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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  Saturns Rule! - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By bnairb - November 6 - 12:30 am

  This is my 3rd new Saturn, and I have loved everyone of them! No major problems, just routine maintanance on them, even on my first Saturn(94 SW1) which I owned for over 8 years. I needed more room than my 02 SC1 had to offer due to changes in my life, so this 06 VUE was perfect. Roomy without being too big, and providing decent gas mileage. Very comfortable to drive and great power!

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  My Saturn (VUE) - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By OLD T - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This may sound silly, but I really dont like the styling of my VUE. I bought it due to the large doors and my wife is a total care person, I must lift her in and out of the Saturn. Orange peel paint. Slopping steering. Maybe I will get used to it? (the steering)

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  Nice Car!!!! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By kn - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Havent had it long enough to tell you much -- 2 days -- but I am impressed with it so far.

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  Perfect College Car - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Love at First Sight - October 23 - 4:00 pm

  As a high school graduation present my parents bought me a newer car to go to college in. The VUE brought a safe and powerful package all together in one, small useful SUV. My fuel economy could be better but, I think it has to do with my driving habits (the acceleration is intoxicating). It is also an excellent highway cruiser. The interior is so beautiful and my friends still can not believe that it is a Saturn. I would recommend this SUV to anyone, confident that they would like it just as much as I do.

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  I had 1987 Camarillo iron z28 and 2001 blazer need - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By Eliezwe - October 19 - 1:34 pm

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  Good vehicle for the money - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By jerseyboy - October 18 - 4:16 pm

  We own a 97 Saturn, and it has been a reliable car, needing few repairs. When it was time to buy another vehicle, I didnt even consider the VUE because I had seen the first year model (2002?) and wasnt impressed. I was looking at the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, but they cost too much, and I didnt much care for the Toyota Rav4 and Honda CRV. I read a review that said the VUE had been upgraded for 2006, so I went to take a look....WOW, what an improvement! I now have 4000 miles on my VUE and have had ZERO problems. The Honda engine is smooth and powerful and I get about 22 mpg, even though about 50% of the miles are at 70 mph.... I didnt get many options, just side air bags.

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  Problems Problems - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Hugh - October 17 - 3:00 pm

  I purchased this VUE in 2004. It has too many problems to list. VUE was purchased with a 6 year 60,000 mile warrenty and was maintained every 3000 miles by the dealer. A short list of problems include: Fuel guage accuracy, suspension links replaced, noises in stero speakers, noises behind speedometer, security system failure causing failure to start, clutch failure wont shift into first gear in cold weather. With 1.9% interest rate Im still upside down. Do not ever buy a Saturn.

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  Overlooking the little things - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By ROTC - October 17 - 10:00 am

  When I first heard Saturn was making an SUV, I laughed. I never imagined that I would like it, but as soon as I drove it I knew that I had to have it. The way it handled, especially with the I4 and VTi tranny is amazing, and continues to improve each time I drive it. The perforated leather is nice, letting the seats warm up easily, and preventing wrinkling. The seats become more comfortable as they are sat in, and the interior can fit 5 easily, even with all of their equipment for a long day of roadmarches.

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  Great Mid-Size SUV - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By basic - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Picked up my Saturn VUE on March 10th and now have approximately 2000 miles. Great salesman vehicle. Plenty of room for samples. Comfortable on long trips through the Midwest.

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  Very good for a starter - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By Eliezer - October 16 - 3:04 am