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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  FunDrive - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Hurryup - June 16 - 1:30 pm

  I have had the V6 FWD for about 38,000 miles and it continues to awe me with pick-up and highway comfort. The 17 inch wheels and tires create some low speed rumbles but they more than compensate on road trips. The finish in and out still looks new and the impression when clean is an impressive appearance. The recent shift I made from driving 30,000 miles a year to 10,000 showed poorer mileage in stop and go. The 6 likes to be run long trips to reach the 24-28 mpg I get on 60+ mile 75+ MPH trips. Overall I have been extremely pleased with the VUE.

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  Still crying......................... - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Still Crying........ - June 12 - 6:46 pm

  I now need to replace the transmission for the 3rd time in my 2002 VUE. GM will assist with 30 percent but the transmission will cost more than what I owe on the car. It is hard for me to understand the cost of the transmission because GM is well aware the transmission was not designed well and there have been numerous failures of the transmission. Go figure I wanted to stay with American made. I will now have to park and pay for a car I can not drive but still responsible to pay for. Just shoot me!!

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  Great car at a great price - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Wedge - June 12 - 10:03 am

  I have owned this SUV for about 5 weeks now and have been very satisfied up to this point. The Honda engine is very quick and responsive. The gas mileage is so much better considering I was driving a Ford Explorer previously. The advice I would give potential buyers is to watch out for the upgrades that you can do yourself. I know hardly anything about cars and I was able to install mudflaps and the bumper protection by purchasing the parts online. The luggage bars on the room does add to the road noise, but I can tolerate it. In my opinion this is the best small SUV on the market and I test drove them all. Honda was too expensive, the Kia and Hyundai and too unreliable.

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  Saturn VUE - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Wissam Zaatar - June 12 - 2:00 am

  The saturn vue drives great and handles very well in the snow.I own the v6 awd and it is fun to drive in the rain or the snow.I do not have any thing negative to say about my vue

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  First time Saturn owner. - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By drew212f - June 11 - 2:10 am

  The exterior styling is what made my wife and I even bother to take a look at a Saturn. We picked one out with 4 miles on it and the A/C broke after 12 miles of driving away from the dealership. We used the 30 day option and replaced the vehicle with an exact copy but it had a paint bubble on the shifter trim ring. Dealership fixed the issue and my wife is happy. No other issues to report after 200 miles. We are happy with our decision to purchase an 08 VUE XR over an 07 RAV4 Sport, we test drove both on the same day.

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  SO FAR SO GOOD. - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By DONT BUY A VW - June 10 - 10:06 pm

  We bought it Jan 2004. First 11 months its been fine.I dont like customer service and their service recomendations.You dont need your tires balanced every 6000 miles. The only problems Ive had are leg room and MPG.And customer service.Im 64" and if the drivers seat isnt all the way back, my shin hits the underside of the dash. Fortunately, my wife drives it. Unfortunately, I drive a VW JETTA - the worst car on earth. And whats up with the MPG? Im getting 19 or so. ITS A 4 CYL!!! I could understand if it was a fast 4 cyl, but the thing wont get out of its own way (Especially with the air on).They cant tell EVERYONE that its because of our driving habits.....CAN THEY?

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  VUE V6 AWD Comments - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Bill - June 9 - 11:26 pm

  Recently purchased a VUE 3.5 AWD. Things I like include the following: Honda V6, polymer panels, ease of cleanup and looks, 360 view, and the overall driving experience. The thing I like, by far though, is the Saturn buying experience. It is as good, if not better, than any available - including BMW, Jaguar, Cadillac, (as I have purchased new vehicles from each). The one item I wish could be changed is the automatic transmission shift points. In comparison to the BMW X5, it revs further in first gear (3300 rpm vs 2800 rpm for same takeoff speed) and shifts to a lower rpm faster than the X5. Also dont like the cheap windshield wipers and extra road noise. Otherwise, its wonderful!

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  our fun SUV - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By J. Little - June 8 - 10:00 am

  on the whole, it has been nothing but fun to drive. It looks good, feels good & even my little poodle loves it. What more can I say about it? It is one good vehicle!

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  Fast, Smooth, and Fun - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Ken in Richmond VA - June 8 - 10:00 am

  We set out to buy a used Honda or Subaru SUV, but ended up with a new 2004 Saturn Vue for about the same money (with current incentives). The new V6 automatic is fast and smooth -- it drives like a nice car, but still holds all the stuff that our family of 5 needs to haul. It is very fun to drive, ranks high in safety, and it is an exceptional value.

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  The Right Choice - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Billy - June 5 - 9:10 am

  We had test-driven several different cars ranging from the Scion XB to the Mini Cooper. Mini Cooper didnt have much cargo room and was a little more than we were looking to spend; Scion was great with fuel mileage and price but lacked cruise control and had a weak engine and not as much cargo as the VUE. The VUE answered all of our questions and met all our criteria for a new car: price, fuel economy, reliability, cargo space, striking visually. Friendly, knowledgeable, non-pushy salespeople was a definite bonus. Great car buying experience.