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:

• 

  Not a bad purchase - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Kerrin324 - July 23 - 6:10 pm

  I purchased this SUV having 3 large dogs. I keep the back seat folded down 90% of the time, and it fits them perfectly. It has been a great car for us, and I would definitely recommend it. Only disappointment which I have seen noted in numerous places is the rotors have been resurfaced 2 times due to warping(should have been replaced since it was under warranty at only 23,000 miles), but Saturn said they had certain "steps" they have to take in order to actually get you a new set. I recommend actually watching them put them on so you know they didnt "resurface" them!

• 

  My 1st Saturn - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By mecorbett54 - July 23 - 9:13 am

  My husband has owned Saturns since 1993 & I have always bought Buick. I finally bought a 2008 Vue XR V6 and couldnt be happier, except for 1 thing - no sunroof. I cant believe the get-up & go this SUV has compared to the SUV I traded.

• 

  Saturn VUE 2005 - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Phillip S. - July 22 - 2:50 am

  So far, So Good. Big selling point is the HONDA V6 250hp ENGINE. the VUE AWD has some get up and go performance, handles well. Good 360 view. Recommend for the road warrior who wants to appeal to the soccer moms. However, big caveat is the poor gas mileage. So far under 20mpg combined city/hwy, sticker rated at 22-28mpg. Guess those 250 horses gotta eat! pay for the optional sound system, the standard radio/speaker combo is oh-hum at best.

• 

  Saturn Lover - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Guillermo j. rivera - July 14 - 9:00 am

  Although an amazing ride, the steering is somewhat rough at times. Fuel economy is among the best I have seen. It is indeed an extremely comfortable ride for a car in its class. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone interested in purchasing a safe, fuel efficient SUV.

• 

  Saturn VUE: Low price, great value - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Ken - July 14 - 3:00 am

  I paid just $16,700 for my VUE. And for that very low price I got a reliable, fun to drive, comfortable and safe small SUV with plenty of extras. Like included electric sunroof, power windows and locks, keyless entry, cruise, tach, temp guage, AC, rear defrost, power mirrors, compass and outside temp, premium sound with CD and MP3, full fold-down seats, rear wiper and washer, 17" alloys wheels with BR Goodrich tires, no rust and no dent side panels and lots more I cant even remember. I get 30 mpg or more on the highway! You cant beat the combination in this car. If you want cheap, stylish, fun, good and safe look at a VUE.

• 

  Be vey careful - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By A7 - July 13 - 7:40 pm

  Be aware when buying one of these. We had nothing but problems with ours. Stupid things such as washer fluid pump never worked, thermostat, check engine light was on the entire time that we owned it(2 years). Also head gasket and lower intake gaskets were starting to fail.Only 70,000 miles. Make sure that when they change your oil that the filter is changed, not a conventional oil filter. I would not recommend any of the VUE models, not a good design. If you must get a Saturn stick with a SC series small car.

• 

  Its a good one! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By kajungrl - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Ive never had a saturn before and heard they were good cars. I bought my vue several months ago and have had only two problems with it. There is a grinding sound when i turn the steering wheel left or right. And the gas mileage is not at all what they said it was. Overall, its not a fancy car but it does its job. Im thoroughly enjoying the smooth ride and being able to sit up higher than a car!

• 

  Saturn wasnt on the radar screen - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Sgt. Carter - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I wasnt even thinking about a Saturn when I took the wifes van in for service across the street from a dealer. I had time to kill and went over to look at the VUE since I was semi "in the market" to replace my 2000 Ford ZX2 with something larger. I get Fords at invoice through my employer but that couldnt beat the introductory price of the 4cyl/5-speed VUE with all of the "free" equipment. Ive driven Escapes, Libertys, Rodeo Sports, 4 Runners, and I really liked the VUE. For the feel of quality it has at the price I paid, $17065 with the power package, am/fm/cd upgrade, alloy wheels, floor mats and the power sunroof, it is the best deal out there.

• 

  noisy steering - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By joey14 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  creaking noise,when making a right or lelt turn. any suggestions

• 

  just love it! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By happypappy - June 30 - 2:00 am

  actually its an 03, but the same vehicle as the 04. have 18,000 miles on it and just love it. there was a clunking noise at 8,000 miles that turned out to be untorqed axle bolts from the factory( was dissapoined in that) also a fogged up headlight unit which saturn replaced...other than that just love it...looks much more expensive than it really is...