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 Sport - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Rick - October 12 - 1:53 pm

  This SUV drives well. The seating is very comfortable. The seat belt shoulder harness is adjustable for comfort. I get great mileage in the city. My 5-speed is fun to drive! This 4-cylinder engine has power.

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  Its OK I guess - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Melinda - October 10 - 10:30 pm

  We purchased this car new because of the Honda engine and decent gas mileage for an suv. My biggest complaint in the vue is the brakes. I have 100k miles and have replaced the rear (i believe) brakes 5 times! Pads and rotors! Yet NEVER the front ones (the pads once). The wind noise from the windows drives me crazy. The sun visor is way too small for the size of the windshield. I agree with other owners the engine noise is loud. I have major rust on the hatch/trunk door and the rear driver side door never closes unless you slam it. My kids always complain they cant hear the radio and after sitting back there, theyre right, why are the speakers on the floor? No more saturns for me!

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  Pleased - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Ty Cooper - October 10 - 5:33 pm

  I have 2400 miles on my new VUE and so far so good. I am particularly enjoying the sound system and overall power and acceleration. I just got back from vacation and we had plenty of room for everything, and you can always add a cargo box if you need more (maybe Ill do that for long camping trips). I am still trying to adjust the seat for maximum comfort since I have found that trips over 30-40 minutes arent terribly comfortable (Im only 510 but my knees are little too confined). Overall, very easy and enjoyable to drive.

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  Surprised!!!!! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By String - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Luv the car. Bought it to tow behind RV. Tows really nice. No hassle. The 3.5 engine really has PEP! Not a real Saturn fan until I drove Vue. 25-26 mpg. Not bad with fuel prices rising. Considering Ion for next Commuter Beater.

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  Fantastic - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By goobergrlcac - October 6 - 5:56 am

  I never even considered purchasing a Saturn until I saw one during a car show at a local shopping mall. After being able to see the inside, and what options were available, we went to our dealership. Ive never had a more pleasant experience with purchasing a car. And Ive never owned a vehicle that I love driving more than my Vue. I got a great deal, not just on the purchase price, but on the quality of my vehicle.

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  Surprised - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By wingman - September 28 - 8:03 pm

  Weve driven this car in town and on a 10 day trip. Never owned a Saturn before but we are surprised at our pleasure with the Vue. Has plenty of power and the ride is more comfortable than my Toyota Camry. Gas mileage is 20 mpg in town and 24 mpg on the road, which is lower than I like. Id definitely consider a newer one next time I buy.

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  Enjoy The Vue - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Jackie - September 28 - 12:43 am

  My husband works for the Saturn dealership that I bought my car from, and he said that Saturn is one of the best cars he has ever worked on. He is a collision repair tech,and he said that the VUE holds up well to crash tests, and its a fun sporty car. So we went to test drive one, and I was instantly hooked. My VUE has the 6 cylinder engine so its really quick, and it has electric assist steering and shift which is really cool. I am in love with my VUE. Not only is it fun to drive, but it looks cool and its very safe. I love it so much, I hate to leave it out of my sight. My husband has a beautiful, brand new, full size truck and he would rather drive my VUE.

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  Grossly Underrated SUV - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By GNickles - September 26 - 6:23 am

  This is the first Saturn that my wife and I have owned. The experience has been beyond our expectation. I dont know about any other years or models, but the 2006 V-6 FWD has a Honda engine in it. It has more raw horsepower than most sports cars that I have driven. It is rated in the low-mid 200 HP. Driving this thing is like an SUV on steroids. The traction control coupled with the engine performance makes this SUV a must-own. If anyone is looking for a mid-size SUV with performance, this is it! We have had it for two years and have put over 82,000 miles on it. Love it!

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  My 2008 Saturn VUE - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By John - September 26 - 2:33 am

  I have had my VUE since June 7, 2008. I love it! I had an incident with my AC button that was fixed by my dealership. I also was involved with the recent recall. It was also fixed and had my oil changed at the same time. I really do love my VUE, highly recommend it, and have been stopped numerous times in parking lots to answer questions about it. I have no regrets, especially since I got in on the zero down and 0% interest Im really only paying cash for this car. I also love the OnStar and XM radio that came with it. Did I mention that I love my VUE?

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  My first Saturn. Still in love with It - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By RedStorm - September 21 - 2:10 pm

  I have to say our 2003 Saturn VUE is a fun SUV to drive. Only issues have been, NONE! New set of tires and regular maintenance. It is now a secondary car for my husband to drive in the winter. I have been driving it lately due to issues with our 07 Outlook. Cannot believe that we have had it 7 years and it still looks as good as the day we drove it off the car lot. Was ticked off the day I heard GM was stopping production.