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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  RUN! - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Pekin08 - May 1 - 2:52 am

  This vehicle is a pile of junk! I bought my 2007 Saturn Vue with 110,000 miles. It now has 125,000. In seven months I have had the wheel bearing and hub assembly replaced, the alternator, and now the air compressor just went out. The cost to replace an air compressor on 2007 Saturn Vue $835.

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  Worst new vechicle ever owned . - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Mike - April 29 - 5:56 am

  We bought a Saturn SL Car new in 2002 and it has been the one of the best vehicles we ever owned. So when it was time for a second vehicle,we thought we would try a VUE.Out the of ten brand new vehicles we have had,it has been the worst! Here are the parts that have been replaced: 3 strut mounts,1 strut,sway bar busings,tailgate rusted..painted 3 times in 18 months! both lower seat cushions..cracked, drivers seat mechanism..still rocks side to side, doors adjusted, weather stripping & cowl..for wind noise, pass side exterior door panel, rear end clutch pack,transmission torque converter..still growls between 1100- 1300. 28 months old..35,000miles! Maintained regularly and not abused.

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  Great Car! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Tom McCullough - April 26 - 9:03 am

  We bought the Electric Lime VUE Redline. We had looked for months for this color. The car is fully loaded with all the bells and whistles. Our car is a pleasure to drive. Handles well on the highway and has plenty of pick up with the V6 AWD. We have never been so satisfied with a car and have hand many offers from people to buy it from us.

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  Stout and Steady - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Mr Borg - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Has been a dependable performer since its purchase. Like 3.0L six but wish I had waited for the 3.5L for the towing capacity.

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  1st Timer - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By jakrabits wife - April 17 - 7:03 am

  This is our first Saturn we have owned and it is by far the best vehicle. I love the room it has and the fold away cargo, I get a lot of compliments on our Vue. We have not had any major problems with it. We will definitely buy another Saturn, we are extremely happy.

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  My Saturn Review - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By andisnyder - April 15 - 10:00 am

  I feel that this vehicle is more of a sporty SUV than a luxury SUV. It would be nice of Saturn could make a smoother riding SUV such as the trailblazer, etc. You can feel every bump and hear every rattle. Road noise is very loud and when the wind blows it does not handle very well.

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  Good Choice - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By JDJR - April 15 - 10:00 am

  Wasnt planning on purchasing vue. Had looked at Escape & Forrester and thought I would eventually pick one of them as I dont really need true 4- wheel drive or a monster truck. Test drove a vue (6 cyl.)and was quite impressed. Perfect vehicle: plenty of room, adequate power, excellent ride. As a previous owner of saturn, I think their service is by far the best!

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  I just love it! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Swthoss2 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a larger more reliable car to drive before my husband deployed. We looked into a few and just fell in love with the Vue. The insurance is lower then our previous car due to the safety features it has, and it is as good on gas as a normal car, but yet has the functionality, space and feel of an SUV. We took it on a 3,000 trip right after we bought it and it was great! We have driven many friends in it and they all are just awed by the beauty, feel and luxury of it. I dont think I will ever buy a different car, just newer versions of the Vue.

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  2007 Saturn Hybrid - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Larry - April 9 - 2:53 pm

  Ive only had my Saturn Hybrid for a couple of weeks, and I am thoroughly satisfied with my purchase. I havent taken time to check out the gas mileage yet, but I can already tell it is better than that of my old Lumina 6cyl. I love my new Saturn VUE.

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  2nd Orange VUE - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Jay - April 9 - 12:30 pm

  The VUE has some great pick up and go thanks to a 250hp engine mated with a 5 spd auto. Gas milage varies ofcourse with how you drive, but generally not to bad. Descent front and rear leg room. Cargo capacity is descent and with the second row down seems almost endless. I enjoy the new face and jeweled headlamps, that shine bright on a dark night. The new power drivers seat with lumbar is nice and the heated seats feel great, but the higher setting gets pretty warm. I did have the element in one seat replaced within one year of having the VUE. The VUE has an awesome turning radious and a great ride height. No complaints with the steering as some people whine about. Fun to drive, try it.