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 love my 2005, 3.5L 6cyl VUE! - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Susan - August 1 - 4:46 am

  When shopping for my SUV, I looked at the RAV4, CRV, and the Ford Escape. The VUE combined the best of all of them, as far as styling and handling. I have a V6 engine, and most of the options, and I think the options really add to the feel of the car; specifically, the larger 17" wheels and the leather seats. The only changes I would suggest would be to move the window controls to the doors (in the front), put "grab- handles" somewhere in the front area near the front passengers head, and maybe improve lumbar support on the drivers side. I would buy my car over again...it has the feel of a small car and the room and power of a large one. I love it!

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  Good Value - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By gaesser - July 31 - 2:00 am

  The Saturn Vue is an excellent value for all that you receive. Ample room for five, seats that fold down (we fit our ten foot Christmas tree in by folding back the front passenger seat. Great gas mileage for an SUV. I have had people stop me and ask to look at it, like it was a much more expensive vehicle.

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  Saturn VUE 2003 AWD 6cyl - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Willow - July 31 - 2:00 am

  The only problem I have with the VUE is the shifting patterns; the RPMs seem to get too high before it shifts from second to third gear. The AWD VUE is excellent in winter driving conditions. The VUE also handled some very rocky roads without problems while driving through the backwoods of the Uinta Mountains.

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  Good Car - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Big Daddy - July 22 - 11:13 pm

  Early this year I unloaded a 12mpg SUV and was looking for a small SUV. I looked at a number of SUVs and settled on the Saturn Vue. I was also looking at a 4 cyl but the dealer said I would most likely be happy with the 6 cyl. Well I have more than happy with this car. My insurance went down due to the 5 star Saturn crash rating. The mpg is very good considering the engine cranks out 250 horsepower, more than enough when you need it.

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  Always a Japanese product fan, was - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Logan - July 20 - 3:23 pm

  Wife and I were looking for a Rav-4 or a CRV, Pilot, or the like. Like a white vehicle, Sort of had this color in mind. Were out looking with no luck! Happened to drive by and noticed several white Saturns in the yard. We drove in and immediately were smitten with this v6 awd Vue. Very, Very impressed with the performance, initial quality, all of the little things. My wife has a nervous condition, usually she gets flushed and mildly upset through the buying process. This was the most enjoyable, car-buying experience, I have, or my wife either, have ever had. Extremely pleased with the vehicle and the experience!

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  Extremely disappointed - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By mmtso - July 18 - 9:23 pm

  This VUE was my third - and sadly my last - Saturn purchase. This brand new vehicle was in the shop 4 times in 6 months: tachometer went out, CD player quit working, car would not start at all ("bad alternator"), and "cluster failure" w/no tachometer, odometer, turn signals, etc. I recently sold this VUE after it was repaired last as it was no longer a reliable vehicle. I have never had this many problems w/any vehicle Ive owned, especially a new one. I do not recommend a VUE to anyone unfortunately.

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  New Vue AWD V6 Owner - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By ZenBro - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased the AWD, 6 cylinder Vue today. On my return trip of 80 miles, I filled the gas tank up as full as I could get, at a station right on the expressway. I set the trip meter to zero, and proceeded to drive the 80 miles of expressway, with the cruise set at 65mph, and the AC off. I had to pass 4 semitrucks, at a max speed of 75mph. I got off the interstate and refilled the gas tank as full as I could. It took 2.38 gallons to get it completely full. This works out to 33mpg, which is amazing for an AWD vehicle!! I will be keeping track of the gas mileage, to make sure this wasnt an anomaly of any kind, and will report the results.

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  Great deal. - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Pilot Larry - July 15 - 10:00 am

  For the price it is a great deal. It is fun to drive, and the view from the cabin is great. I would not complain about the interior. For the cost, the interior is very pleasing. The seats are comfortable and the seat adjustments are good. A lot of my friends comment on the good looks and interior room of the VUE. Overall, I think the VUE is a great deal and I am very satisfied. Forget the EPA ratings. I had the same problem with a Mazda pickup. I found out that the EPA fuel ratings are based on a test on a stationary "treadmill". If you know about aerodynamics, you will know that the wind resistance reduces mileage.

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  Excellence and Safety - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Margaret - July 3 - 11:33 pm

  This vehicle is wonderfully styled with lots of room. The leather seats are comfy. The grocery containment bins are wonderful. Dependable. 50,000 miles and only one issue to deal with, the driver side seat heater stopped working. They fixed it within a week with a new part. Always great service with every oil change and routine maintainance.

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  a vue - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By a vue - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I have owned the vue over one year, it is reliable and gets good gas mileage, the interior design(cup holders poor) I like the design and it is stable in curves. The rear seat is very roomy, but the cup holder gets in the way. The plastic inside looks cheap, and the back of my front seat is scratched from moving lumber etc. Seats lifted at beginning(foam showed),only bandaided problem at dealership.