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 away and dont look back - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Run Awat Quick - April 12 - 8:00 pm

  Bought this used over a year ago and it has had numerous issues. Shifter assembly, bad struts, leaky seals, motor on rear wiper went out and now clutch is out. Tires also highest price ones on market to replace. Was conned into extended warranty but nothing yet has been covered by it, and now it has expired. The window buttons are in an awkward spot in the middle and collect dust really bad with deep finger wells. It now has 91,000 miles and Im not sure it will make it to 100K. Researched numerous issues about transmissions and bad timing chains which cause motor failure. This vehicle is not well built and I will never buy Saturn again. I have spent more on repairs than payments.

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  Wheres the quality and customer service - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By OhioSaturn - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Not nearly the experience I was hoping for. It started out as a nice car, but a string of problems including: hood deflector coming loose (three times), strange noises from the steering assembly, front struts making noises, squeaks and rattles and finally an odometer that quit working, have left me very un-impressed with Saturn. The total lack of interest from the dealership, or the corporate office about the string of problems Ive had, or the impact of a defective odometer on resale value, has left me wondering where all the great customer service is that Saturn keeps bragging about.

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  Wife loves her Vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By haney - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive and has the pep needed for expressway driving.

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  Love my VUE - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By grouchiesmom - April 6 - 6:30 pm

  Looked at this car 2 years ago and didnt think power was good but wow the 05 has all the power you need and then some. Just had 6000 mile checkup and like the car more now than I did when it was brand new.

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  Great SUV, Great Ride, Great Features - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By M.L.C. - April 6 - 12:20 am

  Ive had my VUE for a week and love all the wonderful features and the superb gas mileage. It has a ride like a car (really quiet), good pick up (AWD V6), looks great on the road, and has a comfortable backseat. My only complaint, it has a small gas tank. I drive 100 miles per day, and have to fill up every other day. You cant beat the OnStar with built in phone, that can be connected to your cell service.

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  My Wonderful Mini-Suv! - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By ms_firechief - April 4 - 9:50 am

  Just recently a new member to the Saturn family-I heard alot of good things - but never tried it myself. Thank God I did! I love this vehicle! A wonderful ride and beautiful looks! I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants a smaller SUV with style. This is truly the best vehicle Ive ever owned! Tip-Its worth it to get the extras (leather seats, sun roof, etc)!

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  Love my Vue - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Anne H - April 4 - 3:13 am

  After an 8 month wait for the manufacturer installed sunroof, Ive now had my Vue for 2 months and have put 1500 miles on it with city and highway driving. This is my first SUV and I test drove all the competing small SUVs and did a lot of research (including reading all the consumer reviews on Edmunds) before deciding on the Vue. My sister has the Lexus 300 and said if she closed her eyes, she couldnt tell the difference in the ride. This is a solid, well-built crossover that is really fun to drive. The V6 is very much worth the price as are the upgrades. Fuel economy is improving as the car gets broken in.

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  Nice Car! - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By PerfectReign - April 3 - 11:40 am

  This was bought in January as a replacement for a 98 Maxima, which had been smashed. It is for my 53" wife, who wanted something to load the kids into but not a minivan or SUV. After driving the Murano, Equinox, CRV, Escape and Highlander, we settled on this car. The VUE has a nice set of options and is very fun to drive. Nice power in the V6 and very quiet. I even fit for the most part, though Id prefer a truck. (Im 64".) Stereo sounds nice and it has handled very wel.

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  Luxury at economy pricing - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By ianzoe - April 1 - 1:33 pm

  I just had the worst car owning experience with my 2005 Chevy Impala. I was just about to give up on GM when a friend recommended I go to Saturn and check out the Outlook. Well, after an awful experience at my local Toyota dealer, I went to Saturn. The outlook was far too big for me so I climbed into the VUE, and was sold. This car is such a great value for the money I felt like I was stealing it from the dealer. I got the Sunburst Orange (had to wait 5 days to find one) With a few options, roof rails, heated seats, conveince package it stickered for 22,800 after rebates and a supplier discount only paid 18,500. This car is the best deal out there. Too bad more people dont know about it!

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  Great car for a great price! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By ChoirRae - March 26 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Satrun Ive owned. I upgraded to the VUE V6 from a 2001 L200 Wagon. I was thrilled with my last car and due to the GREAT financing incentives I got the VUE. It has a great ride, LOTS of power, is easy to get in and out of, has a good sound system and is fun to drive!