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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  Worst car ever!!! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By got2bekylee - March 16 - 6:38 am

  We got the Saturn in November of 2012 with 78000 miles on it. The transmission went out in January of 2013 with 81000 miles on it. This car is by far the worst car i have ever owned. It was nothing but stress for me. I ignored all the reviews and still go the car. Worst mistake ever. I will never buy another car from GM again..

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  Transmission Troubles - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By G. Blake - March 15 - 11:33 pm

  I purchased a 2004 Saturn Vue used in Oct. 2007 and in July 2009 the Transmission in the car went without any warning signs. I have kept up the maintenance on this vehicle since the purchase date and I am now having trouble with the extended warranty company and the Lease holder in repairing the vehicle.

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  Just Average - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By BC - March 14 - 4:26 pm

  Not much to look at inside and out. The seats are aveage in comfort. It is an A to B vehicle. Average is the best discription of this SUV.

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  what a look and a ride,i am impressed - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By sharynlohman - March 14 - 10:00 am

  i drove SATURN VUE in 2001 and was not impressed so i bought another car then this year i got off of work and drove to saturn not knowing what i would find after 3 years had passed and what i found was what a look and what a ride i was impressed the v6 engine has power the gas mileage is really good,handling is really great...the ac is good. it came with sun roof, compass and dimmer inside mirror tinted windows power windows heated,lumbar seats and power seat driver full size spare tire, awd,.TAKE ANOTHER DRIVE IN THE VUE..

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  I just love my Saturn! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By mysaturnisnamedmoony - March 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is great! I just bought my Vue (my first Sturn, actually) last week. I took it on a four-hour trip and was hardly tired at all. I have MAJOR back problems, and I didnt even hurt. I had a Chevy Tahoe before this, and I was always so exhausted after driving long trips. I think the interior is great--I dont know what all that fuss is about! Its got a great no-fuss but sassy attitude of my Saturn! Go buy one! Theyre too much fun!

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  Vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By dasab - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I am averaging only 21 mph even thou the vehicle states 21-27 mph on the 4 cylinder. The horn design is unsafe. At night you cannot tell where to activate the horn. The engine due to the transmission design is very noisy until you have reached the desired speed. Overall I would rate the vehicle just average. The fuel pump was noisy and was replaced within the first six weeks of use.

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  Great and Fun SUV!!!!!! - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By alex - March 9 - 10:00 pm

  Great SUV! Very fun to drive and very well priced. Well-built, and will last a long, long time. The "quality" is in the SUV! As you look at Honda & Toyota, keep this one in mind!

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  Black Magic - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By SportyRedDevil - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had my VUE since June 30 and I absolutely LOVE it! I couldnt ask for a better car. I compared it to Hondas CR-V and the VUE has sooo much more room. I am extremely happy with my new VUE.

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  IT - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By biggmann - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Its the Best vehicle Ive Ever owned

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  Awful Car! - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By thatguy82 - March 6 - 4:46 am

  I traded in an 05 Ion for a brand new Vue in the Spring of 07. Initially I was happy with the purchase. It looked good and had a lot of cool features for the money (The convenience package included power heated seats, moonroof and steering wheel mounted controls). Well this happiness didnt last. The ignition was bad, the keys would get stuck and it became impossible to start on several occasions, in fact the service guys at the GM dealership could not get it started when it was brought in for oil changes. the heated seats stopped working, the power windows slip down and rattle, the ball bearings and brakes went bad and the rear lift gate began to rust and bubble under the chrome emblem.