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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  Beyond Expectations - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Jerre - June 2 - 7:33 am

  We purchased a Saturn VUE in December of 2005 and have driven it about 1500 miles. It has been exciting to drive with the Honda V-6 engine and is very comfortable for a 250# man to drive and sit for long periods of time. The mileage is amazing, it gets 22 mpg in town and about 28mpg on the road at 65 miles per hour with the cruise control on. The back seats are a little tricky to put up and down, you have to be a little patient with the back seat lever. One great little add is the Organizer that pops up to form two plastic bins to put your groceries into. We love this SUV and it suits our lifestyle to a tee. We owned a bigger Ford SUV for 10 years and we like this one better.

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  Luv it!! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By LuvPony - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle! 28 mpg, plenty of pickup, and I find it extremely comfortable. My son says it is like an optical illusion, looks tiny on the outside but plenty of room on the inside. I can park it anywhere, but the wide stance feels very secure. Yes, the engine is somewhat loud, but I just turn up the stereo! The base stereo and tape/CD is just fine.Sure, with the new type of transmission you are taking a chance as with any new technology, but that is what warranties are for. For me, I thought the RAV4 was incredibly uncomfortable and way too tiny inside. I pack 4 dogs a kid and groceries with no problem.

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  2nd VUE, So far, so good. - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By phirn - May 28 - 1:06 pm

  This is our 2nd VUE. First (02 4cyl, 5 spd) was plagued with problems. Transmission, suspension, and A/C failures. Traded up to 03 V-6, AWD. Stuck with Saturn because we knew they had a good product. Drove several Saturn loaner cars for a week or two at a time while our VUE was being "serviced", and they all performed flawlessly. No serious problems with this VUE, only minor service needed. My wife is very comfortable driving it. Likes the good visibility and handling. Feels very safe in it, and also when our teenage daughters are driving it. The stock Bridgestone tires are great for about 20K, and then they go to trash. Roof rack is great when traveling.

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  great - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By castff43 - May 27 - 4:10 pm

  come on people you get what you pay for its natural cheeper but very dependable SUV every one who cant stand it and has one get at me cause i will be happy to take it off your hands if the price is right

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  Lots of little problems - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Craig - May 26 - 2:30 pm

  Bought our 03 4cyl FWD new in Mar 03. Traded it in Dec 05 with 30,000 miles. Ok acceleration for a 4 cyl although gas mileage was disappointing (20 city/25hwy@75mph). CVT transmission was always sluggish/erratic and two different Saturn dealers couldnt notice any problems, even with the letter about 6yr/75K CVT trans warranty due to problems. Overall noisy powertrain/ride and lots of little problems. Probably had 8 different warranty claims (rattling spare tire jack on delivery, failed engine ignition module, rattling exhaust shields, sun visor that flopped down, broken seat belt holders, etc) Traded for a Ford Freestar that has similar gas mileage, more room and much quieter ride.

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  Needs more power - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Vue - May 12 - 9:06 pm

  I love the VUE overall but it needs more power. Its a four cylinder. I should have bought a six cylinder. Its even worse when running the air conditioning. Plus the gas mileage is not that good when running the air conditioning.

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  Love my VUE - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Christine Rohrbach - May 9 - 7:10 am

  This is the first Saturn I have owned and I love my VUE. I was attracted to the VUEs exterior design and when I discovered it came with a Honda V-6 engine, I was completely hooked. The roomy interior is a real plus too--high ceilings and plenty of room between the front and back seats. The gas mileage isnt outstanding, but its better than most suvs. And, I know I could get more out of each gallon if I didnt take advantage of its get-up-and-go capability so frequently. If your a Mom who needs room for the kids but still wants to feel sporty and drive in the fast lane, the VUEs for you.

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  Very Pleased! - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By CCR2008 - May 8 - 4:33 pm

  I love my VUE! I wanted cargo room and good mpg so I went for the 4 cylinder instead of the six. After a grand total of 476.5 miles driven, the combined mpg was 27.09. As others have noted, I also felt the drag with the engine shifting and hill climbing, but I let the engine do it’s thing and didn’t try to compensate during the first 500 miles. After reaching 200+ miles, the transition was noticeably smoother and with very little or no drag. Compared to the other small/midsized SUVs I looked at, the Vue’s value, good looks, and competitive fuel economy made my choice easy. The exterior is very attractive with clean, classic lines.

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  Very nice vehicle - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Ron - May 8 - 9:13 am

  This is my second Saturn and I have had very good luck with both of them. Nothing fancy but comfortable, reliable and economical. The VUE handles very well and can be towed on all fours behind an RV with the Honda engine. I would buy another without hesitation.

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  New Saturn VUE is a blast! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By KentWaller - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Very fun to drive! Nice contemporary leather interior and powerful enough to get us up to our mountain home. The steering system seems great to me - in fact the first thing I noticed was how easy it was to steer. Very easy and pleasant to drive overall.