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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The SUV That can....... - 2005 Saturn VUE
By chuck stephan - December 9 - 4:26 amI have put 6k on this suv now and it handles very well (I traded my 2001 Z3 BMW for this SUV so I know vehicles that handle). Yeah, the interior is on the cheap side, but it seems to be strong with no rattles. I drove this through some serious storms in NY (ice and snow) and was so impressed. I slid less than my buddys 04 Dodge Hemi 4x4. The leather heated seats are nice and seem to be a good size.
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Bad VUE - 2003 Saturn VUE
By J Perkins - November 29 - 10:00 amMy brand new $26K VUE broke down at 32 days old.The dealership and Saturn Engineers were unable to determine what happened. This happened 2x. After the third round of breakdowns, and scared to drive the car,The dealership told us to call Saturn Corp Cust Svc & Ill jump to my point: Saturn Corp HAS HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE. All responses were inflexible and never answered my concerns.The point is:beware buying a Saturn- IF YOU HAVE SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR,YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE. I CAN SAY I cant imagine any manufacturer treating their customer with less value, so BUY ANOTHER BRAND THAN SATURN. Dont risk having my experience!
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This car is a blast! - 2007 Saturn VUE
By my first saturn - November 28 - 3:53 pmI am a large individual. and i was driving an F-150, but my new job forced me to get a new car because of the mileage. I drive 140 miles roundtrip to and from work. I was looking for something roomy yet good on gas. I almost got a Ford Escape but the driver seat is set too high for the driver view. So I found myself looking at the Saturn VUE, and i must say it is a blast to drive. If you step on it it goes. It helps with that Honda 3.5v6. Very nice. I love it. No regrets.
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Saturn VUE - 2003 Saturn VUE
By dlg - November 24 - 10:00 amWe bought a VUE in March 2003 because we needed the room for carrying items. It drives and rides well. It is high enough of the ground that I do not have to stoop down to get in. That is a back saver. We also like being up high so that we can see over the cars around us. One thing that I do not like. I understand that Saturn put a new auto transmission in this year. At times it has a tendency to slip and a gear change is not really smooth. Other than that - great vehicle.
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My fun SUV, How does yours feel to you? - 2005 Saturn VUE
By Todd - November 23 - 11:46 amWe enjoy our Vue very much. This is our third Saturn. Our first lasted for 215,000 then we traded it was still running strong with no problems. Hurricane Ivan demolished our second Saturn and we bought our Vue to replace it. We just needed more space and wanted an SUV and we setteled on a Vue after test driving all the major motor vehicle manufacturers. The Vue won hands down!
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My VUE is a POJ - 2002 Saturn VUE
By Vince - November 23 - 4:16 amI have nothing but continued trouble with this vehicle from day 1 including ABS sensors, transmission issues along with many other small problems that seem to "popup" over the time I have owned the vehicle. I would not and will not ever recommend or own a Saturn or VUE again in my life.
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Wow! A Saturn! - 2005 Saturn VUE
By tim f - November 21 - 4:33 amI love my VUE. it has superior acceleration, handles smoothly, and looks great. The transmission is so smooth that you cannot feel it shift. I was leary at first about all that plastic, but no more. The only negative is the cheesy plastic interior fixtures. Cmon, guys, for $24000, you can do better.
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Driving a 2006 Saturn VUE - 2006 Saturn VUE
By Dennis Haddad - November 16 - 11:23 pmThe 2006 Saturn VUE is by far the best VUE ever built. GM has tweaked this vehicle since it was originally intoduced and the changes are definitely for the better. The interior has been upgraded to premium quality for this price class. Many features offered in luxury cars are standard on the V-6 model. The price has been lowered for 2006 which makes the 2006 Vue a great value for the money. You owe it to yourself to test drive the 2006 VUE and see for yourself.
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2004 SATURN VUE REVIEW - 2004 Saturn VUE
By GREENVUE - November 12 - 2:00 amTHE VUE IS WELL PUT TOGETHER FOR AN AMERICAN SUV. AS ALWAYS THE SATURN DEALER IS COMFORTABLE TO DEAL WITH. THE CAR RUNS WELL AND IS VERY PEPPY. THE FUEL MILAGE SO FOR IN FREEWAY DRIVING IS 25 TO 27 MPG WITH LESS THAN 1000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. THE CAR IS COMFORTABLE TO DRIVE AND TO RIDE IN FOR MYSELF AND FOR MY WIFE, WHO HAS A BAD BACK.
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Awesome! - 2007 Saturn VUE
By Billy - November 10 - 10:26 amI bought this vehicle at the end of June of this year 2007. Has more cubic space than most SUVs of its size! It handles the road excellent.
