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:

• 

  Great truck alternative - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By LA Art Gal - July 1 - 10:00 am

  The Vue is my first non-pickup truck. As an artist, I need lots of cargo space and versatility. The Vue really delivers, especially with the rear and passenger seats down. The rings come in handy too. The 5-speed idle is so quiet, I thought it stalled twice already. (It didnt .) The smooth ride and handling is a nice switch from the truck experience. The added roof racks are great for those oversized canvases.

• 

  Beware - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By TK - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Dont think Id get a VUE again if I had to do it over. Cant get the oil changes anywhere locally except for the dealership due to special filter and key needed. Ride is good, interior lacks appeal. Smallest gas tank on the market, on days where I drive alot I fill up daily. Radio is terrible.

• 

  GM & Saturn got this one right! - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By JersyGuy - June 28 - 12:43 pm

  Ill admit that the Saturn Vue wasnt on the top of my short list of potential new cars. But after test driving top choices - the RAV4 and CR4 - neither one impressed me - I decided to take a Vue for a spin. The interior fit and finish are much more refined than the RAV4 and CRV. I like the handling and suspension more on the Saturn as well. Price was also lower on the Saturn and had more standard features. So for interior and exterior styling, great XM radio and interior looks, and a better price, I decided on the Saturn. No problems with the car at all! Runs great, looks great, handles well, and is really fun to drive.

• 

  Saturn Vue Delivers - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By Fred Saunders - June 28 - 4:43 am

  The Vue is fun to drive. I recently took it up mountains with three passengers. The V-6 with the manual mode shift made the drive easy work and fun. The car has excellent control to hug the curves and ample power to negotiate the inclines.The features including On-Star Directions and Connections and the satellite radio added to the driving pleasure. The fuel economy is still somewhat disappointing, but the car is not yet broken in. I would not hesitate to recommend either the 4 cylinder or V-6. Fred Saunders

• 

  2004 Saturn VUE Redline - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By HeyTodd - June 27 - 7:46 am

  This is a wonderful vehicle - It has plenty of room for the whole family, and more than enough horsepower to get us where were going.

• 

  Nice but needs improvement - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By S Grathwohl - June 25 - 10:46 am

  Have small problems such as windshield washer fluid leakage. Antifreeze leakage. Rear brakes need to be turned at 20,000 miles. Rattle noise from engine compartment. Rubber moulding around rear doors becomes detached easily. Larger problem with replacement of trans-axle at 21,000 miles. Vehicle rides hard and expect to replace struts and shocks by 25,000 miles.

• 

  Fast and Solid - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By James - June 24 - 3:20 am

  We have had out Vue for just over 6 months and love it. It has a great engine and transmission. You can cruise effortlessly at highway speeds and haul a 3000 lb trailer without much effort. It has plenty of room inside, but is not too big on the outside. The exterior styling is nice, but the interior is really slick looking. We ahve had no problems so far. I definitely recommend this vehicle.

• 

  Your best choice - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Gail - June 20 - 9:30 pm

  Clearly your best choice for a medium size suv. The most features of anyone,Saturn reliability, and great service. Also you dont have to worry about this company selling a vehicle that was not thoroughly tested for safety and defects(unlike that other car maker-you know that one that begins with F and is a four letter word).

• 

  The VUE from the Pacific - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By SeanF - June 19 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for one year. I love it. This is my second Saturn. It is always easy dealing with them.

• 

  review update by joey14 - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By joey15 - June 17 - 10:00 am

  creaking noise in steering column was solved by replacing front strut bushing.vehicle does not take ruts well,you can feel it in steering column.there appears to be paint de fect on roof.maybe i just got a bomb. vehicle looks great but not impressed with its quality.