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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Finally - 2004 Saturn VUE
By CHRISTINEL - March 26 - 2:00 amLooked at the 03 and wasnt as impressed with as I am the 04. The interior is much nicer better fit and finish. V6 Much quieter and the handling is great. Would tell anyone to look at the 04s. Huge improvements!!
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you must have driven the wrong SUV - 2004 Saturn VUE
By silk - March 26 - 2:00 amI ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!!! LOOKS GREAT HANDLES GREAT LOVE IT! GOT ELECTRONIC POWER STEARING AND SPACIOUS AND ALOT OF EXTRAS. STEREO SYSTEM IS EXCELLENT...SO COMFORTABLE..CARGO AREA IS EXCELLENT...GREAT GAS MILEAGE...FUN TO DRIVE I LOVE MY SATURN VUE AND THE COMPANY..YOU HAD TO BE IN THE WRONG VEHICLE.
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Excellent Vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
By jnnziggy - March 26 - 2:00 amI love this car. My first car was a Saturn SL2. I needed a bigger car so I decided on the Vue. I love the way it looks.
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ANOTHER VUE CUSTOMER WITH TRAN PROBLEM - 2003 Saturn VUE
By rosetiger - March 26 - 12:13 amI just purchased this car about 3-4 months ago I have put 8000 miles on it which brings it to 78000 miles total on the car. I loved this car. I was driving it last week and the transmission just went out completely on me. I was looking on the internet and was so surprised that so many other people have had this same problem. I now have to get the transmission fixed and trade it in right away. This is unbelieveable and I would never get another saturn or recommend it to anyone. please do not purchase or you will have the same problem
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Not too shabby, buy the 5 speed - 2003 Saturn VUE
By ed - March 23 - 2:00 amIt is a great basic car to get you to point a to b and hopefully back to point a. NO frills no thrills its great on gas I can get about 320 miles mostly city driving some hwy. It is not too comfy and doesnt handle the best. If you can forgo some points, it is a great daily driver. Just make sure you get the 5 speed the cvt stinks and will break. The engine is noisy and has no power just know you will not merge too fast, just use your head and pre-plan entry exit off hwy. It has held up nicely so far. had to replace ball joints, sway bar links and motor mounts with wear and tear any car will need this stuff. The 5 speed shifts nice it is made by Getrag, same as BMW supplier
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BAD TRANSMISSION - 2003 Saturn VUE
By warair - March 22 - 12:41 pmJust like others has said. Do your Home work before buying one of these cars. At 130.000 miles the Transmission Went Out. Cost Around $$$5,000 said too said can not addord to put this much money into it.... They are really safe Cars... Went Air-Born On InterState 10 last Summer due too Another Car pushing my Wife off the Hwy.... State Troopers said, they have never seen a Car go 65ft Air-Born on two wheels and not Flipp Over. Only damage was busted air lost from driver side rear tire.... God Was With Us Mainly....
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MY VUE - 2004 Saturn VUE
By Patricia Gray - March 19 - 2:00 amMy Saturn VUE handles real well on the road in all weather conditions. It is a very comfortable ride. I love the feel of being in truck but yet still having the size of a car.
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LOVE MY SATURN - 2003 Saturn VUE
By dchali - March 19 - 2:00 amA little skeptic when trading in my Honda(very reliable), My husband and I wanted an american vehicle, looked at saturn, I sat in the vue and knew it was for me. We get hard winters in NH, we wanted something to get us through.Best vehicle I have ever driven in the snow. Great stereo too. Hasnt given me any problems yet.Love MY SATURN!
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Add my repair bills and I could have bought a Land Rover - 2002 Saturn VUE
By threeninety - March 17 - 10:17 pmWe bought this car new, since day one its been a horrible money pit. Saturn found a way to get out of fixing anything under warrantee, Im glad the brand is gone, GM shame on you. Sunroof has always leaked (I constantly am dealing with the drains), interior has always been moldy as a result. Fixed the transmission twice, in fact fixed just about everything twice. Car has stranded my wife and toddlers on several occasions. Worst car I have ever had, regret even buying any Saturn or modern day GM product. Ill never own a Honda or import, so Ill try Dodge and Ford. Whomever was on the staff designing this POS should go back to school, or design scooters.
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2004 Redline - 2004 Saturn VUE
By Paul - March 16 - 2:06 pmWe switched from a 2003 Nissan Murano to the 2004 Vue. Many ask why? True the Murano styling is gorgeous, yes the standard Nissan features are impresive, and more luxurious, but dollar for dollar, the Vue offers significant improvements in performance, gas mileage, and handling. While the Vue is more conservatively styled, I purchased a Redline edition that was a dealer demo - loaded with the exception of the DVD player and onstar, the dealer installed an interior trim package that is colour matched to the exterior - electric lime. This SUV stands out.
