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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  Irritating Problems - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Lodamar - August 20 - 6:23 am

  I bought my 2006 Vue Redline new and thought is was a solid vehicle. Now with nearly 30k miles, Ive had a new transmission, fuel pump, various gaskets, left front strut mount replaced. Now the right front strut mount is making a rattle. It got terrible gas mileage since day one. (16 city, 18-20 hwy). On the bright side, when they replaced all the above parts, my gas mileage has improved. Im now getting 20.6 city and 26+ on the highway. Thats fine, however, I seem to spend a lot of commuting time back and forth to the dealership. Thanks goodness its still under the B to B 3/36 warranty.

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  Mostly Great After Three Weeks - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Dave O - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Overall, it is a nice vehicle. The maintenance seems relatively simple. It has practical cargo features. It is comfortable for tall people and passengers. It performs well and has good fuel economy for a SUV, although it is a little noisy.

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  A new VUE - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By stu - August 16 - 12:40 pm

  I went to the dealer expecting to buy a 2007 hybrid VUE. The hybrid had electrical problems so I tried on an 08 base VUE for size. The 08 had a superior ride to not only the 07 but every other small SUV I had tried. I bought a 4 cyl so the performance is sluggish but it still has get up and go when you really need it. Steering and agility is great for a vehicle of its size. Most of all its styling seems to be a decade ahead of the 07. The gas mileage could be better but keep in mind that its 08 EPA numbers wont look so bad when we see all the other SUV 08 numbers. All in all the 2008 VUE is very nice ride for an SUV.

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  Good so far - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Corey - August 16 - 6:30 am

  Ive had the 2005 VUE V-6 for about 15000 miles. Gas mileage is a consistent 28 highway and 20-22 around town. Good leg room all around... good power when needed. Crash test ratings re high for this vehicle. With all of that factored in, my overall opinion is usually formed when I hit about 120k - 130k miles. If there are no major problems by then, then Im usually satisfied that Ive gotten my moneys worth.

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  Do not buy a Saturn - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Diego - August 13 - 7:10 pm

  It is 2009 and I have 870000 kilometers and had transmission problems since last year but now the transmission has quit completely. We called Saturn Canada and they have towed our VUE at their expense to North Bay Saturn for inspection. If the vehicle in their opinion "has not been abused" they will absorb most of the cost of replacing the tranny. We bought the VUE new and drive it from April to Jan. as we go south for the winter- the reason for the low milage. Im afraid they will tell us that the fault is our s even though we have reported the problem to them twice in the last year with "no problem found". If it gets fixed I am trading it in for another brand. I wont buy another Saturn.

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  LEMON!! - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By mquinn97 - August 8 - 6:23 pm

  This is my second Vue and I wish I had heeded the quality issues I had with my first. This one has simply been a nightmare to own. 6 weeks after purchase the clutch cable broke and it had to be towed back to the dealer. Now Ive had it just shy of 1 year and its been into the dealer for a recurring problem with deceleration at least 5 times, each time they keep it for almost a week!! I think I am almost qualified for the lemon law. When coasting to a slower speed while exiting a freeway once it drops below 50 mph if I try to accelerate again I get nothing - the pedal can go to the floor and there is no response. Speed drops, RPMs drop. Dealership cant seem to fix it.

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  Trade-in value - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By cinderella - August 6 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has absolutely no trade-in value. Very much over-priced. It has a sticker price and everything else is extra. So the sticker is not accurate.

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  Fast vehicle - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Dom - August 6 - 5:20 am

  When my wife and I bought the ION II we then checked the VUE and really liked that we had to purchase it. Its a lot of fun to drive with its 250 horsepower, for the price we think its unbeatable.

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  Nothing I dont like about my Vue! - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By diane - August 5 - 5:53 pm

  I love the way my Vue handles and it holds the road in the rain very well. I bought the base priced Vue (which was a good value) and didnt need to look for one with option packages because it had everything I really wanted as standard already. It has great style, better looking than the Honda CRV. The air conditioner works extremely well and fast. I live in a very hot climate! Friends and family say backseat is very comfortable and roomy. GM and Saturn did an outstanding job with this one!

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  Happiest I have ever been with a new car - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Love It! - August 5 - 4:56 pm

  I love my Vue Red Line. Previously I had been driving an Eclipse, and had just accepted that winter driving had to be miserable. The Vue handles very well in the snow, and with the XM and heated seats, bad weather is no longer a nightmare.