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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  NICE PIECE - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By UNCLE RODGER - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I TOOK DELIVERY NEW YEARS EVE ON A BLACK FWD V6 5 AUTO. I HAVE PUT AROUND 1000 MILES ON IT AND ITS BREAKING IN FINE. IM VERY PLEASED SO FAR. THE ENGINE IS POWERFUL BUT NOT THIRSTY, WHICH IS A RARE COMBO IN A SUV.IT RIDES AND DRIVES VERY WELL. THE OVERALL SIZE OF IT SEEMS PERFECT,AND OF COURSE THE SATURN DEALER DEALERSHIPS ARE UNSURPASSED. IT TRULY IS A NICE PIECE.

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  Love this SUV - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By silver99 - January 11 - 10:00 am

  This wont be a long exahaustive review as I simply love to drive this vehicle. The gas mileage is great and enough room to haul anything I need.

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  I LOVE this car. IT is GREAT ! ! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Rdrunr - January 11 - 10:00 am

  The car is fun to drive. I get 26MPG, not babying it either. Handles great in wind, unlike the real high, top heavy SUVs. Very quick pick up; Stable in fast moving situations (i.e. avoiding accidents) Love safety features (door guards, etc.) Love the price too. I have the Orange, everyone loves it. They like the spunky look of it! People have actually came up to me when I get out the car and complimented me on it.

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  Great redesign - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By glc212 - January 6 - 4:16 pm

  I traded my 2003 Vue in with 95,000 mile. The 2008 is like going to a Cadillac fro a Chevy. The V6 is very responsive and it is fun to drive. I get a lot of comments on the styling and appearance.

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  The O.K. Saturn - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By ghmm - January 6 - 10:00 am

  The car has been in the shop for some just misc. items. The tabs in the handles keep coming out. The strut joint in the driverside front has been replaced and needs to be replaced again (design flaw). Service engine soon light came on @ 16000 mi. and they said it was my gas cap but I think its something else. The antenna also keeps coming loose.

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  Dodged a bullet so far - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By wardell - December 28 - 7:30 pm

  Have had my Vue (bought used in 2004) without any problems until the last 6 months. Transmission acted up, dealer purchased from wanted $5K to replace. Fortunately I found an honest Saturn deal who not only honored the GM lawsuit and only charged me 25% to repair, but when the repair did not work replaced the transmission for free. I love the car roominess and mileage, but Im just planning to get another year out of while I save for a replacement. Good luck to others, since GM is bankrupt they likely will no longer honor the terms of the lawsuit.

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  My new Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By rahcat - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I have only owned this vehicle for only about 6 weeks, but have truly enjoyed the 2004 Vue. The ride is very smooth and is very quiet. I have already put 2600 miles on the vehicle. The handling on the highway is execllent and it handles very well in the city also. The gas milage averages just under 20 mph in the city and so far I have not had a long enough trip to gauge the highway mileage. There is ample space in the rear for groceries and other items (my last vehicle was an Oldsmobile Silhouette). So far, all of my expectations have been met or exceeded. I am very happy with my purchase.

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Saturnman - December 17 - 8:53 pm

  This is the 13th Saturn that I have purchased. I have found this new one to be just as good in quality as the past 4 new saturns that I have purchased. The others were used and they too were of great quality even if they were used.

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  Yes and No - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By VueOwner - December 13 - 10:56 pm

  Bought the 03 VUE used w/ 60K on it. Have had it in the shop for minor things, (compass came out of mirror, squaky steering column, etc) repairs costly. Okay ride but noisy at high speeds, low quality shocks. Enough power to take on Mtn highways and some dirt trails, easy to maneuver in city traffic. Cheap plastic interior and easily stained carpets and seats. But somehow, I still like it!

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  Worth buying for multi-use and travel - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By sipapu - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Purchased on 5/08/04 after having driven Saturn L300 for 30 months and finding to be in need of 4 or all wheel drive. Made a trip to San Antonio, Texas driving almosts 2,000 enjoyable miles. Vehicle has plenty of power, handles well in both city and on highway. The XM sattelite radio is a superb addition. On Star is great; although found the instructions to be sparse. Its use as a telephone is helpful but found several spots wher coverage was not good. Saturn needs to improve interior appearance and to get rid of manual controls of heating and cooling system. Dealing with Saturn is a pleasure. One price nation wide is great concept. Easy to work out trade.