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:

• 

  Nothing but trouble - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By jleemc - June 29 - 9:03 am

  I have had nothing but trouble since I bought this vehicle. Even had to be towed once. The check engine light stays on all the time and they cannot fix it. I drove a rental more than I drove the vue for the first year I owned it because it stayed in the shop. Currently at only 50,000 miles the starter has gone out. The vehicle also gets poor gas mileage compared to other comparable SUVs. Not only am I done with Saturn. Im done with GM. GM is not standing by their product that I have had trouble out of since the day I bought it. It also has very limited passenger space when compared to other similar vehicle.

• 

  Sorry to Report-No to the VUE - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Shermi - June 28 - 11:30 pm

  Purchased 12-01-08 & w/i 13 months, the VUE has been in the shop, 15 times. Steering wheel problems, motor mount problems, shifter-box problems. It is definitely the worst purchase that I have ever made. So far, I have had serious problems with 3 GM products in over ten years. Having owned at least 15 GM products, I dont think that I will purchase a GM vehicle again.

• 

  Windsurfing trip in ;the VUE - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Gene McCarren - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I received my VUE Sport the end of May, the sport has almost all features avail (sunroof, cd player, power windows, doors, mirrows ect) for $16,995 total. The ride is very smooth, at 75 mph there is NO wind noise and the cruise control maintains beautifully up and dow hills (bridges here in Fla)I have loaded the VUE with lots of windsurfing equip, including a 99" long 34" wide board inside over the dash and an 8.5 board under it. I looked at all other small SUVs and none of them could come close to the Vue for capasity. The Saturn experience was great. Im leaving on a 7000 mile trip to the NW with 5 boards, 10 sails, 6 masts, 4 booms and me inside.

• 

  safe experience - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By psbybg - June 27 - 6:03 am

  I finally have a vehicle that I feel safe in.Not worried about people banging into my doors. Steel cage around me,steel bars in doors. First-time owner of an SUV and feel confident driving in the rain and hitting bumps,looking forward to driving in the Snow

• 

  Transmission number TWO! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By darkjade1978 - June 24 - 9:40 am

  I would like to say please rethink buying a Saturn Vue, the VTi transmission in this car is prone to premature failure. Something I wished I had known prior to making my purchase in 2003. The transmission on my 2003 Vue had to be replaced at only 43,434 mile, which was replaced in April 2008. I had not only bought the 4year/48,000 mile Service maintenance package I also purchased an extra warranty for the Mechanical Failure Service Contract for 6 year/72,000 miles. Wish this did save me, because the first one was covered under the warranty. However! Now almost 2 years and only 72,818 miles later, the transmission is failing again after Saturn repaired/replaced it. Per Saturn, they only

• 

  great vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By andea - June 19 - 10:00 am

  this truck is fun to drive,good loking,safe, and all while being affordable

• 

  My Saturn - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Jessica & Ryan - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Saturn of Fremont- Everyone was so helpful & I am enjoying my new car so much. The customer service was incredible & the 2003 VUE I own is wonderful. When I first saw the VUE in person I drawn to it because it was not huge and had great gas milage. It is very quiet to drive, and does not jerk when you switch gears or speed up on the freeway. It is very smooth and the one I own (2.2L AWD) has a lot more power then I expected a 4-cyl SUV to have. I will NEVER buy from another dealer.

• 

  What a Vue! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By dave1530 - June 17 - 2:00 am

  My wife bought a Saturn L200 series a couple of weeks ago. When I was looking around the showroom the Vue caught my eye. To make a long story short I bought it. So far, everything is just great. It handles fine with quick response. Everything is within easy reach. The salespeople were great. For the first time buying a car was a pleasent experience.

• 

  Worth the price - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By NJ - June 16 - 11:20 pm

  Waited 3 months to write review. So far I like the VUE a lot. Only problem is heated washer fluid doesnt work. Lots of features more expensive suvs have. Read the manual - found out "wow" stuff. Ride is nice. Seats are way too short though - Im tall. And lack support - feel like I get tossed around in turns. Cant get as much in back as my last wagon. Bikes and recycle cans dont fit. Old wagon they did as did a washing machine and snow blower. Dont care about XM or OnStar - wont renew. Wish trailer hitch was 2" not 1 1/4" - had to buy adapter for bike rack - not it sticks out. But overall its a great small suv for the price. I hope it holds up over time. Had more but limited space here.

• 

  Lots of Repairs - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By ddt - June 16 - 12:20 pm

  Ive owned the 02 Vue for 1 year. In that time, replaced / repaired: 1. Throttle Body, 2. Entire engine wiring harness, 3. SES light on every other month for something, 4. Leaks into cabin from sunroof. Total outlay: about $3,000. This repair work occurred during 46-56,000 mile period. The car has good performance overall. But the repairs just keep me from enjoying it. Now, weird noises coming from the drive train - dull roar. Like many in this column, I bought it for perceived value for the price. I wouldnt buy another Vue again. Recommend looking at the Ford Escape 4wd or a Jeep before looking at this vehicle.