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 - Not a Good Investment - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Andie007 - October 23 - 12:30 pm

  At 3 months a number of on-board computers were replaced. The drivers mirror cover hinges broke off at 20,000 km and replaced for $120.00 CDN. It broke off again at 66,000 km. Had a number of other recalls, which seems typical today for most new N. Am. vehicles. I kept telling my dealership about the "buzzing sound" coming from my VUEs front end. I said it was the tranny. My dealership is great, but I am still baffled by no one telling me the 2002 and 2003 Saturn automatic transmissions (the VTi) were big problems - and were discontinued after the 2003 model. Tranny blew at 77,000 km. VUE is worth $2,500 less now than what buy-out at lease-end in 9 months will be. Loud road noise too!

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  Excellent Value - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By HappyOwner - October 22 - 10:33 pm

  I purchased this vehicle to replace my 1996 SL2. GM was running the employee pricing and 0% financing for my VUE V6 AWD with leather seats, Safe and Sound package and sunroof, which I got for about 25K. The AWD is fantastic, getting me through the worst of weather with confidence. OnStar has been a great feature, giving me directions, answering questions if a warning light comes on on the dashboard and with their remote unlock service. The car accelerates well, steers well, is comfortable for long drives and has a tremendous amount of cargo space for a compact SUV. Three years later, I still love this vehicle.

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  The best decision I made - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Great suv, price - October 19 - 11:30 pm

  Ive owned tons of cars but I never thought I would own a Saturn. I thought they were kind of ugly and was not sure of their quality. Now I know Saturns are very reliable the side panels are a must and their performance is excellent in a great price. Dealerships super friendly and in the two years, 65,000 hard miles on my VUE, the convenience and spaciousness made it the best choice amongst others I tested. It might not be a handsome truck but with a few mods it turns heads. I am very happy with my purchase after all, me personally have never seen a Saturn stuck on the road.

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  Near Luxury and Unbelievable Value - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By peter - October 19 - 6:53 pm

  Like everyone else we were hit by the gas crunch so I downsized from by 8 cyl Cadillac SRX which I absolutely loved so we could get one fuel efficient vehicle for our family. Checked out the usual: Acord (noisy and did not like interior), Camry (noisy and horrible handling), Malibu (surprisingly better than expected but still did not do it for me), VW - Jetta came close but too small and Passat too expensive for a VW, plus a whole lot more. Finally found myself in a Saturn dealer and was blown away with the VUE - near luxury drive, German engineering and design in and out, quality materials, handles well and 4 cyl.economy - no it is not a luxury car but comes darn close for the price!

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  My Vue Red Line - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By GBR - October 19 - 2:00 am

  This is an awesome vehicle! Im a diehard Honda lover, so when looking for a small SUV, really wanted a Honda, but they dont offer the bells and whistles on the CRV that I wanted. Looked at the Vue because of the Honda package and loved it after driving it! The best part has been the dealership; absolutely the best experience Ive ever had for buying and for service. I just may be a Saturn lifer!

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  lkl - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By llawrence - October 19 - 2:00 am

  The VUE has gotten up my drive with no proble through every snow this season. I fell very safe in the Vue and even when going up my very very steep drive I feel very safe with no worry of tipping etc.

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  Happy Nearing 5000 Miles - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Dick - October 16 - 11:30 pm

  Just emerging from a hard Minnesota winter with temps at 22 below zero and a good amount of snow. Have had no problems at all with this car, none, zero, nada. Love the way it drives and love the pick-up thats nice for city driving, plenty of power.

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  Surprisingly Fun - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Lawrence Banks - October 15 - 1:53 am

  Our first SUV, the VUE V-6 has more pep and agility than our previous larger car. The exterior fit n finish continues to make it look show-room new without much upkeep. Didnt use the rear fold-up parcel-carrying feature at first but now find it very useful in carrying grocieries without them spilling around when driving. Wish the front and rear seats were a little more comfortable. After two years and 20,000 miles vehicle stills looks like new and has never needed any dealer repair or adjustments..

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  saturn vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By k. kafer - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Great handling, large cargo space, great visability, I like the option of side curtain air bags. afordable

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  Performance - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Stevo - October 14 - 3:46 am

  Owned a 1999 Taurus wagon w 3.0 litre push rod motor and at 60 mi/hr it was turning 2,000 rpm.The Saturn with the 3.5 liter OHC (Honda motor) does 75 mi./hr. at 2,000 rpm. Quite the efficiency difference. Drove across the country Cali. to Maryland non-stop Xmas 1998 with alternate driver and got 24.7 mi/gal.