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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Very Comfortable Ride! - 2003 Saturn VUE
By Isis2883 - September 22 - 10:00 amWORDS OF ADVISE: TEST DRIVE TO FEEL THE DIFFERENCE IN THIS MINI-SUV FROM ALL THE OTHERS, YOU WILL BE PLEASANTLY SURPRISED! The new Saturn VUE is Sleek in design, Comfortable and head-roomy, and oh so smooth to drive!
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not so happy vue owner - 2008 Saturn VUE
By deehvue08 - September 22 - 6:57 amwe have a 2008 vue-xe and its giving me headache lately. problems: wont start, key stucked in the ignition, no lights, battery dead, OnStar off... just sucks! hoping for a good suggestion from anyone who got the same issues as mine.
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1st time Saturn buyer - 2005 Saturn VUE
By James McKenzie - September 19 - 1:13 pmI was really concerned when buying the VUE because of what I had heard from Edmunds and primarily Consumer Reports on the "lack of reliability". I have been completely satisfied! When you look deeper into the analysis (especially CR) they dont say anything that is specifically unreliable. We have had excellent results and it is a quality ride.
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Purchased for towing behind motorhome - 2006 Saturn VUE
By Rob - September 16 - 5:10 pmWe purchased our 2006 Saturn VUE to tow behind our motorhome. We are very pleased with it and have not towed it yet. The styling is such that it will look good 10 years from now. It is easy to see out of with no blind spots. The Honda engine has great pickup when entering expressway. Just checked my mpg for city driving 25.5 mpg.
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Our 6th Saturn - 2008 Saturn VUE
By Pat - September 14 - 6:16 amThis is our sixth Saturn, our third Vue. We have only had it a week, but during that time we drove it from central California to southern Arizona. This Vue is superior to our previous Vues because of the V6 engine, increased stability, OnStar, European styling and increased comfort. Its a smooth, fun car to drive. The fuel economy is not as good as our last Vue, but thats because we went to the V6 engine. Its worth it. The 4cyl we had on the last Vue just didnt have the pickup you need to pass and get up the hills with ease. My husband loves having the radio controls on the steering wheel and satellite radio. We also love the Saturn service. (I just wish theyd had a red one.)
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Excellent Value - 2007 Saturn VUE
By ksv - September 14 - 3:46 amAcceleration is very good with the V6. Comfortable, reliable, and fun to drive. Very pleased
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Best in class . . . - 2003 Saturn VUE
By XRAY Dean - September 10 - 2:00 amAfter driving quite a few cars I felt the Vue was the best choice in class. It gets very good milage with the cvt. Power is just there for you. It doesnt throw you in the seat mind you, but, suddenly your going along at a ticketable pace. All this with no jerking of the transmission. I love it
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Could be a great SUV...but - 2008 Saturn VUE
By BJY - September 9 - 12:10 pmThe 2008 Saturn Vue Redline has the potential to be a great vehicle but it falls short in 4 important areas: 1) the front seats are too short, too stiff and not wide enough. 2) the driver seat adjuster is supposed to be 8-way but you cant adjust it to your needs--adjust it upward and youre forced to move forward--adjust it downward and youre forced to move backwards. 3) the car does not hold the road in wet weather when making turns--a very dangerous problem. 4) the gas mileage is dismal: on a good day I get 17 mpg city and 21 mpg hwy. On the plus side this is one of the best-looking SUVs out there. The interior design is user friendly with lots of storage in the glovebox & console.
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Love my Vue - 2007 Saturn VUE
By no1stamper - September 6 - 5:40 pmI looked at SUVs for months, finally I looked at the Saturn Vues the 2007, I looked and I looked, could not decide what I wanted, finally I went to AV Saturn, and I had the best salesman, they treated me so well, they could not do enough for me. I love this SUV it rides fantastic, gas mileage is excellent, I fill up on Monday and I can run on that for way over a week, sometimes 2 weeks, I dont go all over the place, but I go here and there, I drive it, I just do not treat it very kindly so I get good service out of it. I was thinking of trading mine for 08, but I am going to hold off till the 09is come out. cant go wrong, it is one fantastic SUV, I love it.
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Not a top 10 - 2008 Saturn VUE
By Dave H - September 4 - 7:43 pmBefore 1000 miles the check engine light came on - bad oxygen sensor. Flapping noise in the dash when the fan is turned on to higher settings...not fixed after pulling the dash apart...drivers seat squeeks like an old box spring...not fixed either...a lot of wind noise. Poor fuel economy for the size of the vehicle 15 - 18 MPG is all I have gotten even driving mostly expressway.
