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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  2006 Saturn VUE - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By vaelen - May 28 - 5:50 pm

  I recently purchased a Saturn VUE. I find that it performs very well. I think that the electric power steering is fairly responsive. In truth, there are only a few things that I dont like about the VUE. It doesnt provide a very quiet ride. The door locks are in a position to where they hurt my elbows if I lay my arm out the window. The window switches are somewhat awkward to get used to. Everything else I pretty much love.

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  Best vehicle I have ever owned - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Sparky20 - May 24 - 2:53 pm

  Buy the V6. I get 24 mpg overall and 28mpg on the highway. This is one of the fastest SUVs I have ever driven. The 250hp is incredible.

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  Never Again! - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By CronkM - May 24 - 10:00 am

  My problems started about two months after my purchase with a minor problem. From there, I had a problem about every one or two months. I have had it in the shop nine times in the past year and a half for warranty work. I have had the same problem four different times in two different instances--the SES light and the front suspension system. Just this past weekend, both went bad again. I have notified Saturn customer service and the only thing I received for the bad quality of my car was a free monthly payment.

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  Our Dogs Love our Vue! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By RedKat - May 24 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our Vue a little over a week ago and we just love driving it. Our three fairly large dogs are in awe of the windows and they are so happy because they can all stand side by side in the cargo area. The vehicle has lots of pep and it offers a very smooth ride. This is our fourth Saturn and we hope to keep buying them.

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  Saturn VUE Review - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By kblowers - May 16 - 11:03 am

  Unparelled style and comfort for the money. Safety is the best. Service is great. Low cost to buy and own. Would recommend to anyone.

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  Bought a better car! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Edward George - May 15 - 2:00 am

  My wife liked the Saturn better and I liked the Toyota RAV4 L. Next thing I knew, I got the VUE as a birthday gift. The Acceleration Sucks, 4 cylinder is loud, and the Seats are uncomfortable compared to my 1st pick, a RAV4. 5 months to the day, I traded at a loss for the better car, a RAV4 L and have been much happier since! Nothing holds up in value or comfort like a Toyota!

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  Best Yet - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Winston - May 15 - 2:00 am

  The Saturn VUE is by far the greatest suv I have driven. The handling is superior because of its width of 71.6 amd the electronic power steering. My only complaint is that I live to close to work and therefore I do not get a chance to drive my VUE long enough. The acceleration is also excellent and I have the power to use if I need it.

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  Dont - just dont.... - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By 4norm79 - May 9 - 11:37 am

  After owning this car for the past two years, I must caution anyone who is contemplating purchasing one. The car I bought was a "certified" vehicle with a 12 month/12000 warranty. Warning, thats not enough protection. Repairs done so far:transmission replacement, front engine cover, brake sensor malfunction, ignition replacement, body control module failure, ignition control module failure and two dead batteries. Save yourself some time, money and frustration and buy yourself a decent car.

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  Would have nothing else - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Don in Pa - May 5 - 10:40 pm

  My first Saturn was a 1994 SL1 wich I still have with 302,000 miles and have never had a major repair and run like new. Ive had 4 Saturns all together. The VUE is the best car I have ever owned. My wife drives 135 miles a day to work and is a rather fast driver. (80+mph) The ride is unbeleivably comfortable, averages 32mpg. handles great, a little wind noisy, good looking vehicle, great in snow front wheel drive feels like 4wd. Lots of room. Great power with the manual trans. Plan on getting 300k plus miles out of it. We love it

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  Family VUE - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By LN - May 4 - 5:46 am

  Nice comfortable vehicle with good gas mileage. Great for family outings, shopping trips, or just a nice drive. Nice interior layout, but some items like window buttons take some time to get used to. Looking forward to testing out the AWD on the family ski trips this year.