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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  I thank God for my Saturn! - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Laura - May 2 - 7:26 am

  My first Saturn was the 4-dr sedan with a big trunk. I drove it for 6 years, and then went to get a new Saturn because my friends were right: Saturn is a great car, with the dealership providing great service after the sale! I wasnt going to try the VUE because my friends seemed small, but I tried and it loved it! Stylish, roomy, decent fuel economy, drives great, and holds its value. I thank God for my Saturn!!

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  Love it - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By helena - May 1 - 5:03 am

  I was very willing to buy a car but then looking at the VUE I loved everything about it. I love the OnStar that you get and also the leather seats and the seat warmers.... The best car to drive

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  Very Pleased! - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By mjmiron - May 1 - 2:16 am

  I bought my Saturn in 2004 after the vehicle depreciated in value. I paid around $15,000 and the car had 36k on it. I have had no major problems with it and like the vehicle a lot. I would recommend anyone buying this car wait a year or two and not buy new. I think the price of the car new is a little high. I had purchased a new 2004 Jeep Limited with leather before the Vue and it was the same price.

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  Wonderful SUV - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By swatwife - April 27 - 6:20 pm

  I bought my 2004 Saturn Vue in 2009. It has been a wonderful vehicle to drive! Always very reliable, roomy, great for hauling and an overall pleasant ride.

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  My Orange planet - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Orange Fun - April 27 - 10:53 am

  I love my Vue. It is fantastic for the money, good mpg, easy to drive, plenty of room. I love the orange color and little touches that make it a pleasure to own, I got $3000 of MSRP and the ride is great. I traded in a terrible V6 Mustang and never looked back. I am very pleased with my dealer and the Saturn product. I bought off the lot, I would have ordered it with some different options had I been able to, but very pleased overall with the purchase. Glad to say goodbye to my gas- hog Ford! (16 mpg)

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  A Different Kind of Car Company???? - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By MAK - April 18 - 10:00 am

  I am a 10 yr customer of the saturn company. Then came the VUE. I was leery about buying a new vehicle with it being its 2nd year of production, but with Saturns customer policy,I took that chance.I had to bring it in for hesistation problems. After the 3rd time I started to activate the lemon law. The dealership/service people were wonderful in the whole experience. But the Corporate Level people are rude and wont or cant answer any direct question put to them. I guess customer loyality means less than nothing to them. I would never ever deal with the Saturn Corp again. A different kind of car company put me through a whole different kind of hell!!!

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  Dont judge a book.......... - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Public Defender - April 18 - 10:00 am

  Compared four cylinder to six. At first four seemed like it had plenty of zip. A few months after I purchased the four lost its pep. Gas mileage not even close to what they represent. Buy the six!

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  I regret buying this car. - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By mf47960 - April 16 - 1:40 am

  Since day 1 I have had nothing but problems. The car squeaks more and more every day but upon taking it to the dealer have been told all the 2008 squeak and that is how they were designed. Well I am no looking into a lawsuit against them. Anyone else having this problem? I am beginning to think mine was a 30 day return as it had 300 miles on it and I was denied the 30 exchange policy because they gave me extra inncentives which was not disclosed to me, as at purchase they kept reminding me I had 30 days, well not when trying to exchange! Will never buy Saturn again!

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  First Saturn, very new, but happy so far - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By FLH - April 14 - 4:10 pm

  Test drove 4 cyl w/ 4 spd auto trany, and didnt like very much. 3.6L V6 w/ 6 spd auto trany drives much better. Traded in 03 CTS Caddy, and VUE does not seem to be far behind on looks, quality, comfort, equipment, etc. Bought leather, and most other packages. Got FWD because AWD is probably higher insurance costs and less gas milage. Have not had long, but am very pleased thus far. Outside and inside styling are both very good.

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  Loved my first one and the 2nd - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Steve - April 14 - 8:53 am

  This is my second Saturn VUE. Both have been the Honda V6 with all wheel drive. This car is great. Very reliable. Great in the snow. Lots of room. Lots of power; I can pass going uphill.