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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  I LUV MY VUE - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Dave305 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  By far a superb SUV. Service of the Vue is superb and the service departments of all Saturn dealerships is far above anyone else.

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  Larger than life - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Skiipole - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Have you ever had to chane a childs diaper in the backseat of a car? I did with room to spare! I was just about standing in the backseat with plenty of rrom for me and my child to do the task quickly, safely and warm (it was a Buffalo WINTER!) I had a L200 and the vue cost less and is beeter! If you had a Saturn than all the features are familiar places.Comfortable (leather heated seats) fun (5 speed trans and sunroof) sharp to look at (nice alloy rims) easy to driv (same ride as L series but higher and better visablity)

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  2004 White Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By CarGal - September 1 - 10:00 am

  The Vue is fun to drive, it handles great. The front seats are comfortable and there is lots of room inside. It could have a little less plastic inside but it is laid out good. Would also like to see a strap to pull down the rear door with. I would buy the vue again based on this experience.

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  Fast fuel efficient SUV - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By dogtruck - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Reliability and performance from the Acura/MDX sourced 3.5 liter engine. Space for 5 and a dog in the rear. Somewhat sparse and functional interior and less than supportive seats. Cargo hatch has no key lock and can only be opened with the remote. Cargo hatch has no separate partition/opening for glass section of hatch door. Novel Saturn dealership experience with serenading salesman welcoming the couple in front of us to the Saturn fold with a company song. Saturnfans forum (Saturn owner’s forum) might be a good resource to see what if any official and unofficial rebates are available.

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  Saturn Vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Richard Wayne - August 30 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle attracted my attention because of the combination of its load capacity, daylight running lights, and fold down passanger seat. With the option of ABS it dressed out nicely. Good power for size and reasonable MPG. After test driving two other vehicles in this class I settled on the Vue. This is a fun vehicle to drive.

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  Disappointments Keep Coming - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By naneely - August 29 - 11:23 am

  The problems started from the day I got it home just 1 week ago. The roof racks make a terrible noise above 50 MPH (verified and acknowledged by service at Saturn Dealer) and no one makes an aftermarket rack for the VUE. I thought I was buying a trailer hitch for a 2006 but found they dont have one and the 2005 hitch requires the dealer to cut out the lower panel on the bumper. There are styrofoam structure SUPPORT(?) components throught the vehicle, even in the bumper. The vehicle makes a weird vibration when you cross over a speed bump. The first fill up resulted in a gas-guzzling 15.9 MPG (rated at 19/25). The storage area behind the drivers side front seat lined with foam rubber.

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  Really good car! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Gayland - August 27 - 4:00 pm

  My daughter, who lives in Austin,Texas, bought a new VUE and we were introduced to it in this way when she came to see us in Dallas. Test drove a new one after she left and was really impressed with the car. Looked at several other cars/SUVs and went back to the Saturn and wrote him a check for the VUE that we wanted and have just been very pleased with it. Period!

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  If you plan to buy one, take mine please! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By addicted2mickey - August 22 - 9:03 pm

  Ive owned my VUE for 14 months and plan to get rid of her ASAP. Ive been a loyal Saturn owner for 10 years but I think thats coming to its end. Read other owners reviews and youll see this model is plagued with problems beyond 40,000 miles (conveniently just after the warranty expires). The high ratings and good reviews are mainly before the 40,000 mile mark. The vinyl on the dashboard has been flaking and currently she is just sitting in my parking spot undrivable. It started as an occasional thumping under the hood and has progressed to a blinking check engine light and no acceleration. No one knows whats wrong. Parts and labor are extremely expensive for a Saturn. Buy something else.

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  Economical SUV, great mileage! - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Belinda - August 21 - 12:30 pm

  I purchased a VUE as a second Saturn at my home. These vehicles are outstanding! My SL has over 150,000 miles and is still going strong at 30 mpg. I have not done any major repairs. The FWD Vue handles beautifully, and I expect to get many comfortable, realiable & gas efficient miles out of it. I was so excited that it fit our family (5) with comfort and ease. This vehicle was well thought out in design, from the dash controls, to rear storge in the hatch. I highly reccommend a Saturn vehicle to anyone looking for a sporty compact family SUV with great style and mileage. You should go to a local dealer and test drive a VUE. You will be amazed at the low cost of ownership and miles of dependable service.

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  Vue Review 4U - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Fall04Vue - August 21 - 3:36 am

  Got an awesome deal on the Vue! Was dealer driven and bought it w/4000 miles and received all the new car discounts plus the extended 100,000 mile warranty. Have had to take it for minor parts repaired that were covered under the warranty. Previous vehicle was a S10 Blazer. Honda engine and 6 cyclinder has good get up & go. Drives great in MN winters. Plenty of room to cart around others and equipment.