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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  Bring back the Poly - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Very Happy - February 23 - 2:16 pm

  The Vue is a practical utility vehicle that provides much comfort and fuel efficiency. I traded a civic for it as I needed more room for the weekend projects. My kids love it and it has a great ride. The 2.2 liter-4-cylinder motor provides enough power and cruise stays locked on regardless of the hills. I average 25mpg with mixed driving and dont notice the road noise mentioned by a previous review. It is likely the noise from the previous review is due to the tires.

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  Wish I Kept My 04 VUE - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By choozy1 - February 22 - 9:50 pm

  I traded in my 04 VUE, 4cyl/5sp, for the 4cyl/auto 08 VUE. It was nice at first, but the more I drove it, the less I liked it. The 4 cylinder is not strong enough for the heavier version VUE. It chugs up hills and gets bogged down while the cruise is on. Also, the vent makes a strange noise off and on. The windshield defroster does not work very well. I miss the better gas mileage of my 04 VUE.The sun visors are still as puny as in the older VUE models. Pretty worthless. As far as good things about the 08, the interior looks much better and classier than the older style. But thats about it. I sure miss my 04....

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  2004 Red Line - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By superbowlmom - February 19 - 5:10 am

  Fun to drive, very sporty looking I get lots of looks from people wondering what my black Vue Red Line is. They are surprsed when I tell them its a Saturn.

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  Feels safe, fun to drive, and economical - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By joosuna - February 17 - 10:46 am

  We have the 3.5 L fwd Vue. Have enjoyed the safe feeling of riding in an SUV. It is not large, so that it does not stand out as a monster SUV. It is a sensible SUV for safe and economical driving. My wife loves to drive it. The interior was a little on the bland side, so we bought an optional interior "spruce-up" accessory, that put some chrome-like plastic to the center counsel and to the interior door handles. Now it looks better on the inside. I do not recommend buying the paint protection package cause it really did not look any better after it was applied. Perhaps it really protects the paint, but does not add any better appearance to the exterior paint finish. We enjoy driving it.

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  03 Vue Review - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By aball - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Enjoying the roomy interior and comfortable highway driving. Recommend the added investment to upgrade to the V6 engine. I like the exterior styling which gives me the opportunity to feel comfortable taking out for a nice dinner or taking camping. Size is just right, not too small and not the heaviness of a big SUV. Large cargo space for midsize SUV. Priced right for what you get.

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  Performance - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Ben Zollo - February 10 - 6:00 am

  With three trips to Florida from Connecticut, I found the Saturn My VUE (Red Line) turned heads. I found the seats comfortable on long drives. Found the steering to be somewhat scary at high speeds and on rough roads. I feel that the VUE could use an overdrive function for long trips. No heated seats or heated mirrors was a disapointment when you consider that it is an SUV to be used in in the North country in snow. Why else would you want an AWD? I did not like the stock radio and replaced it with a real good after market one, but found the speakers to be sub standard. They too, had to be replaced. Overall, not too bad an SUV.

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  Our VUE of the road - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By sterlngcat - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Even though this is our 4th Saturn, the VUE still suprised us. It rides like a car and the new 6-cylinder engine is powerful. It handles and corners nice, and bumps in the road are like nothing. Many people have commented about how our VUE looks like the BMW X5. The interior is comfortable and conveinent. Two car seats fit nicely in the back with enough room for another person. And the back floor is FLAT adding to the comfort. But it needs more storage. The door pockets are small and the console even smaller. Overall, the VUE is a great SUV to own. Homerun for Saturn!

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  4 wheel fun - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Johnz - February 5 - 2:00 am

  It does very well in snow and mud. It does a very nice job of picking up speed, very roomy, and comfortable. Saturns are known for there long lasting reliable vehicles. Did i also mention that there very safe too.

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  My new Vue - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Marji - February 4 - 7:53 pm

  Actually handled better than the Subaru models I tried (Forrester and Outback). Nice tight turning radius, smooth ride

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  take a moment and look at the vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By mobrennan - January 29 - 10:00 am

  purchased the vue 4cyl. in june, it is a wonderful suv very roomy. the ride is very smooth. i have leased other suvs before and couldnt wait to return them. the vue is definately worth the money. this is the only suv that i have ever purchased. the 4cyl awd is excellent on gas and acceleration is very smooth. cant wait for snow to see the awd handle