drives well, and the ride is very comfortable even for long rides with lots of leg room. I love this car. I love the color "Cypress Green". I would definitely buy another one if I ever trade this one in. So far it has been my favorite car, and I was always a Ford person.

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  Nice - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Marilyn - December 14 - 9:40 pm

  All around Great Vehicle. FOr the money got alot. 2nd Saturn I have owned

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  I love my VUE - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By ClaytonB - December 13 - 10:00 am

  The VUE has great fuel economy and the engine is very responsive. We took it on vacation and it handled well in the mountains. The interior is nice, the plastic panels are easy to clean and very durable. The insurance is also lower than other vehicles we were considering.

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  Love My Car - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By lr - December 12 - 8:46 am

  I have had my car for 4 months now and I still love it. It has all of the bells and whistles for a price that was cheaper than the competitors base models. I looked at 7 car models and the Saturn Vue won hands down. No problems to report. Mileage is OK, it is a V6, AWD car. You cant expect to get 40 mpg.

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  A reliable and fun to drive vehicle - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By AMUELLERJR - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I was one of the first VUE owners in St. Louis. It was not my first Saturn and wont be my last. They have always proved to be reliable, well built and practical, yet fun to drive. For an SUV it gets good milage and has been maintance free other than the standard maintenance. The polimer panels are great and require nothing. The body is well finished and appointed. It was and is a good value.

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  New to Saturn - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Cindy - December 6 - 9:46 am

  Just purchased the vehicle. Like the performance and the gas mileage so far. Interior design could be better in the center console area. Not much storage room. OnStar is great. Rear door is very heavy and hard to close. Very comfortable seats and lots of leg room in the rear for the size of the vehicle.

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  Perfect for the family - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Trudy - December 6 - 12:56 am

  I am very happy I chose the VUE. Comfortable, reliable, and quiet running. It has everything I need. Very spacious and great room in the back. Absolutely no regrets.

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  Avoid 2003 model of Saturn VUE - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Paul - December 3 - 10:13 am

  I have a 2003 Saturn VUE with 87,000 miles on it. Below are parts that had to be replaced: * water pump at 42,000 miles * rear differential at 48,000 and 84,000 miles * heater motor * rear wiper motor *steering pinions Additionally, the leather seats have cracked on a side despite bi-weekly conditioning. I do not plan to purchase another GM product.

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  VUE = FUN - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By MeSue - December 2 - 10:00 am

  Have had this car for 3 months and have nothing but fun in it, drive it in the city and through fields and enjoy the handling and control. Plus its dent resistant! :)

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  Vue Review - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By powerbar - December 2 - 10:00 am

  This car is not made for back road driving. Its appeal may be for young drivers but this car is made for family transportation. I live in the country and the suspension has not held up. In addition, the antilock brakes strangely work against an agressive driver. I have had my wheel bearings replaced numerous times and have only had my vehicle for a year and 1/2. In addition my front coil spring broke in two!? To sum this up the suspension and quality in this car have not lived up to the making of an SUV (AKA Sport Utility Vehicle).