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:
Showing 1271 through 1280 of 1,730.00-
Yes, I love my Saturn - 2002 Saturn VUE
By DM - September 4 - 2:10 pmThis is my second Saturn. My Vue has 97,000 miles on it and has only had one expensive problem. Other than tires/oil changes/routine maintenance the only problems have been a leak around the front passenger door (fixed by Saturn easily) and currently the gas gauge has stopped registering correctly. I have driven hundreds of miles in a day and been comfortable all the way. I am still getting 29 mi/gal highway and decent mileage on in town driving.
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Do not buy this vehicle - 2003 Saturn VUE
By Scott - September 1 - 3:23 pmWe bought our 2003 AWD V-6 because my wife liked the styling, the AWD, the 4 doors and heard Saturns were good cars. Please take it from me, its junk. The front end rattles and shakes. We have had brakes replaced, tires replaced, it still shakes. The transmission just went out, a $5,900 fix, more than the car is worth! The Saturn dealer said it would cost more to rebuild the transmission than to replace it with a new one. To me, that is simply crazy. Buy a Ford or a Toyota but stay away from this piece of junk!
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Never Again - 2003 Saturn VUE
By Kirk - August 30 - 1:53 pmThe front suspension is poorly designed. The transmission gives you whiplash every time you put it into drive. The valve covers leak like Niagra Falls. Tried to fix valve cover leak, found you had to take the intake off to replace the valve covers and spark plugs. Would cost $500 - $600 to have Saturn replace these parts. What a joke, who approved this design. Tranny clunks into drive. This issue started very early on and was defined by the dealer as standard operating procedure. Oil filter cover had to be replaced, overpriced at ~$30, should of been free (had a design issue which was fixed) the attendant just laughed at this sug. You will never ever find me at a Saturn/GM dealership again
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A Great Idea - 2005 Saturn VUE
By annalr - August 30 - 5:50 amI purchased my 2005 Saturn Vue V6 FWD after owning a Volvo 240 for 10 years. I chose the car for its interior room, practical design and compact size. I bought it with 109k miles on it and love it. Its a great passenger vehicle with solid metal buckles in the back for car seats, which are very useful. The cargo space is great and despite its looks on the outside, there is plenty of people room on the inside! The V6 will pick up and go when you need it to and ride smoothly on the highway. The suspension can be a little rigid but is tight and has given me no trouble. All in all, I would recommend it to anyone who needs a car with cargo room, fuel economy and enjoys a simply designed car.
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LOVE MY SATURN - 2003 Saturn VUE
By PAWSBMW - August 24 - 10:00 amI Love my Vue. I looked at other SUVs and was turned off by the fule milage they offered. I am very found of front wheel drive. I really dont need 4WR, and I dont care for RWD in the snow. Saturn was one of very few cars who offered FWR.
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I love this SUV!! - 2009 Saturn VUE
By Sheena - August 23 - 10:40 pmI researched and evaluated lots of different vehicles before settling on the VUE. I was deciding in between a pre-owned Lexus or Mercedes when I saw a Red Line VUE drive close to my home. I couldnt believe it was a Saturn! It had the looks of an European vehicle. I went the next day and test drove a VUE and was hooked. Put this vehicle on the list! Plus with O% APR for 60 months-- an easy choice.
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06 VUE V6 - 2006 Saturn VUE
By craig - August 20 - 1:33 pmAn enjoyable ride with good power and highway mileage(28mpg with A/C at 70+ mph). I had it back to the dealer for noise but plastic panels expand differently than metal so adjustment not very helpful. I wish it had a better warranty like the 07 has but it is good so far at 24k.
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my view of vue - 2002 Saturn VUE
By mario p - August 18 - 2:00 am5 speed 4 cyl very good milage also great in snow quick and alot of power
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Fun for all - 2006 Saturn VUE
By evie - August 15 - 9:46 pmThis is my first SUV, and Im having a great time. It is a V6 and it does have power. Im coming from a Toyota Corrola to the VUE. It only took a few hours to get the feel for this. Dont know if going back to a car will ever be in the future. The sun roof and XM radio are also a bonus. But the biggest bonus to the vehicle if the OnStar. The ride and handling of this vehicle is just like a car. Have had a new car kink, but the dealerships service department isnt too kind. I am surpised the dealership isnt kinder since Saturn prides themselves on customer service.
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A reliable SUV - 2005 Saturn VUE
By the_good_car - August 15 - 9:27 pmI bought an 05 Saturn four years ago w 100k miles. It now has over 175k. The car isnt perfect. The interior is cheap, the front buckets are not well designed. It is, on uphill climbs, underpowered. Its also a bit noisy on the highway, but actually not more so than say, a Volvo xc90 (I drove one the other day, actually the Volvo is noisier). Parts are ridiculously cheap. It shares a platform with every other gm brand. many parts like the brakes are common to a half dozen models. The four cylinder is known is the iron duke and is regarded as one of the most reliable engines gm has ever made. ( though, the suspension is mediocre). Bottom line-very low cost of ownership.
