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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  Overall Excellent - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By MYVUE - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SUV and I love it. Its great on gas, comfortable, very dependable and roomy. The service at the dealership is excellent too!

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  Saturn VUE, a best buy - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Michael Campbell - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I did the math to figure cost of ownership and the Saturn did very well. The plactic side pannels are great. No more of the ugly or costly minor dents. At 67,000 miles I have replaced wiper blades and tires. I expect to buy the same brand SUV next year.

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  2004 Saturn VUE (V-6/AWD) - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By SteelViking - January 24 - 10:00 am

  In June of 2004, I purchased a Saturn VUE. I had admired the exteror design of the VUE since first introduced. One of the things that I like about the design is the Saturn has taken the spare tire and placed it inside the vehicle, under the rear storage space. This small feature would pay large dividends in the unfortunate event of a rear end collision. While the tire is inside of the vehicle, there is still plenty of room. The rear seats fold down and the front passenger seat folds down as well. Prior to buying my VUE I test drove the 4 cylinder VUE, but found the V6 to be a more powerful alternative.

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  LOVE IT !!!!!!!! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By dcraighall - January 24 - 10:00 am

  VEHICLE RIDES WONDERFUL. PLENTY OF ROOM

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  I luv mi nu vu - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Willy Johnson - January 24 - 10:00 am

  traded in a Bravada (my second) for the Vue. Terrific car. Fast, peppy, easy to drive, comfortable. Love the XM radio. Could get better gas miles.

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  2002 Saturn Vue 4 cyl 5 speed reliable - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Jim - January 23 - 7:53 am

  At the ripe old age of 65 and having been involved with auto repairs and sales most all of those years I must say that the 2002 Saturn Vue 4 cylinder 5-speed manual is a great bargain. I have owned too many vehicles to count. At 120k miles it uses no oil and in the last 20k that we have owned it, 1-exhaust hanger is the only repair. It has had full synthetic oil since it was born. 5-speed shifter is a bit notchy but adequate.

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  After six months - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Careful - January 22 - 9:53 am

  After six months of mixed highway and city driving, we have come to appreciate this vehicle tremendously. Lots of room and flexibility for hauling stuff or people. Unusually high gas mileage for this type of vehicle -- averaging now about 24 mpg in mixed driving for us. (Started out much lower for the same type of driving -- have a little patience.)

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  One great suv - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By william mardavich - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I looked at many suv,and both the saturn for the great start at the dealership at first. Than as I am using my vue I found the car can be the best I have ever drove. It has great start speed and does not make noise on the in side of the car.Being a new york driver it great for when you ned to pass another car or slow moving bus or truck. The c/d player has great sound and easy to use. I feel this car does not burn as much fuel as some other suvs do,and yet gives great performance.I let a friend of mind drive it for he was looking for a new suv and loved the vue. He bought one around a month after I got mine and he just loves it.

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  Saturn VUE - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Edward Pietrouski - January 17 - 12:40 pm

  I shopped around for an SUV and after considerable research I purchased a 2007 VUE and have not been disappointed in my decision. This is a fun to drive SUV that delivers plenty of power from its Honda 3.5 six cylinder engine and great gas mileage. I would like to see rear disc breaks and a telescoping steering wheel. The controls are easy to use and the rear seating is comfortable. I would recomend anyone looking for a smaller SUV to test drive a VUE

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  Saturn Vue-2002 - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Streetman - January 16 - 5:30 pm

  I bought me Vue w/4,000 miles on it. It had been a program car used by an employee of Saturn in TN. I am very satisfied with the performance and ride of this vehicle. It never has failed me. I dont drive that much annually, but I have taken this vehicle out of state each year and it is always comfortable and reliable in 12-14 hour drives. I think Saturn has done an excellent job w/this car and would be interested in buying another one on down the road.