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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  Switching teams... - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Mia - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Formerly a die hard VW driver (Passat) I took a chance in the SUV market. Researched like crazy and found the VUE to be best suited for my needs (single mom - 2 kids under 6 = lots of stuff to haul!). The VUE is fun to drive, econmical and the no pressure sales guys, got to love that. I refuse to go mini-van and this was the perfect solution. The kids love the rear seating (spacious with their own cupholders!) and I love the ease of turning (lower to the ground means less rolling). Totally comfortable. Spacious. Go for the sunroof, a MUST. Lots of bang for the minimal buck.

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  Saturn is big bang for the buck - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By alix - November 7 - 10:00 am

  My experience with my 2003 VUE has been nothing but good. I get a lot of great feedback on its neat design and people guess it to be more expensive than it really is.

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  Best car that I have owned - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Joe - November 3 - 2:33 am

  I bought this VUE after trading in a 2003 ION which I had a lot of problems with. It was worth losing a little bit of money to gain the VUE. I have had no problems with this VUE. This VUE has great looks, and performs really well. I got 30mpg on the road and about 19mpg around town. Just recently my wife was rearended and she hit the person in front of her and the VUE did great with only a few scrathes on back and a bent plastic chrome in front. The Blazer that hit her was in bad shape.This VUE is the best new car that we have owned for reliability and safety.

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  Satisfaction Driven - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Erin Rich - November 1 - 4:53 am

  The Saturn Vue is my first SUV and after driving compact cars previously, Ill never go back! Sure, Ill miss the gas mileage that my old car had, but the Vue has more to offer: comfort, confidence on the highway, open space for vacation traveling, and not to mention it looks good on the road. Actually, it looks great on the road and in the driveway.

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  Needs polish - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By McGarrett - October 31 - 10:00 am

  We were in the market for a larger vehicle. We didnt need a real SUV but our choices in wagons was limited. Then we looked at the VUE. We arranged a test drive at a friendly, stress-free dealership and my wife (the primary driver) instantly fell in love with the thing! Best of all, it was about 4 grand less than a comparably-equipped L- series wagon. The VUE is a real charmer!

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  Great SUV - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Len1950 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SUV and I really enjoy driving it. It handles very well and has a very comfortable ride. Almost a year now and no problems.

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  Fair at Best - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Mark - October 29 - 6:23 pm

  My 2003 VUE has 70k miles now. I have used it mainly for long distance highway travel. It is a great car for short around town hops but the seats are awful for long drives. The cushions are too short and the armrests are way too short as well. The interior is roomy albiet noisy. The engine is becoming increasingly noisy and the build quality is only fair.

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  You get what you pay for - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By dejeanco - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my truck for this Vue when the gas prices were sky high. I had owned a Saturn before, so I knew what I was getting. I didnt pay much for the Vue. Its about what I expected. I bought the car with 30,000 miles on it. It now has 80,000. Ive had the A/C repaired. Thats about it. Its just a car. Nothing fancy. I think its funny when people review these things like they were built by Mercedes Benz and then complain when any little thing goes wrong. You bought a Saturn, not a Mercedes. You got what you paid for.

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  Had I known - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By MM in atl - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I wish I had done better research. It fit the bill of decent mileage for a small SUV, BUT its been trouble every few months since I purchased it with 80,000 miles. Im dumping it as soon as I get a chance! The transmission would be covered by my extended warranty, but its never that - its the wires, the modules and connections that lead the transmission that I keep having to pay for. Im so thankful for the extended warranty, because that has helped out with other issues like leaky valves, wheel bearing which was replaced and other misfires. Do NOT buy one of these lemons, theyre SO cheaply made! The whole exterior is plastic and the mechanics are of equal quality.

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  Poor Mileage, Awful Seats, but its FAST - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By redcheese - October 25 - 11:46 am

  I was looking for something that could tow a 3500 lb. trailer, get decent gas mileage and could be parallel parked in downtown San Francisco. I chose between the Saturn Vue & Honda Pilot. The Honda was much more comfortable, had better steering, but was 1000 lbs. heavier, had special requirements for towing and was noticeably slower. In the end, I settled on a used 2005 AWD V6 Saturn Vue. Hate the seats & get poor mileage. 13 MPG city and 19 hwy. Towing, I get 17. Mileage-wise, I cant really complain though...it has the same engine/ tranny as the Honda. Did I mention how much I hate the seats??!